The IELTS Reading section is one of the crucial sections for achieving a high score, and one of the key question types you will get is the short answer question. These questions require candidates to locate specific information within the passage and respond concisely. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies and tips to approach short-answer questions with confidence, ensuring you can efficiently find and articulate the necessary details to maximise your reading score.
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What is the IELTS Reading short answer question?
The IELTS Reading short answer questions require test-takers to read a passage and then answer questions using words from the passage. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Format:
You will be given a passage to read.
Following the passage, there will be a series of questions.
Each question will require a brief response, typically a word or a phrase.
You are instructed to use words from the passage, often with a word limit (e.g., “No more than three words and/or a number”).
Types of short answer questions in IELTS Reading
Questions often focus on specific details within the passage.
They may ask for factual information, such as dates, names, places, or numbers.
They can also require you to summarise information or explain a concept concisely.
IELTS Reading short answer question practice
Here is an IELTS Reading short answer question sample for your reference, practicing with this type of sample can help you score higher on the IELTS Reading section:
Questions 4 – 8
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 4-8 on your answer sheet.
4. What has been found in some Fancy Foods products?
5. Where can you find the batch number on the jars?
6. How much will you receive for an opened jar of contaminated Chicken Curry?
7. If you have eaten Chicken Curry from a jar with one of the batch numbers listed, whom should you contact?
8. What is the maximum reward Fancy Foods is offering for information about who contaminated their product?
IMPORTANT NOTICE: PRODUCT RETURNFancy Foods wishes to inform the public that pieces of metal have been found in some jars of Fancy Foods Chicken Curry (Spicy). The batches of the jars involved have numbers from J6617 to J6624. The batch number is printed on the bottom of each jar. If you have any jars with these batch numbers, please return them (preferably unopened) to the supermarket where you purchased them. You can also return them to the factory (Fancy Foods Retailers, Blacktown). Fancy Foods will pay $10 for each jar returned unopened and $5 for each jar already opened. No payment will be made for empty jars, which do not need to be returned. However, the Retailing Manager will be interested to hear from people who have consumed chicken curry from any of the above batch numbers. In particular, it will be helpful if they can give information about the place of purchase of the product. Jars of Fancy Foods Chicken Curry (Coconut) and Fancy Foods Chicken Curry (Mango) have not been affected and do not need to be returned.REWARDFancy Foods will pay a reward of $10,000 to $50,000 for information which leads to the conviction of any person found guilty of placing metal pieces in its products. If you have such information, please contact the Customer Relations Manager, Fancy Foods Retailers, Blacktown.
Reading sample task – short – answer questions (Answers)
4 pieces of metal
5 (on) the bottom
6 $5
7 (the) Retailing Manager
8 $50,000
Words in brackets are optional - they are correct, but not necessary.
IELTS Reading short answer questions tips
The below methodical approach can help you effectively approach short-answer questions in the IELTS Reading section.
Skim the passage: Quickly skim the passage to get a general idea of the content and layout.
Identify keywords: Read the questions carefully and underline or highlight keywords.
Scan for information: Scan the passage for the keywords or synonyms to locate the relevant section.
Read carefully: Once you find the relevant section, read it carefully to understand the context.
Answer precisely: Write your answer using words from the passage. Ensure you stay within the word limit specified in the question.
Check grammar: Make sure your answer is grammatically correct in the context of the question.
Hope this blog helps you understand all about IELTS Reading short answer questions. Also, if you want to take an IELTS test or need related answers then you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will clear up all your queries.