Speaking and Writing - PTE Academic / UKVI, PTE Core
Answer Short Question
Answer Short Question practice builds fast listening comprehension and precise spoken vocabulary for short-response prompts.
Task facts at a glance
| Appears in | PTE Academic / UKVI and PTE Core — Speaking & Writing part |
|---|---|
| Items per test | 5–6 |
| Audio length | 3–9 seconds |
| Time to answer | About 10 seconds — one word or a few words |
| Scoring | Correct or incorrect, 1 point per item |
| Negative marking | None |
| Skills credited | Speaking, Listening and Vocabulary |
Worked example
You hear: “What organ controls your speech, feelings, body movement and thoughts?” (Real bank question — shown in the player below.)
Brain (also accepted: cerebrum).
Why this scores well: One word is all the task needs — the item is scored correct or incorrect for 1 point.
Scoring traits to watch
VocabularyContent
Key takeaways
Listen for the exact object, place, person, or idea being asked for.
Answer briefly and confidently instead of explaining the answer.
Review missed prompts by vocabulary group so common patterns become automatic.
How to practise Answer Short Question
This task rewards quick understanding, not long speaking. Build a bank of common prompt patterns and practise answering in the shortest natural form.
- Practise short prompt sets without pausing between items.
- Mark misses by vocabulary theme.
- Repeat only the missed prompts until the answer is immediate.
Practice framework
- Practise short prompt sets without pausing between items.
- Mark misses by vocabulary theme.
- Repeat only the missed prompts until the answer is immediate.
- Return to mixed sets after accuracy improves.
Common mistakes
- Adding a long explanation when a word or short phrase is enough.
- Answering before the prompt meaning is clear.
- Missing common vocabulary because practice is too broad.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you get for Answer Short Question in PTE?
The question audio lasts 3–9 seconds, and you then have about 10 seconds to answer.
How is Answer Short Question scored in PTE?
Each item is scored correct or incorrect and is worth 1 point. It contributes to your Speaking, Listening and Vocabulary scores.
Do I need to answer in a full sentence for Answer Short Question?
No — the task asks for one word or a few words, so a full sentence is unnecessary. There are 5–6 items in both PTE Academic and PTE Core.
This task inside EdKnot
