Speaking · ASQ

Answer Short Question: PTE guide and practice

Answer Short Question asks for a brief and accurate response to a spoken general-knowledge question.

Section
Speaking
Practice time
About 1 minute per item
Official format
Pearson PTE

Direct answer

What is Answer Short Question in PTE?

Listen to the question and answer directly, often with one or a few words. A longer response does not earn extra credit.

What it measures

Which skills does Answer Short Question assess?

Listening comprehension and the accuracy of the answer.

Step by step

How should you approach Answer Short Question?

  1. Listen for the question word and subject.
  2. Give the shortest complete answer you are confident about.
  3. Use a natural phrase when a single word would sound unclear.

Avoid these

Common Answer Short Question mistakes

  • Giving a long explanation instead of the answer.
  • Repeating the question while the response window is open.

Official reference

Use The Panel for guided preparation and practice. Confirm official test rules and scoring details on the Pearson PTE Speaking format page.

Put the guide into practice

Try a focused Answer Short Question session.

Open the matching module in The Panel practice portal and apply the steps while they are fresh.