🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What are Short Answer Questions in IELTS Listening?

Short Answer Questions (SAQ) in IELTS listening ask you to write 1–3 word answers directly based on information from the recording. Unlike multiple choice, you generate your own answers; unlike note-taking, the questions are explicit, making it a direct comprehension test.

Short answer

Short Answer Questions require you to listen for specific details and write brief, direct answers (usually 1–3 words) in response to explicit questions shown on screen.

Short Answer Question Workflow

1
Read the question
Scan the question before audio; predict the type of answer (name, number, place, date).
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2
Listen carefully
Focus on finding the specific information the question asks for; ignore distracting details.
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3
Identify the key word or phrase
The answer is usually 1–3 words, a number, or a proper noun directly from the audio.
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4
Write briefly
No full sentences. Write only what the question demands; avoid spelling errors.

Step-by-step worked examples

Question: 'What is Mary's profession?' Audio: 'Mary has worked as an engineer for five years now.'

1. Read question: 'What is Mary's profession?'
2. Listen for Mary's job: 'engineer'
3. Write 1–3 words: 'Engineer' (or 'An engineer' if allowed)
Answer: Engineer

Question: 'How many people attended the meeting?' Audio: 'We had quite a turnout—about 45 people came to the conference.'

1. Question asks for a number: 'How many people?'
2. Audio says: '45 people'
3. Write number: '45'
Answer: 45

Question: 'Where is the nearest bus stop?' Audio: 'The bus station is located about 100 metres down the main street, just past the pharmacy.'

1. Question asks location: 'Where is...?'
2. Audio gives location: 'down the main street' or 'past the pharmacy'
3. Choose the most direct answer: 'Main street' or 'past the pharmacy'
Answer: Main street (or past the pharmacy)

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.What is the word limit for a Short Answer Question?

Correct answer: B. SAQ answers are typically 1–3 words. Some questions specify a limit in the rubric.

Q2.If the audio says 'She is a nurse at the hospital,' what should you write for 'What is her job?'

Correct answer: B. 'Nurse' is the shortest, most direct answer. Avoid extra words.

Q3.How should you approach reading SAQ questions?

Correct answer: B. Scan questions before the audio plays to predict the type of information you need to listen for.

Q4.What if you don't know an answer?

Correct answer: B. Leave it blank; guessing costs the same as blank (0 points), but writing nonsense is worse.

📄Download this topic as a printable worksheet (PDF)Summary + 10 questions + answer key — print it, share it in class.↓

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Common mistakes

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Writing full sentences as answers. — Correct: Write 1–3 words only. 'The teacher teaches English' → 'English teacher.'

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Not reading questions before the audio starts. — Correct: Preview the questions so you know what to listen for.

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Spelling words wrong. — Correct: Spell correctly; a misspelling = a wrong answer.

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Writing more than the rubric allows. — Correct: Check the question rubric; if it says 'no more than 2 words,' write 2 max.

FAQ

What are short answer questions in IELTS listening?

Questions requiring brief, direct answers (1–3 words) based on specific information from the audio recording.

How should I prepare for short answer questions?

Read the questions before the audio begins; predict what type of information (name, number, place) each question needs.

Can I write 'The teacher' if the audio says 'teacher'?

Yes, but 'teacher' alone is safer and faster. Avoid extra words unless the rubric requires a complete noun phrase.

What if I miss an answer completely?

Leave it blank. Move on; don't dwell. Blank = 0 points, same as a wrong answer.