IELTS Reading: Short Answer Questions
Short Answer Question is another common question type in the IELTS Reading section. This question type measures candidates’ ability to scan for specific information in the text recognizing synonyms and paraphrase and is also known as ‘comprehension’ questions. Following the instructions for this question type is very essential as it will tell you how many words/numbers you can use to answer the questions.
A lot of times students struggle with identifying synonyms and paraphrases and look for exact keywords in the text from the questions. Students often tend to lose marks by exceeding the word limit as they rush and do not read the instructions carefully. Spending too much time on a word you don’t understand trying to read every word in detail is also a common mistake.
STRETEGIES FOR SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Before you begin reading the questions or the text, you should always read the instructions carefully to make sure you know the word limit. You should then read the questions carefully to understand the meaning and think about the information that you will need to look for in the text.
Underline the keywords in the questions that could be noun or noun phrases and think about synonyms or paraphrases. You show now skim read the text and keep yourself aware of any keywords or synonyms you will identify but do not waste your time reading the text in detail. You should not be worried when you come across an unfamiliar word as you can work out its meaning from the context.
When you are able to locate the specific part of the text where you are likely to find the answer, you should then read in detail around the key words or synonyms to identify your answer.
Remember that this question type requires you to use words from the text and not your opinion.
The answers will appear in the same order as the text which clearly means that when you find your answer to question number 2, the answer to question number 3 will come soon after.
When you write your answers, it is very important that you do not exceed the word limit in the instructions. Your answer will be marked incorrect even when you have given correct information if you write more than three words when the instruction states ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER’.
You can now continue reading other questions and repeat the same strategies mentioned above.
Overall, in order to improve your scores, it is important that you identify the errors you make. This will definitely help you avoid such mistakes and help you answer questions correctly.
REMEMBER! PRACTICE IS THE KEY! The more you practice, the better you will get at it.
