PTE Speaking Short Answer Question: Exam Format and Sample Questions Explained

Posted on 12/05/2023 by Moni PTE Magic


The PTE Speaking Short Answer Question section consists of approximately 10 to 12 questions in the PTE practice test, requiring concise responses of one or two words. Some questions may include video or picture prompts, such as diagrams or images. For example, you might be asked about the location of a bank in a given story. In this blog post, we will explore the exam structure of the PTE Speaking Short Answer Question, provide useful insights, and offer expert tips to help you excel in this task. By understanding the exam format and implementing effective strategies, you can boost your scores and confidently tackle this section.

Exam Structure of Short Answer Questions – What You Need to Know:

The PTE Speaking Short Answer Question section evaluates your speaking and listening skills. You are given 10 seconds to respond to each question, making it less time-consuming compared to tasks that require longer summaries or answers. However, this task still requires practice to ensure accurate and concise responses. Understanding the exam structure and requirements is essential for achieving high scores in this section.

Useful Speaking Tips to Practice PTE Speaking Short Answer Questions:

To enhance your performance in the PTE Speaking Short Answer Question section, consider the following expert tips:

  1. Carefully listen to the Short Answer Questions: Focus on understanding each question within the given 10 seconds. Active listening is crucial, so practice your listening skills to improve comprehension and response accuracy.
  2. Avoid overthinking the questions: Provide straightforward and simple answers for each question. Avoid the temptation to demonstrate excessive knowledge or use less common responses. Keep your answers concise and relevant. For example, when asked about furniture typically found in a bedroom, the correct answer would be “bed” rather than “chest of drawers” or “bedside table.”
  3. Maintain attentiveness and focus: There will be no breaks between the questions, requiring your complete focus until all questions are answered. Even though there are 10 to 12 questions, it’s important to remain attentive throughout the entire section.
  4. Enhance your vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for understanding and responding to the questions accurately. Familiarize yourself with a wide range of words to ensure comprehension and improve your response quality.
  5. Trust your initial response: In most cases, your initial response is the correct one. Avoid hesitating or overthinking the questions, as this can lead to mistakes and waste valuable time. Trust your instincts and provide your initial answer confidently.
  6. Visualize the situation: While listening to a question, try to visualize the scenario and use specific words or letters to form a mental image. For example, if a question refers to a hospital, imagine nurses, medical equipment, and doctors. This technique can help you remember the correct answers and achieve better scores.

By understanding the exam structure and implementing these expert tips, you can effectively prepare for and excel in the PTE Speaking Short Answer Question section. Develop your listening skills, provide straightforward answers, maintain focus throughout the entire section, expand your vocabulary, trust your initial response, and utilize visualization techniques to enhance your performance. Practice diligently to familiarize yourself with different question types and ensure confidence on test day. By following these strategies, you can maximize your scores and achieve success in the PTE Speaking test. Good luck on your PTE journey!

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Moni PTE Magic

My name is Moni, and I am a seasoned PTE teacher with over 6 years of experience. I have helped thousands of students overcome their struggles and achieve their desired scores. My passion for teaching and dedication to my student’s success drives me to continually improve my teaching methods and provide the best possible support. Join me on this journey toward PTE success!


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