Understanding the Answer Short Questions Task in PTE Academic, UKVI & Core

Answer Short Questions analyzes your skills to listen, understand, and answer with a short response—usually limited to just a few words, or even just one or two. This gives marks for both speaking and listening skills.

What is the Answer Short Questions Task?

In the Answer Short Questions task in PTE, you will listen to a question properly through your headphones. Your objective is to respond with a short and correct answer, usually consisting of one or a few words. There is no time for preparation, and your microphone will open directly after the question is played.
The challenge lies in comprehending the question fast and delivering an appropriate and correct response without delay. Your goal must be to provide a short, correct answer that directly communicates the question asked.

How is the Answer Short Questions Task done?

  • You will listen to a prompt through a headset.
  • There will be no preparation time—as soon as the prompt ends, recording starts.
  • Give a short response with an accurate answer.
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Types of Questions in the Answer Short Questions PTE Task

Although all Answer Short Questions tasks require brief verbal responses, the types of questions can vary in content and complexity. Recognizing the type can help you anticipate the kind of answer expected and respond more accurately.
General Knowledge Questions
These questions test common world knowledge or everyday facts. The answers are normally one or two words. Listen properly for the main terms.
Example topics: Capital cities, Animal names, Basic science
Vocabulary-based Questions
These focus on synonyms, opposites, or identifying terms. Understanding the context of the question is key.
Example topics: Definitions, Word meanings, Common phrases
Logical or Mathematical Questions
These questions test basic reasoning or simple mental math. Stay calm and answer clearly.
Example topics: Counting, Time, Basic arithmetic
Object or Concept Identification
You may be asked to name an object, profession, or concept based on a short description or clue. Think quickly and respond with the most precise term.
Example topics: Tools, Occupations, Functions
Everyday Situational Questions
These simulate real-life or conversational scenarios and check your understanding of daily contexts. Focus on relevance and clarity.
Example topics: Social situations, Daily routines, Common practices

Answer Short Questions

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Tips for Acing the PTE Answer Short Questions Practice Task

Listen Carefully:
The question will be played only once. So stay focused and avoid distractions.
Think Quickly and Clearly:
Responding without delay and quick thinking. Because you don’t have much time to respond.
Keep Answers Short and Relevant:
No sentences, just 1-2 words. Avoid giving full sentences or explanations unless necessary.
Improve General Knowledge:
These questions often draw on basic facts and everyday knowledge. Reading widely and staying informed will give you an edge.
Speak Clearly and Confidently:
Speak properly using a natural tone and avoiding fillers. Practice responding confidently and articulately.

Step-by-Step Strategy

Be attentive while the audio plays:
As soon as the audio starts, focus fully on the question. You won’t hear it twice, so every word counts.
Understand the type of question quickly:
Acknowledge whether it’s general knowledge, vocabulary-based, logic-related, or identification. This helps you mentally narrow down your answer.
Give responses with accurate words:
Give a short, direct response—usually one or two words. For example:
Q: What do we call a person who teaches students?
A: Teacher.
Be confident in your answer with clear pronunciation:
Speak confidently and clearly, even if the answer is just a single word. Avoid hesitation or filler sounds like “uh” or “um.”
Prepare yourself with common topics and associations:
Familiarize yourself with frequently asked questions in areas such as time, professions, objects, and simple science or geography.
Be attentive while the audio plays:
As soon as the audio starts, focus fully on the question. You won’t hear it twice, so every word counts.
Understand the type of question quickly:
Acknowledge whether it’s general knowledge, vocabulary-based, logic-related, or identification. This helps you mentally narrow down your answer.
Give responses with accurate words:
Give a short, direct response—usually one or two words. For example:
Q: What do we call a person who teaches students?
A: Teacher.
Be confident in your answer with clear pronunciation:
Speak confidently and clearly, even if the answer is just a single word. Avoid hesitation or filler sounds like “uh” or “um.”
Prepare yourself with common topics and associations:
Familiarize yourself with frequently asked questions in areas such as time, professions, objects, and simple science or geography.
Familiarize yourself with frequently asked questions in areas such as time, professions, objects, and simple science or geography.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.

Usually, you can expect between 4 and 7 short answer questions per exam.

You will not get any preparation time.

No. You can only hear the question once and record only once.

Yes, it does impact your speaking and listening scores.
Pro Tip: Frequent preparation and fast thinking are key. Stay alert, be brief while responding, and speak with clarity to get full marks for this task.
PTE Answer Short Questions for Academic, UKVI & Core