The Short Answer Questions task type in the IELTS Listening test assesses your ability to understand specific details and respond concisely. To score Band 8+, you need to effectively listen for precise information while following the question prompts.
Understanding Short Answer Questions
In this task, you are required to answer questions based on the information you hear in the audio recording. Your answers must adhere to a specified word limit (e.g., “No more than TWO words and/or a number”) and be derived from details explicitly mentioned in the recording.
What This Task Tests
Key Challenges
Strategies for Band 8+
Before Listening: Read the questions carefully and underline key words (e.g., what, when, where, how).
Identify Focus Areas: Look for specific details the questions are targeting (e.g., time, quantity, reason).
Use context clues in the question to predict the type of answer needed (e.g., “How many _” implies a number).
This helps you stay alert when the information appears in the audio.
The answers typically follow the order of the audio. Use this pattern to track information and stay aligned with the recording.
Check your spelling and grammar, particularly for proper nouns (names, places) and singular/plural forms.
The speaker may provide extra information to mislead you. For instance, they might correct themselves:
“The meeting is at 3 p.m. Oh, no, sorry—it’s at 4 p.m.”
Real Exam Examples with Explanations
Example 1: One Word Only
Audio Context:
“The library opens at 9 a.m. on weekdays but closes earlier, at 5 p.m., on Saturdays.”
Question:
“What time does the library open on weekdays?”
Answer: 9 a.m.
Explanation: The answer is directly stated in the audio.
Example 2: No More Than Two Words
Audio Context:
“The new swimming pool will be ready by the end of September, after a three-month delay.”
Question:
“When will the new swimming pool be completed?”
Answer: End of September
Explanation: The phrase “end of September” matches the required time frame and is within the word limit.
Example 3: No More Than Three Words
Audio Context:
“The art gallery is located on Station Road, just opposite the train station.”
Question:
“Where is the art gallery located?”
Answer: Opposite the train station
Explanation: The location is clearly mentioned, and the phrase fits the word limit.
Example 4: With Distractors
Audio Context:
“The lecture will be held in Room 23, but the registration will take place in Room 15.”
Question:
“Where will the lecture take place?”
Answer: Room 23
Explanation: The audio includes a distractor (“Room 15”), but careful listening reveals Room 23 as the correct answer.
Example 5: With Paraphrasing
Audio Context:
“Tickets for the event cost $20 each, but students can purchase them at a discounted rate of $15.”
Question:
“What is the price of tickets for students?”
Answer: $15
Explanation: The discounted rate is the relevant detail, paraphrased as “price of tickets for students.”
Common Paraphrasing Examples
| Question Keyword | Audio Equivalent |
| “Cost” | “Price”, “Fee” |
| “Start” | “Begin” or “Commence” |
| “Location” | “Place” or “Venue” |
| “Open” | “Available” or “Accessible” |
| “Delay” | “Postponed” or “Late” |
Tips for Practice
Final Thoughts on Short Answer Questions
Mastering Short Answer Questions is about precision, focus, and practice. Success requires not only listening skills but also the ability to process and write information quickly. By applying the strategies in this chapter and practicing regularly, you can confidently achieve Band 8+ in this task.
Remember: Always stick to the word limit, be vigilant for distractors, and stay calm during the test. Consistency in preparation will lead to exceptional performance on test day!
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