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!

(Read our Vietnamese version here)

Key Takeaways

• The PTE Answer Short Question section assesses the candidate’s ability to comprehend and respond to short, straightforward questions with brief answers.
• The section includes around 10 to 12 such questions, each lasting 9 seconds.
• In the PTE Answer Short Question section, you receive one mark for each correct answer and no penalty for wrong answers.

Related:

• PTE speaking test format & tips

What Is The PTE Answer Short Question Section?

Test-takers will listen to a question that plays automatically, sometimes with an image included. Your mission is to listen, process, and respond to the question in just one or two words. You only have one chance to answer.

This task has no signal beep, so you must answer immediately when the microphone opens. Test-takers have 10 seconds to answer, so speak clearly and finish before the progress bar runs out.

Sample #1: You will hear a question. Please give a simple and short answer. Often just one or a few words is enough.

 

Sample #2: You will hear a question. Please give a simple and short answer. Often just one or a few words is enough.

 

Sign up for more FREE practice

 

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 the 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

What Not to Do in the PTE Answer Short Question Section

Rushing, overthinking, mispronouncing, or giving unrelated answers is what takes away your points. Here’s how these mistakes can affect your score and tips to avoid them:

• Giving too-long answers: Some test-takers give answers that are too long. For example, “What do bees produce?” only needs short answers such as “Honey.” But many say “Bees produce honey”, which is correct but unnecessary. Long answers waste your time, leading to a higher chance of rushing and making mistakes on your next questions.
• Overthinking: This is another common trap. Some test-takers hesitate to think of the best answer. This delays their response and makes them sound uncertain. Long pauses or hesitations affect the natural speech flow, making their overall score drop. The solution is to train for speed by practicing responding immediately. Platforms like PTE Magic help test-takers improve this skill with mock tests based on real test conditions to ensure their confidence on test day.
• Making pronunciation errors: This also affects your score. Mispronounced words, incorrect stress, or monotone rhythms are why some test-takers have lower scores than others. This causes them points even when their content is accurate. Fix this by mimicking native speakers, copying their tones, and recording yourself to identify your weaknesses. The clearer your pronunciation, the higher your score.
• Giving unrelated answers: This issue happens because some candidates guess blindly, misunderstand the question, or say whatever comes to mind. Staying logical is the key. Answering partially correctly is better than a random guess, but skipping the question is wiser if you don’t know the answer. Additionally, wasting time on the wrong answer affects your performance for the rest of the test, thus lowering your overall score.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Should I Prepare For the PTE Answer Short Question Section?

Speed is crucial in the PTE Answer Short Questions task. The faster you understand the question, the faster you respond. Additionally, expand your vocabulary by reading daily, listening actively, and learning new words in different contexts. Improve your pronunciation and rhythm by watching news or movies, while enhancing your memory by speaking unfamiliar words out loud.

How Many Short Answer Questions Are In The PTE Exam?

Expect 10 to 12 questions, each lasting 9 seconds. Your answer should be no more than one or two words. You only have 10 seconds to respond, so clarity is key. Avoid hesitation and over-explaining.

What Are Some Examples Of Short Answer Questions?

The task’s format is simple, with straightforward questions requiring factual answers. Here are some examples:

• What is the currency of Japan? – Yen
• What do we call a baby cat? – Kitten
• Which organ pumps blood through the body? – Heart
• What is the main language spoken in Brazil? – Portuguese
• What do we call a shape with three sides? – Triangle

How Can I Study For These Questions?

The short-answer questions in this task focus on common knowledge and facts. The best way to prepare for this task is to make a list of key terms and frequently asked topics. Moreover, involve yourself with academic reading and general knowledge to increase your familiarity with the topics.

Does The Answer Short Question Task Matter?

This task tests your listening skills and vocabulary range, making it a crucial part of the test that evaluates your performance.

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.