PTE Academic is a well-known English language test that students and professionals worldwide often choose for assessing their language proficiency. Among its different question types, the ‘PTE Answer Short Question’ section requires quick thinking and language skills.
In this post, PTE Magic will guide you through the ‘answer short question’ task, providing helpful tips and strategies to improve your performance and boost your confidence.
Let’s dive in!
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What Is The PTE Answer Short Question Section?
The PTE Answer Short Question section is a part of the Speaking module in the PTE Academic test. It assesses the candidate’s ability to comprehend and respond to short, straightforward questions with brief answers.
How many answer short questions are there in a PTE test?
The section includes around 10 to 12 such questions, with each question being 9 seconds long. Each answer usually consists of one or two words, and the candidates need to complete it in 10 seconds.
The questions cover various topics and everyday situations, requiring candidates to showcase their language skills, grammar usage, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
How Is It Scored?
In the PTE Answer Short Question section, you receive one mark for each correct answer, and there is no penalty for wrong answers.
The scores obtained in this section contribute to both the Speaking and Listening scores in the PTE Academic test. As this is the last part of the Speaking module, give your best effort to demonstrate your language proficiency and maximize your overall score.
Practice Tips You Should Keep In Mind
- Stay calm and confident: Do not panic during the test. The questions are generally simple and do not call for specialized knowledge.
- Think simple: Avoid overthinking the questions. The correct answers are often straightforward and natural. Remember, the simplest answer is usually the right one.
- Concentration is key: Concentrate fully on each question. This section comes without breaks, so it’s essential to maintain focus throughout.
- Build vocabulary: A good understanding of words used in the questions is crucial. Work on expanding your vocabulary, especially focusing on common words and terms related to various topics.
- Review the academic word list: Familiarize yourself with the Academic Word List, as it contains essential vocabulary for academic and general topics.
- Visualize: Creating mental images based on the question’s content is one of the most effective tips. This technique helps in recalling information and answering accurately. For instance, picture a campus and students if the question relates to a university.
- Stay updated: Keep yourself informed about current events and news by watching TV news reports, reading respected newspapers, and following knowledge channels.
- Practice regularly: Practice answering short questions regularly to become more comfortable with the format and improve your response speed. Use official PTE practice tests and other resources to simulate real exam conditions and assess your progress.
- Time management: Be mindful of the time allotted for each question. Practice answering quickly to get accustomed to the time constraint.
- Focus on pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is essential for conveying your answers accurately. Practice enunciating words clearly to enhance your spoken English.
Related: PTE exam preparation tips & tricks
List Of 50 Most Common Answer Short Questions In PTE
Below is the PTE Answer Short Question list with 50 widely used questions and sample answers:
1) What is the name of the capital city of Australia?
Canberra
2) What do we call a person who studies rocks and minerals?
Geologist
3) What is the term for the money people pay to the government to support public services?
Tax
4) Which of the following is not a real form of transportation: hoverboard, submarine, or spaceship?
Hoverboard
5) How many sides does a hexagon have?
Six
6) What do you call a doctor who specializes in treating children?
Pediatrician
7) What is the name of a person who acts in a play or movie?
Actor/Actress
8) If the temperature is rising, is it increasing or decreasing?
Increasing
9) What is the name of the punctuation mark that shows the end of a question?
Question mark
10) Is solar energy or coal a renewable energy source?
Solar energy
11) What is the term for two babies born from the same mother at the same time?
Twins
12) What is the opposite of fast?
Slow
13) Which planet is known as the “Red Planet”?
Mars
14) How many strings does a violin have?
Four
15) In what household appliance do you cook food using hot air circulation?
Oven
16) What do you call a person who studies the weather?
Meteorologist
17) What is the opposite of hot?
Cold
18) Which type of building allows astronomers to observe celestial objects?
Observatory
19) What do we call a person who writes books or stories?
Author
20) What do you call a doctor who specializes in treating the heart?
Cardiologist
21) Which form of transportation uses tracks and is commonly found in cities?
Train
22) What is the name for the study of the Earth’s atmosphere and weather?
Meteorology
23) How many continents are there on Earth?
Seven
24) What is the name of the device used to measure temperature?
Thermometer
25) What do we call the person who leads an orchestra?
Conductor
26) Which animal is known as the “king of the jungle”?
Lion
27) What is the main gas that humans breathe?
Oxygen
28) What is the term for the political line that separates countries?
Border
29) What do you call a person who travels to space?
Astronaut
30) What is the name of the organ responsible for pumping blood in the human body?
Heart
31) If the Moon blocks the light from the Sun, what do we call this event?
Solar eclipse
32) What is the main gas that makes up the Earth’s atmosphere?
Nitrogen
33) What do we call the document that gives a person the right to vote?
Ballot
34) What do we call a set of instructions on how to cook a dish?
Recipe
35) Which one is a form of renewable energy, wind or coal?
Wind
36) What is the name of the large ocean between North America and Europe?
Atlantic Ocean
37) What do we call the person who takes care of teeth and oral health?
Dentist
38) How many wheels does a tricycle have?
Three
39) What do you call the center of an atom?
Nucleus
40) What is the name of the large, extinct animal that lived during prehistoric times?
Dinosaur
41) What do we call the person who operates on patients in a hospital?
Surgeon
42) How many days are there in a leap year?
366
43) What is the name of the punctuation mark that shows excitement or emphasis?
Exclamation mark
44) Which part of the body do we use for smelling?
Nose
45) What do you call a building where plays and performances are shown?
Theater
46) Which instrument is used to measure temperature, a thermometer or a barometer?
Thermometer
47) What is the name of the green pigment in plants that helps in photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll
48) How many players are there on a basketball team?
Five
49) What do you call a doctor who specializes in treating the eyes?
Ophthalmologist
50) What is the name of the musical instrument with six strings often played with a pick?
Guitar
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PTE Answer Short Question section is crucial in assessing a test-taker’s ability to think quickly and accurately. This brief yet challenging segment demands effective time management and language proficiency.
Continuous practice and honing of language skills are keys to achieving good results.
