How to approach IELTS reading short answer questions

Short-answer questions are among the IELTS Reading test's most important and common question types. Therefore, to help Preppies achieve a high band score in this question type, PREP would like to introduce 4 steps to handle IELTS reading short answer questions. Read this article now to enhance your knowledge with the most useful information!

I. Overview of IELTS reading short answer questions

1. What are IELTS reading short answer questions?

Short answer questions are a common question type in the IELTS Reading test. This question type requires candidates to answer using words or phrases; the answers are usually limited to a certain number of words or less. Short answer questions are similar to fill-in-the-blank exercises.

2. The format of IELTS reading short answer questions

Short answer questions are presented in various formats, such as completing sentences, matching information, or filling in blanks. Candidates must carefully read the instructions to determine the word limit for each answer. The format may vary, but the underlying objective remains consistent: to assess candidates' ability to locate and comprehend information accurately within the given text.

II. 4 steps to handle short answer questions in IELTS reading

1. Step 1: Read the question carefully 

Read the question carefully to understand the word/number limit for each blank. For example: Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS → You can use a maximum of 2 words. 

2. Step 2: Read the question thoroughly and underline keywords

Read the question, underline keywords, and make predictions about the information to be filled in (based on grammar structure and content). For example:

Before Perkin’s discovery, with what group in society was the colour purple associated?

→ You need to fill in a noun indicating a group of people (e.g., the rich, the poor). Usually, newly invented things are experienced by a specific group, so only the wealthy group likely had access to it. 

Before Perkin's discovery, in society, the colour purple was associated with__________

3. Step 3: Scanning 

Scan the keywords in the passage and carefully read the information to find the answer.

4. Step 4: Check the answer 

Double-check the answer for spelling, word limit, and meaning.

III. Some tips for tackling IELTS reading short answer questions that you should consider

1. Common mistakes that candidates often make while attempting the questions

• Candidates often struggle with identifying paraphrased information. They tend to look for keywords in the passage that match exactly with the words in the question. Remember to watch out for paraphrasing, which includes using synonyms, changing sentence structures from passive to active, or altering word forms.
• Pay close attention to the "Word limit" or the specified number of words to be filled. Writing more than the required number of words will result in a loss of points.
• Candidates tend to tend to read and understand every word in the passage. However, the question is testing your ability to skim and scan for specific information, so there's no need to read the entire passage to find the answer.
• When encountering an unfamiliar word, candidates often worry and spend too much time translating its meaning, forgetting to focus on finding specific information.

2. Some tips for answering Short Answer Questions

• The answer you need to fill will certainly appear in the correct sequence in the passage.
• Read the question first, then start reading the passage → Understand the question's meaning clearly.
• Note that the answer does not necessarily have to be grammatically correct (articles or prepositions can be omitted). As long as the answer conveys the intended meaning of the question, it is acceptable.
• Candidates should not provide personal opinions as answers but rather extract accurate information from the passage.

IV. Detailed practice exercises for IELTS reading short answer questions with answer keys

If you are looking for more practice exercises for Short Answer Questions, then enroll in the IELTS Basic Listening-Reading course and the IELTS Advanced Listening-Reading course to have comprehensive practice in this question type.

By practicing these exercises and referring to the answer keys, you can enhance your skills in tackling Short Answer Questions effectively during the IELTS Reading test. Make sure to focus on identifying keywords, paraphrasing, and adhering to word limits to maximize your score.

The article shared by PREP above has provided an overview of IELTS reading short answer questions and the 4 main steps to handle this question type in the IELTS Reading test. In addition to that, make sure to practice these question types diligently to gain more confidence when entering the actual exam.