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IELTS / Guides / Reading · Short-answer questions
IELTS Reading · Guide

Short-Answer Questions in IELTS Reading: how to answer within the word limit

You answer direct questions with a few words from the passage, such as 'What did Laennec use to make his first tube?'. The questions paraphrase the passage and follow its order. It tests the ability to find a specific fact and to write it in the form and length the instruction allows.

About Reading practice

Format

  • Usually 3 to 6 questions in a set, with a limit such as NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER or ONE WORD ONLY.
  • The questions follow the order of the passage.
  • Answers are words and numbers from the passage, trimmed to the limit. Articles are normally dropped.
  • The questions begin with what, which, who, where, when, how many, how or occasionally why.
  • On computer you type the answer; spelling matters and capital letters do not.

Strategy

  1. Read the instruction and note the limit, then circle the question word in each question. 'When' needs a date or period, 'who' a person or role, 'how many' a number, 'which' one item of several.
  2. Underline the keywords, which are usually names, dates or technical terms. They are the anchors for your scan.
  3. Scan the passage in order for the anchors and for their synonyms. The question often paraphrases the text, so look for the idea as well as the words.
  4. Read the sentence closely and find the information that answers the question word. Check that it answers this question, not a neighbouring one.
  5. Cut the answer to the limit by dropping articles and details: 'the wooden staircase in the east wing' might become 'wooden staircase'.
  6. Copy the words exactly and check the spelling. If the passage uses a figure, use the figure.
  7. Read the question and the answer together. The answer should be a direct reply, in a form that would make sense as a spoken answer.

Common traps

  • Writing a sensible answer that is too long. 'In the spring of 1843' for a two-word limit loses the mark even though it is correct.
  • Answering a nearby question. The passage mentions the date of the design and the date of the opening, and the question asks about one of them.
  • Changing the form of the words or using a synonym. The words must be taken from the passage.
  • Writing a long answer for a 'why' question. A reason is often more than three words, so check that the limit is possible; a short answer is usually a noun phrase.
  • Ignoring the question word, such as writing a name when the question asks 'how'.

Practise it inside a real Reading section

Practice on PrepFreely is always a complete section, so you meet this question type in the same place and proportion as on test day. Random sections never repeat until you've done them all. Every answer is explained.

Practise Reading Take the Reading course

FAQ

Do the questions follow the order of the passage?

Yes. This lets you move forward through the passage without going back.

Can I leave out 'the' and 'a'?

Yes, and it is usually necessary under a tight limit. They are rarely part of the answer.

Can I use my own words?

No. Use the words in the passage, cut to the limit.

What if the answer is longer than the limit?

Look for the shorter form of the information in the passage or cut the phrase to its key words. The limit is chosen so that a correct answer fits.

Is the answer always a noun?

Often, but not always. It can be a number, a date, a verb phrase or an adjective, depending on the question.

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