The Pearson Test of English is a widely chosen English language proficiency test by people looking to move abroad. Whether it’s to study, work, or migrate, appearing for the PTE will smoothen the process.
In this exam, candidates will be tested in four departments—Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. Each section will again have various questions that will help the examiner evaluate your level of proficiency. Of all, there’s one area that interests most candidates, and that is the ‘Short Answer Questions.’ While it may seem like easy marks, it has its challenges.
Thorough preparation is crucial to gain an edge through Short Answer Questions. That is why we’ve curated this quick guide to help you. You will learn many expert-approved methods to master this task, so go on.
The Basics:
Short answer questions will appear in the Listening & Speaking section of your PTE test. You will listen to a short audio clip, which contains a question or a statement, and answer related questions. The answer should be concise, typically in a single word or phrase. Each correct response will earn you one mark and no negative scoring for wrong answers.
The purpose of this task is to assess your listening and speaking capabilities. In other words:
- How well can you understand spoken English, including its context?
- How accurately and concisely can you respond?
This task usually occurs towards the end of the listening module, so it’s important to remain attentive throughout the section.
Tips to Master Short Answer Questions:
1. Familiarise yourself well
Before you dive into practice, understand the structure and objectives of the tasks. Listen to official PTE practice materials or sample audio clips to get a feel of the question style. Learn to identify the keywords or main idea of the question. The more familiar you are with the format, the better you will be able to tackle it effectively in the exam.
2. Train your ear
We can figure out what someone’s saying in our native language even when they are speaking fast or mumbling. Why? It’s because our ears have been trained for years. In the same way, you should also be able to clearly understand English. It is crucial for effective daily communication. But how can you build that skill so quickly? Try these tips:
- Listen to podcasts and TV shows without subtitles
- Pick programs with different accents
- Develop the habit of noting down key details (who, what, where, etc.)
3. Expand your general knowledge
The questions in this section often require general awareness, such as a country’s capital or a scientist’s name. Hence, you should make it a priority to work on your general knowledge simultaneously. Read about current events, history, and geography. You can also use online quiz platforms to test your knowledge in various domains.
4. Work on clarity and conciseness
It’s natural to ramble on or stutter when you are speaking in an unfamiliar language. However, you need to overcome these issues and ensure clarity in your speech. Since the day you begin your preparation, make sure you practice speech clarity every day. Focus on correct pronunciation and avoid unnecessary fillers like ‘um’ or ‘ah.’
For example –
- Audio: What is the capital of France?
- Incorrect: “I think it’s Paris” or “Um, Paris?”
- Correct: “Paris:
Be clear and concise.
Tools & Techniques for Practicing:
Short answer questions seem simple to many at first glance, but they can be equally challenging. Understanding accents, missing keywords, providing overly detailed answers, and taking too long to respond are some common mistakes candidates often make. Practice is the only way to avoid these problems in the exam.
Here are a few tools you can use to boost your preparation.
- Official PTE Practice Materials – Pearson offers official mock tests and practice questions on their website for PTE aspirants. These materials replicate the actual exam environment, so it’s beneficial to include them in your preparation.
- Online Resources – Apart from the official materials, we also have many online guides and tutorials today. You can find them on platforms like YouTube and other educational websites. Look specifically for audio-based quizzes or simulations and practice thoroughly before the exam.
- Shadowing Exercises – Play an audio clip and repeat what you hear immediately after the speaker. Mimic their tone and speed, so you can get comfortable with the language quickly.
- Timed Responses – As you have limited time to respond in the actual exam, it is better to get used to it through preparation. Play a clip and practice answering as quickly as possible, building speed and confidence gradually.
Final Word:
Now that you have been introduced to Short Answer Questions in detail, you will surely feel more confident in your exam. If you need more preparation or guidance, feel free to contact our team at English Wise. We will personalise your practice and make sure you see significant improvements in your skills.
