The PTE Academic exam includes the Answer Short Question task, which tests your ability to understand spoken English and respond concisely. Although this task may seem straightforward, it can be tricky if you’re not well-prepared.
Task Overview
In the Answer Short Question task, you will hear a question in English, which may be accompanied by an image. Your job is to respond immediately with a brief and accurate answer, usually one or a few words. There’s no need for long explanations. The key to success here is giving a correct and precise response within the time limits.
- Prompt length: 3–9 seconds.
- Time to answer: 10 seconds.
- Skills assessed: Listening and speaking.
You can score higher in this question type by using the right strategies.
Scoring Criteria for Answer Short Question Vocabulary:
- 1= Appropriate word choice in response.
- 0 = Inappropriate word choice in response.
Step-by-Step Guide to Answering Short Questions Effectively
Step 1: Listen Carefully to the Question
The moment the audio starts, focus intently on the question. Since you can’t replay it, it’s important to absorb the context right away. Don’t panic if the question seems complex, but stay calm and focus on keywords in the question. Sometimes, the question could involve common knowledge, or it may relate to the image or specific information presented in the prompt.
Tips:
- Listen for common words or key details, such as a person’s name, place, or object.
- Focus on the main idea of the question, even if the phrasing is tricky.
Step 2: Respond Immediately
Once the question finishes, the microphone will open, and you’ll have a few seconds to respond. The important tip is to respond quickly and avoid hesitations. If you wait more than 3 seconds, your response will be considered incomplete, and you’ll lose the opportunity to answer.
Tips:
- Start speaking right away: The faster you answer, the better.
- Keep it direct and to the point: Your response should be as concise as possible.
For example, if the question is “What’s the capital of France?”, simply respond with “Paris.”
Step 3: Focus on Accuracy
Accuracy is crucial in this task. Your response will either be correct or incorrect based on whether your answer aligns with the question. Here’s how to nail it:
- Stick with your first instinct: Most of the questions will ask about well-known facts or concepts. If you know the answer, say it confidently without second-guessing.
- Match your response to the question type. For instance, if the question asks for a number or date, provide the exact number or date. If it’s asking for a noun or object, make sure it’s precise.
Step 4: Speak Clearly
Pronunciation and fluency are also essential to your score. Even if your answer is accurate, it won’t be of much use if it’s not understood. Here’s how to ensure clarity in your response:
- Enunciate clearly: Speak clearly without mumbling.
- Maintain a natural pace: Don’t rush, but don’t pause too long, either. Speak at a comfortable pace to ensure your response is understood.
Step 5: Practice Common Question Types
While the questions can vary, several common types often appear in this task. By practicing these types, you’ll become more comfortable and quicker in responding:
- General Knowledge Questions: These relate to famous facts, places, or people. Example: “Who wrote Romeo and Juliet?” Answer: Shakespeare.
- Object or Item Identification: These questions focus on common objects or things, and sometimes, you will get options to respond with the correct answer. This makes an attempt to the question super easy. Example: “Why do people use brushes for cleaning teeth or for sending messages?” Answer: For cleaning brushes
- Context-Related Questions: These may involve an image or a scenario. Example: “What is a baby cat called?” Answer: Kitten.
Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes
To avoid losing points, be mindful of these common mistakes in the Answer Short Question task:
- Not starting immediately: If you wait more than three seconds to respond, your answer won’t be recorded.
- Incorrect or irrelevant answers: Always ensure your response directly addresses the question. Don’t overthink it; just provide the correct, direct answer.
- Hesitation or mispronunciation: Too much hesitation or incorrect pronunciation could make your answer unclear, leading to a lower score.
Mastering the Answer Short Question task is all about being quick, clear, and accurate. By following the steps outlined above, listening carefully, responding immediately, and practicing regularly, you can increase your chances of scoring well. Also, you can use Sumlingo practice software to score high in this question type.
