Speaking task
PTE Answer Short Question practice
Answer Short Question is the simplest task on the test: you hear a short general-knowledge question and answer it in one or a few words. It is the easiest free points on the exam, as long as you do not overthink it.
Question
3 to 9 sec
Answer
A word or two
Scored
Listening only
Per test
5 to 6 items
Based on the current PTE Academic format (updated 7 August 2025). Last reviewed 14 June 2026.
The basics
What is PTE Answer Short Question?
You hear a short question, usually 3 to 9 seconds long, testing everyday knowledge and vocabulary. After a brief moment you answer aloud in a single word or a short phrase. A test typically has 5 to 6 of these items.
Since the August 2025 format update, Answer Short Question contributes to your Listening score only (it no longer feeds Speaking). It is marked simply correct or incorrect, with no partial credit, so a single right word scores full marks.
Scoring
How Answer Short Question is scored
- Marked correct or incorrect only, with no partial credit. A correct one-word answer scores exactly the same as a longer one.
- It contributes to your Listening score only, since the August 2025 change. It no longer affects Speaking.
- There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so it is always worth giving your best guess rather than staying silent.
- Because it is binary and there are several per test, it is some of the fastest, easiest points available if your everyday vocabulary is solid.
Key insight: Keep it to one or a few words. Answering in a full sentence wastes your short response window and adds nothing, because the item only checks whether your answer is right.
The method
How to do well in Answer Short Question
A repeatable approach you can apply to every item of this type.
- 1
Listen for the question word
Focus on the what, which, where, who or how that defines the answer. The question is short, so the key word telling you what is being asked is the thing to catch.
- 2
Answer with one or a few words
Give the direct answer only, for example 'a thermometer' or 'the heart.' A short, precise answer is exactly what the task wants and avoids introducing an error.
- 3
Do not build a sentence
There are no marks for grammar or fluency here, and a full sentence eats your short window. Skip the lead-in and say the answer itself.
- 4
Guess if you are unsure
There is no negative marking, so a best guess can only help. Silence scores zero; an attempt at least has a chance of being right.
- 5
Speak clearly and promptly
Say your answer clearly and without long delay so it is captured cleanly. Then wait for the next item; there is no benefit to adding more.
Avoid these
Common Answer Short Question mistakes
- Answering in a full sentence, which wastes the short response window for no extra credit.
- Overthinking a simple, everyday question and running out of time.
- Staying silent when unsure, instead of giving a best guess that carries no penalty.
- Mishearing the key question word and answering a different question.
- Second-guessing and changing an answer that was already correct.
Practice Answer Short Question with instant scoring.
Hear a real question, answer in a word or two, and see the correct answer instantly. Free, no signup.
FAQ
PTE Answer Short Question, answered
It is marked simply correct or incorrect, with no partial credit, and since August 2025 it contributes to your Listening score only. A single correct word scores full marks, and there is no penalty for a wrong answer.
No, not anymore. After the August 2025 format change it feeds your Listening score only. It used to contribute to Speaking, but that is no longer the case.
Short, usually 3 to 9 seconds of audio. They test everyday general knowledge and vocabulary, not academic content, and there are typically 5 to 6 of them in a test.
No. One or a few words is ideal, for example 'a dictionary' or 'oxygen.' A full sentence wastes your short window and adds no marks, since only the correctness of the answer is checked.
Give your best guess. There is no negative marking, so an attempt can only help, while silence guarantees zero. Often the question is simpler than it first sounds.
It is the easiest task type for most candidates. The content is everyday knowledge, and the marking is binary. The main risks are mishearing the question or overcomplicating the answer.
Usually 5 to 6 per test. Because they are quick and binary, they are a reliable source of easy Listening points if your general vocabulary is solid.
You answer by speaking, and it appears in the speaking part of the test, so it is commonly taught as a speaking task. Under the current scoring, though, your answer counts toward Listening, not Speaking.
Use our free Answer Short Question drill: you hear a real question, give your short answer, and see the correct answer immediately. No signup or card required.