IELTS Reading Task: Short Answer Question

There are three types of short answer questions in the IELTS reading:

Type 1. Questions.

Type 2. Lists.

These questions will usually tell you to write your answer in no more than three words. So you can answer with one word, two words or three words but no more. However, this is not always the case, so check the rubric carefully.

For these questions, like the multiple choice questions, you have to apply both skimming and scanning techniques. Also note that the answer should not require a hyphenated word (e.g. non-smoker) or contraction (e.g. They’ve).

If the answer requires a number, you can write a numeral number (e.g. 6) or a word (e.g. six) or a combination of a numeral and a word (e.g. 6 million).

Try this examples below.

How to do the short answer questions:

-          Read the instructions carefully and check how many letters you need to circle.

-          Skim all the questions quickly. As you do this,

o   Underline the keywords.

o   Try to get information you need to find in the next.

o   Look out for question words like ‘where’ and ‘who’ which indicate you should listen for specific things like places and people.

-          Go back to the first question. Decide what part of the text you need to read.

-          Read the part carefully to find the answer.

-          Use your own words. You don’t have to write a complete sentence but it does have to be grammatically correct.

-          Remember:

o   If you don’t know the meaning of any of the words in the questions, look at the other questions. They might have some associated vocab in them to help you guess the meaning.

o   The answer could be one word, two words or three word but not four or more.

o   If you think you need more than three words your answer is probably incorrect.

Reference: How to Prepare for IELTS Writing. City University of Hongkong: English Language Center.