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Moderate · Strategy guide

Short Answer Questions

Short Answer Questions ask direct questions about specific facts, details, or processes in the passage. Answers must come directly from the passage within a strict word limit.

Step-by-Step Approach

  1. 1

    Read the question — identify the question word (What, Where, When, How many, Why).

  2. 2

    The question word tells you what type of information to find.

  3. 3

    Locate the relevant passage section.

  4. 4

    Extract the exact answer using the minimum necessary words.

  5. 5

    Check word limit before writing.

Common Traps to Avoid

Over-answering

Writing more than the word limit or including unnecessary context words.

"during the nineteenth century" for a "When?" question — just "the nineteenth century" or "1800s".

Band 8–9 Strategies

  • Questions follow passage order.

  • Answer with words from the passage — not synonyms.

  • Numbers can be written as digits or words — both are acceptable.

  • Proper nouns (names, places) are often answers to "Who?" and "Where?" questions.

Time Strategy

7 minutes for 5 questions. 1.5 minutes each — these are usually the most direct question type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to approach IELTS Short Answer Questions?

Short Answer Questions ask direct questions about specific facts, details, or processes in the passage. Answers must come directly from the passage within a strict word limit.

What is the most common trap in IELTS Short Answer Questions?

Over-answering: Writing more than the word limit or including unnecessary context words. For example, "during the nineteenth century" for a "When?" question — just "the nineteenth century" or "1800s".

How much time should I spend on IELTS Short Answer Questions questions?

7 minutes for 5 questions. 1.5 minutes each — these are usually the most direct question type.

Practice Short Answer NowAll Tips

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