What are Short Answer Questions?
Short answer questions are a common IELTS reading task where you answer with a brief response (1–3 words) found directly in the passage. This task type tests your ability to locate specific information and extract key details accurately.
Short answer questions require you to write 1–3 word answers extracted directly from the reading text. Answers must match the exact words or permitted alternatives without adding information.
Step-by-step worked examples
What does the passage say the Amazon Rainforest is responsible for?
Scan passage for 'Amazon Rainforest is responsible for' Find: 'produces 20% of the world's oxygen' Answer: 20% of the world's oxygen
According to the text, how many species of birds live in the Amazon?
Look for 'how many species' or 'birds' + number Locate: 'approximately 1,300 bird species' Answer: 1,300 bird species (or just '1,300 species')
Name one reason given for deforestation.
Find 'reason for deforestation' or 'causes' Text: 'cattle ranching and agriculture' Answer: cattle ranching (or agriculture, or logging)
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.A short answer question asks: 'What colour is the car?' The passage says 'The car is bright blue.' What is the correct answer?
Q2.The question asks: 'How many students attended?' The passage: 'Over 500 students were present.' Which answer gets full marks?
Q3.Short answer questions test which skill most?
Q4.Can you use words not in the passage?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What are Short Answer Questions?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Writing a full sentence as your answer. — Correct: Write only 1–3 words extracted from the passage.
Paraphrasing words to explain the meaning. — Correct: Copy exact words from the text; do not rephrase.
Skipping a question because you cannot find an obvious answer. — Correct: Read carefully; the answer is in the passage but may be worded differently than the question.
Adding 'the', articles, or extra words to make grammar correct. — Correct: Stick to the exact words; grammatical completeness is not required.
FAQ
What is the maximum word count for a short answer?
1–3 words. Do not exceed this limit, or your answer will not receive a mark.
Must short answers be grammatically correct?
No. The task tests comprehension and location of information, not grammar.
Can I paraphrase words in my short answer?
No. Your answer must use the exact words or approved alternatives from the text.
What if the passage does not answer the question directly?
In IELTS, all short answer questions have answers in the passage. Re-read carefully or scan for synonyms.