Short answer questions are considered to be the simplest type of questions in the IELTS reading exam. In these questions, you are required to provide your answers using one word and/or a number, at least two words and/or a number, or at least three words and/or a number. One advantage of these questions is that the answers can be easily found compared to other question types. Let’s explore some useful tips for solving short answer questions.

Underline Keywords in the Question

A helpful strategy for tackling any type of question in the IELTS reading exam is to underline the keywords in the question. These are the main and significant words that help you understand the question’s meaning. Usually, these keywords are nouns and verbs, while other words like prepositions and articles can be disregarded. For example:

– Which programming language is used for designing DNA circuit?

– How long was the biological structure that Voigt had designed?

In the above short answer questions, the main keywords have been highlighted. Underlining them can assist you in understanding the question better and finding a specific paragraph in the passage where you can locate the answer’s reference.

Identify Focus in the Question

Apart from underlining important keywords, you should also identify the focus or stem of the question. In short answer questions, pay attention to words like “what,” “where,” “when,” “which,” and “how long.” These words help you predict whether your answer should be a word or a number, a noun or an adjective, etc. Being aware of such words is crucial for avoiding silly mistakes, as candidates often make such errors in the IELTS exam. For instance, in the above short answer questions, the focus has been identified as follows:

– Which programming language is used for designing DNA circuit?

– How long was the biological structure that Voigt had designed?

Pay Attention to Nearby Words in the Passage

When searching for answers in the reading passage, pay attention to words that are identical to those in the questions. These words can help you identify the answers. For example, in the above question, the phrase “is used for” may be present in the passage as well. Similarly, look for prepositions such as “in,” “had,” “have,” “at,” “into,” and “for,” which may appear both in the question and the reading passage.

Write Answers as per Word Instructions

A basic yet crucial tip for short answer questions is to always consider the word instruction when locating answers in the reading passage. Sometimes, you may need to include articles like “a,” “an,” or “the” along with your answer. Therefore, be cautious about the word instruction. Additionally, ensure that your answer does not exceed three words in the IELTS reading exam.

By applying these tips, you can effectively approach and answer short answer questions in the IELTS reading exam.