FREE PTE Answer Short Question Practice With Answers

This blog by PTE Magic includes PTE Answer Short Question practice examples and everything you need to know to prepare, including task instructions and the most common mistakes.

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Key Takeaways

• The PTE Answer Short Question requires test-takers to hear a question and respond in one or two words.
• Test-takers can expect 10 to 12 questions, each lasting 9 seconds.
• Short-answer questions are based on concepts and facts.
• The Answer Short Question task plays a key role in evaluating candidates’ speaking and listening skills.

Related:

• PTE Magic online courses
• PTE Academic preparation guide
• PTE Speaking format and tips
• PTE Speaking practice questions and answers

Instruction

The PTE Answer Short Question requires test-takers to hear a question and respond in one or two words.

The test will automatically play the audio and an image will appear sometimes.

This task has no signal beep, so test-takers must pay attention when the clips end and speak immediately when the microphone opens. Additionally, you only have one chance to answer so be mindful.

Candidates have 10 seconds to respond. Don’t rush or hesitate, just speak clearly and finish before the progress bar ends.

FREE PTE Answer Short Question Practice Samples

You will hear a question. Please give a simple and short answer. Often just one or a few words is enough.

Sample 1:

Answer:

Selfish

 

Sample 2:

Answer:

Container

 

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Sample 3:

Answer:

Uniform

 

Sample 4:

Answer:

Lungs

 

Sample 5:

Answer:

Prison

 

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Common Mistakes To Avoid

Long Answers

Some PTE test-takers rush through the question, misunderstanding the question’s key points and giving long answers. 

For example, the question “What do bees produce?” is easy, but students who rush or panic may answer, “Bees produce honey.” This response is correct; however, it’s overcomplicated and unnecessary. A “Honey” is enough and still correct for this question.

This happens when candidates fail to focus on the question. The PTE Answer Short Question task requires answers that are as short as possible. Therefore, listen carefully to catch the key points.

Overthinking Causing Hesitation

Overthinking makes test-takers waste time. Some might take too long to think of a perfect answer, which leads to a low fluency score.

Fix this mistake by training your brain to respond instantly. Avoid pauses and overanalysing when doing PTE Answer Short Question tasks. Learners can take these practice tasks on the PTE Magic platform to sharpen this skill under real test conditions.

Struggle With Pronunciation

The wrong pronunciation of a word or the unnatural rhythm of a sentence will decrease your score. The PTE algorithm will evaluate speech based on how the speaker says it. 

A smooth, confident, and well-paced sentence sounds more natural and receives a higher score. Candidates who mispronounce syllables or flatten the intonation will make even correct answers unrecognisable.

Find native speakers to copy their tone and stress patterns. You can do this both online and in the real world. Then, record yourself and listen to your speech to improve your mistakes. The more natural you sound, the higher your score.

Unrelated Answers 

Many test-takers give a completely unrelated answer to a simple question. Guessing blindly or misunderstanding the context leads to wrong answers. 

The key here is to use your knowledge. If you’re unsure, don’t overcomplicate it. A half-right answer is better than guessing. You can skip the question if you truly don’t know to avoid wasting time.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How To Prepare For PTE Short Answer Questions?

A strong vocabulary helps you answer more quickly. Enhance your vocabulary by reading, listening, and absorbing new words daily. You can watch the news and movies to mimic the native speakers’ pronunciation and rhythm. Additionally, it can boost your grammar and listening skills, too. 

Aside from mimicking and memorising, learners should also apply their knowledge by writing new words and speaking them out loud. The more methods you use, the better you can prepare for the task.

How Many Answers Short Questions In The PTE Exam?

Test-takers can expect 10 to 12 questions, each lasting 9 seconds. Your response should be just one or two words because the test only gives candidates 10 seconds to answer each question. Therefore, try to think quickly and give clear answers.

What Are Examples Of Short Answer Questions?

PTE Short Answer Questions could be questions similar to these:

• What do we call a person who writes books? – Author
• What instrument is used to measure temperature? – Thermometer
• What gas do plants absorb from the air? – Carbon dioxide
• Which planet is known as the Red Planet? – Mars
• What is the opposite of “maximum”? – Minimum

For more examples and templates of this task, read our “PTE Answer Short Questions: A Short Guide to Success”.

How To Study For Short Answer Questions?

Short-answer questions are based on concepts and facts. Therefore, make a list of all the key theories, terms, and ideas that have appeared previously in the test for practice. You can widen your knowledge by reading more articles and watching the news.

Is Answer Short Question Important In PTE?

The Answer Short Question task in the PTE exam may seem straightforward and short, but it plays a key role in evaluating candidates’ speaking and listening skills.

 

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Conclusion

We hope you find all the helpful PTE Answer Short Question practice resources in this blog.

Don’t forget to check on the PTE Magic platform frequently for more insightful information. Cheers!

Last updated on 24/02/2025