IELTS Reading Short Answer Questions: How to Find Answers Fast

Quick Answer: To answer IELTS Reading short answer questions quickly, first read the questions carefully to identify keywords and word limits. Then, scan the passage for these keywords or their synonyms, focusing on the specific section where the answer likely appears. Finally, write your answer directly from the text, ensuring it matches the word count and grammar of the question.

Table of Contents

What Are Short Answer Questions?

Step-by-Step Strategy to Find Answers Fast

Common Question Types and How to Tackle Them

Band Score Comparison Table

What Are Short Answer Questions?

Short answer questions in the IELTS Reading test require you to answer a question based on the passage, usually in a few words or a number. They test your ability to locate specific information quickly and accurately. The instructions will specify a word limit, such as "NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER." These questions appear in both the Academic and General Training versions of the test.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Find Answers Fast

1. Read the Questions First (Not the Passage)

Before diving into the text, read all the short answer questions. This primes your brain to look for specific information. Underline keywords—nouns, verbs, numbers, or unique terms—that will help you scan the passage later. Example Question: "What is the main cause of coral bleaching?" Keywords: main cause, coral bleaching

2. Identify the Word Limit

Always check the instruction: "NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER." If you write four words, your answer is wrong, even if the content is correct. This is a common trap.

3. Predict the Answer Type

Before scanning, think about what kind of answer you need. Is it a noun, a number, a date, or a name? This narrows your search. Example:

"How many species are endangered?" → Expect a number.

"What is the name of the process?" → Expect a noun phrase.

4. Scan for Keywords and Synonyms

Don’t read every word. Instead, scan the passage for the keywords from the question or their synonyms. IELTS often paraphrases, so look for similar meanings. Example: Question: "What is the main cause of coral bleaching?" Passage: "The primary reason for coral bleaching is rising sea temperatures." Answer: "rising sea temperatures" (synonym for "main cause")

5. Read Around the Keyword

Once you find the keyword, read the surrounding 1-2 sentences carefully. The answer is usually close by. Don’t rely on memory—confirm the exact wording from the text.

6. Check Word Count and Grammar

Ensure your answer fits the word limit and grammatically completes the question. For example, if the question is "What did the study find?" and the passage says "The study found a significant increase in temperature," your answer could be "a significant increase in temperature" (if within word limit) or "significant increase in temperature."

7. Write Directly from the Text

Do not paraphrase. Use the exact words from the passage. IELTS examiners expect you to copy the text, not rephrase it.

Common Question Types and How to Tackle Them

Type 1: Factual Questions

These ask for specific facts, like dates, names, or numbers. Example: "When was the first satellite launched?" Strategy: Scan for numbers (e.g., 1957) or words like "launched," "first," "satellite."

Type 2: Definition Questions

These ask for the meaning of a term. Example: "What is photosynthesis?" Strategy: Look for definitions signaled by phrases like "is defined as," "refers to," or "means."

Type 3: Cause and Effect Questions

These ask for reasons or results. Example: "Why did the population decline?" Strategy: Search for cause-effect words like "because," "due to," "led to," "resulted in."

Type 4: Comparison Questions

These ask for differences or similarities. Example: "How does X differ from Y?" Strategy: Look for comparative words like "unlike," "whereas," "in contrast," "similarly."

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Answers are mostly correct but may have minor errors in word count or grammar. Some answers may be incomplete or slightly off-topic.
7	Answers are accurate and within the word limit. Minor errors in spelling or grammar are rare. The candidate can locate most answers quickly.
8	Answers are precise, within the word limit, and directly from the text. No errors. The candidate uses effective scanning and skimming techniques.
9	Answers are flawless, perfectly matching the word limit and grammar. The candidate demonstrates exceptional speed and accuracy, with no wasted time.

Sample Answers

Band 7: Question: "What is the main cause of coral bleaching?" Answer: "rising sea temperatures" (correct, but may have minor spelling issues like "temperatures" misspelled as "tempratures") Band 8: Question: "What is the main cause of coral bleaching?" Answer: "rising sea temperatures" (accurate, within word limit, no errors) Band 9: Question: "What is the main cause of coral bleaching?" Answer: "rising sea temperatures" (perfect, with flawless spelling and grammar, and the answer is directly from the text)

Common Mistakes

❌Writing more words than allowed: If the limit is "NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS," writing "rising sea temperatures and pollution" is wrong. Stick to the limit.

❌Paraphrasing instead of copying: Changing "rising sea temperatures" to "increasing ocean heat" may lose marks. Use the exact words from the passage.

❌Ignoring the question's grammar: If the question is "What did the study find?" and the passage says "The study found a significant increase," your answer should be "a significant increase" (not "significant increase" without the article, if the question expects it).

Common Question Types and How to Tackle Them

Type 1: Factual Questions

These ask for specific facts like dates, names, or numbers. Example: "When was the first satellite launched?" Strategy: Scan for numbers (e.g., 1957) or words like "launched," "first," "satellite."

Type 2: Definition Questions

These ask for the meaning of a term. Example: "What is photosynthesis?" Strategy: Look for definitions signaled by phrases like "is defined as," "refers to," or "means."

Type 3: Cause and Effect Questions

These ask for reasons or results. Example: "Why did the population decline?" Strategy: Search for cause-effect words like "because," "due to," "led to," "resulted in."

Type 4: Comparison Questions

These ask for differences or similarities. Example: "How does X differ from Y?" Strategy: Look for comparative words like "unlike," "whereas," "in contrast," "similarly."

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Answers are mostly correct but may have minor errors in word count or grammar. Some answers may be incomplete or slightly off-topic.
7	Answers are accurate and within the word limit. Minor errors in spelling or grammar are rare. The candidate can locate most answers quickly.
8	Answers are precise, within the word limit, and directly from the text. No errors. The candidate uses effective scanning and skimming techniques.
9	Answers are flawless, perfectly matching the word limit and grammar. The candidate demonstrates exceptional speed and accuracy, with no wasted time.

Sample Answers

Band 7: Question: "What is the main cause of coral bleaching?" Answer: "rising sea temperatures" (correct, but may have minor spelling issues like "temperatures" misspelled as "tempratures") Band 8: Question: "What is the main cause of coral bleaching?" Answer: "rising sea temperatures" (accurate, within word limit, no errors) Band 9: Question: "What is the main cause of coral bleaching?" Answer: "rising sea temperatures" (perfect, with flawless spelling and grammar, and the answer is directly from the text)

Common Mistakes

❌Writing more words than allowed: If the limit is "NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS," writing "rising sea temperatures and pollution" is incorrect. Stick to the limit.

❌Paraphrasing instead of copying: Changing "rising sea temperatures" to "increasing ocean heat" may lose marks. Use the exact words from the passage.

❌Ignoring the question's grammar: If the question is "What did the study find?" and the passage says "The study found a significant increase," your answer should be "a significant increase" (not "significant increase" without the article, if the question expects it).

Common Mistakes

❌Writing more words than allowed: If the limit is "NO MORE THREE WORDS," writing "rising sea temperatures and pollution" is incorrect. Stick to the limit.

❌Paraphrasing instead of copying: Changing "rising sea temperatures" to "increasing ocean heat" may lose marks. Use the exact words from the passage.

❌Ignoring the question's grammar: If the question is "What did the study find?" and the passage says "The study found a significant increase," your answer should be "a significant increase" (not "significant increase" without the article, if the question expects it).

Top Tips

Tip 1: Always read the questions before the passage. This saves time and helps you focus on relevant sections.

Tip 2: Underline keywords in the questions and scan for synonyms in the text. For example, "main cause" might appear as "primary reason" in the passage.

Tip 3: Practice with timed conditions. Set a timer for 20 minutes per passage to simulate the real test.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials.

FAQ

Q: Can I use my own words in short answer questions? A: No. You must use the exact words from the passage. Paraphrasing can lead to lost marks. Q: What if I can't find the answer? A: Move on to the next question. You can come back later if time permits. Don’t waste time on one question. Q: How many words can I write? A: Follow the instruction. Common limits are "NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS" or "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS." Always check. Q: Can I write a number as a word? A: Yes, but it counts as a word. For example, "twenty" is one word, while "20" is also one word. Choose the shorter option if needed.

Key Takeaways

✅Read questions first to identify keywords and word limits.

✅Scan for synonyms and paraphrases, not exact matches.

✅Copy the exact words from the passage—do not paraphrase.

✅Check word count and grammar before writing your answer.

✅Practice with timed tests to improve speed and accuracy.

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