Strategies for tackling short answer questions in IELTS Reading

What are Short answer questions in IELTS Reading?

Short answer questions are a type of test in IELTS that requires candidates to answer by writing one or a few short words. With this type of test, the question will ask you to find specific information in the reading passage and answer by writing a complete sentence or part of a sentence.

These types of questions may require you to identify keywords, numbers, proper nouns, dates, locations, or any specific information in the reading. You need to carefully read the question and locate relevant passages to find the answer.

When answering, use precise and concise language. Additionally, pay attention to specific requirements in the question, such as word limits, capitalization, or case sensitivity.

To excel in short answer questions in the reading section of IELTS, you need to enhance your reading comprehension skills, quickly locate information, and use accurate language to answer succinctly and precisely.

Format of Short Answer question test 

The question format and how to answer in Short Answer questions are typically straightforward. The question addresses specific information in the reading and requires you to answer with a single word or short phrase.

When responding, ensure your answer is concise, accurate, and relevant to the information provided in the reading. Pay attention to keywords in the question and search related passages in the reading to identify the correct answer.

Additionally, when answering, use your own language; do not copy sentences or words from the reading that you have already read.

Steps to tackle short answer questions in IELTS Reading

To handle short answer questions in IELTS Reading, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Read the question carefully and understand the requirements. 

By reading the question carefully and understanding the requirements beforehand, you can identify keywords or key phrases in the question. This will help you focus on searching and scanning the reading efficiently, concentrating only on relevant parts related to the answer.

Step 2: Identify keywords and underline

Identify keywords in the question, important words or phrases that mark the information needed in the reading to focus on effective searching and scanning.

Step 3: Skim through the entire content

After reading the question carefully and understanding the requirements, you can skim through the reading to find paragraphs or sections related to the question. This helps you quickly identify the position of information related to keywords and focus on reading important parts thoroughly.

Step 4: Read the content thoroughly

When you find relevant paragraphs, read them carefully and understand their meanings to find the accurate answer.

Step 5: Note-taking and answering

With the results found, summarize them in 2 – 4 words to ensure the answer is not too long and complies with the question requirements.

Step 6: Review your answer

After answering, review your response and compare it to the original question. Ensure your answer is not only correct in meaning but also contextually appropriate and meets the question's requirements. Pay special attention to avoiding spelling or grammatical errors in this type of task.

Step 7: Pay attention to special requirements

In some tests, it's important to pay attention to specific requirements in the questions to avoid unjust point deductions, such as word limits, capitalization, or case sensitivity. Adhere to these requirements to ensure high scores.

Tips for tackling short answer questions in IELTS Reading

To achieve good results in the exam, remember the following tips:

• Câu hỏi được thực hiện theo trật tự của bài đọc nên bạn chỉ cần đọc từ trên xuống dưới.
• Đọc câu hỏi trước, sau đó đọc đoạn văn để hiểu rõ ý của câu hỏi rồi mới tìm câu trả lời
• Câu trả lời không cần phải đúng ngữ pháp, chỉ cần thể hiện đúng ý của câu hỏi là được.
• Sử dụng từ đồng nghĩa và paraphrase khi có từ khóa để tìm thông tin.
• Không được trả lời dựa trên ý kiến riêng mà phải dựa vào nội dung và thông tin trong bài đọc.
• Luyện tập làm các bài tập Short Answer questions để rèn kỹ năng đọc hiểu, tìm kiếm thông tin và trả lời một cách ngắn gọn và chính xác

Common mistakes in handling short answer questions in IELTS Reading

• Trong một vài trường hợp, từ khóa thường được viết dưới dạng từ đồng nghĩa hoặc đã được paraphrase lại nên bạn cần lưu ý học thêm các từ đồng nghĩa và các cụm từ liên quan.
• Không chú ý đến “Word limit”  sẽ dẫn bạn đến việc mất điểm không mong muốn vì nếu câu trả lời có số từ vượt quá yêu cầu thì coi như bạn làm sai. 
• Cố gắng đọc hiểu ý nghĩa tất cả chữ trong bài là điều không cần thiết. Bạn chỉ cần đọc kỹ câu hỏi và đọc lướt (skimming) để xác định đoạn văn chứa câu trả lời. 

Practice exercises for short answer questions in IELTS Reading

The Pursuit of Knowledge

A. Samuel Johnson, the renowned English lexicographer, delineates two types of knowledge: personal understanding and knowing where to access information. In today's world inundated with data, the latter holds greater significance. The sheer volume of information overwhelms people, making it challenging to process effectively, echoing Johnson’s insights. However, modern times add another dimension: the necessity to apply acquired knowledge, a critical yet often overlooked aspect.

B. Human acquisitiveness is natural, seen from childhood hobbies like collecting cards or stamps. Yet, the treatment of accumulated knowledge is perplexing. It often appears as if collecting knowledge itself is the goal, turning the world into an information machine. This misconceived endeavor contributes to workplace disillusionment and stress as people realize the superficiality of their pursuits.

Answer the following questions using a maximum of six words from the passage for each answer.

1. Write your answers next to 1-4 on your answer sheet. 
2. What exactly overwhelms people?
3. What is the singular failure of the modern information age?
4. According to the author, what has the world turned into?
5. What are the consequences in the workplace of moving large amounts of raw data around?

Answers

1. Information overload

2. Failing to apply acquired knowledge

3. Information behemoth

4. Workplace disillusionment and stress