Part 1 · Speaking & Writing · ASQ
Answer Short Question: Speaking & Writing PTE question type
A short question accompanies a short audio clip, with one- to four-word options. You choose the one that answers it.
These appear in pairs sharing a single recording, and the questions are about gist, inference, purpose or attitude rather than detail. There is no partial credit and no speaking at all — this is the one scored-response item in Part 1 that does not use your voice.
Scoring
How Answer Short Question is scored
Correct or incorrect, one point each, against a Vocabulary trait of 0 or 1: 1 for appropriate word choice, 0 for inappropriate. There is no partial band, which makes it the least forgiving item in Part 1.
- Skills scored
- Listening — contributes to your Listening score
- Questions per test
- 5–6 in Speaking & Writing
- Traits Pearson rates
- Vocabulary
Watch out
Common Answer Short Question mistakes
- 1Answering the question you expect rather than the one asked.
- 2Choosing on a single keyword match when the option paraphrases the idea.
- 3Leaning towards the longest option, which is often the most qualified-sounding distractor.
Strategy
Questions
Answer Short Question questions, answered
How many Answer Short Question questions are on the PTE Academic?
A PTE Academic has 5–6 Answer Short Question items in the Speaking & Writing section. Each one counts towards your Listening score.
How is Answer Short Question scored?
Correct or incorrect, one point each, against a Vocabulary trait of 0 or 1: 1 for appropriate word choice, 0 for inappropriate. There is no partial band, which makes it the least forgiving item in Part 1.
What goes wrong most often on Answer Short Question?
Answering the question you expect rather than the one asked.
Keep going
Related speaking & writing question types
- Read Aloud
6–7 per test · Speaking
- Repeat Sentence
10–12 per test · Listening + Speaking
- Describe Image
5–6 per test · Speaking
- Re-tell Lecture
2–3 per test · Listening + Speaking
All Speaking & Writing question types · tips for all 22 types · full test format · how PTE scores work.
Scoring figures on this page follow the current PTE Academic official guide. This is an independent practice site and is not affiliated with Pearson.