How to Solve Short Answer Type of Questions in Listening | Listening for IELTS PDF Download

What are Short Answer Type Questions?

Short answer type questions in Listening are different from the Sentence Completion questions, because instead of finishing the sentence, you will be providing the answer to a question. You might also be asked to provide a list of information in response to a prompt.

This is how these questions will appear on your question paper:

Example 1:

Example 2:

Tips Before You Listen

Before engaging with the prompt, dedicate a moment to swiftly peruse the questions and all answer options. This preliminary reading allows you to grasp the subject and identify crucial keywords, especially for Short Answer questions. Use this to your advantage and seamlessly transition into the subsequent steps. If preferred, this step can be integrated with Steps 2 and 3 within the allotted 20 seconds.

2. Identify and Underline Key Terms

After the initial reading (or concurrently as you read), underline essential keywords. Focus on significant words that will demand attention during the prompt. Generally, avoid underlining adverbs, pronouns, or basic adjectives. Notably, for Short Answer questions, this step is minimized as the answers inherently consist of keywords, subjects, or names. Additionally, this step often merges with Step 3.

3. Attend to Question Words

Beyond recognizing keywords in the questions, prioritize understanding question words, as they guide the type of answer required. Pay careful attention to these words to compose an appropriate response. For instance, the question word "Why" indicates a need for a reason rather than a location. Optionally, jot down the expected word type beside the question for better comprehension, though this is not obligatory. Some find this helpful, particularly if grappling with basic question words.

Tips While You Listen

Transition to active listening, jotting down a succinct outline in your test booklet or adjacent to the provided outline format. Given the one-time nature of each listening prompt, remembering key information is crucial. In tandem with Short Answer questions in Section 2, efficient note-taking becomes paramount. It's imperative to focus on keywords and the prescribed word count, utilizing a quick outline with abbreviations, arrows, dashes, slashes, and ellipses. Practice writing swiftly to match the speaker's pace.

When an outline format is provided, align your notes with the designated spaces, following the existing guidance. An alternative outline is included for non-outline formats, maintaining three primary headings similar to the example question format.

2. Respond to Questions with Accuracy

Conclusively, prioritize accuracy in your responses. Despite its apparent simplicity, many candidates make avoidable errors that impact their scores. Precision is crucial in both the initial response and the subsequent transfer to the answer sheet, particularly for paper-based tests. Given that someone else evaluates your written answers, using all CAPITAL LETTERS enhances neatness and legibility, a critical consideration in the Short Answer section. Pay heightened attention to this aspect for optimal performance.

Recap

Here are some concise pointers to keep in mind when addressing this type of question:

Do:

1. Maximize the initial 20 seconds before the listening prompt by reading the information, underlining keywords, and actively listening for those crucial terms during the prompt.
2. Recognize that Short Answer Listening prompts provide answers in order, necessitating active listening and maintaining an outline to easily pick up where you left off or comprehend the speaker's thoughts.
3. Experiment with outlining techniques during practice sessions, finding a method that suits you, whether it's writing in the margins or close to answer options, facilitating easy reference later.
4. Familiarize yourself with question words and their meanings to avoid losing points due to misinterpretations.

Don't:

1. Squander time before and after the listening prompt; treat the 30 minutes as 'game time,' combining active listening, reading questions, and answering to optimize efficiency.
2. Exceed the necessary word limit, as this may result in a point deduction. Avoid confusion over indefinite articles and optional words. Be vigilant against common speaking tricks like using "not only" to introduce examples instead of a negative idea, and familiarize yourself with phrases like "either/or" that indicate the use of two reasons.
3. Leave any questions unanswered, even if challenging; make your best guess to maximize scoring chances.
4. Write in a messy or illegible manner, as clarity is essential for scoring points, and unclear handwriting may lead to point deductions.