Short-answer Questions – IELTS Listening Test

In this listening task type, candidates are required to write short answers using information from what they just heard.  A word limit is sometimes given, for example, “NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS and/or NUMBERS”.  Candidates will not get a point if they exceed the stated maximum number of words.

Short-answer questions focuses on specific information.  You should always accurately work out what the topic of the question is, in order to give the correct answer.

An example of this would be if the question was asking “What is the main benefit of joining a fitness club?” The speaker may give several benefits to joining a fitness club, but none of them are the correct answer.  The speaker will mention that the main benefit is…

It is natural for the speaker to in a way think aloud.  The speaker will then discuss many connected things before stating directly what he or she thinks is the answer at the end of the reply.  If this happens, you should wait for the speaker to sum up before giving your answer to the question.  You run the risk of writing down the wrong answer or lose focus and not hear the subsequent discussions. 

If you encounter questions with a maximum number of words, you may be required to paraphrase what the speaker said.  When paraphrasing take note that grammar is still very important, don not just omit words from what the speaker said just to meet the maximum number of words.

If you can find any conversational videos or news videos on youtube; you could use them for practice and try answering the What, Where, Who, How and Why of the video.

Good luck with your IELTS exam.

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