How Many Short Answer Questions are Asked in PTE?

Kasturika Samanta

6 min read

Updated On Jul 28, 2025

Confused about how many short-answer questions are asked in PTE Speaking? Discover the answer to your question and how to answer with confidence with a list of frequently asked PTE short answer questions for 2025, tips, and scoring criteria for success.

What is the Answer Short Question Task in PTE Speaking?
How Many Short Answer Questions are There in PTE Speaking?
Frequently Asked PTE Short Answer Questions
Purpose of the PTE Answer Short Question Task
How Are Short Answer Questions in PTE Scored?
How to Attempt the Answer Short Question Task in PTE?
Conclusion: Mastering the Answer Short Question Task in PTE

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The PTE Speaking section includes various tasks, one of which is the Answer Short Question type. However, many candidates are doubtful about how many short questions are in the PTE and what the purpose of the PTE answer short questions. They even ask questions like how to attempt the answer short question section in the PTE and how short questions in the PTE are scored.

If you are preparing for the PTE Academic, this guide will clear up all your doubts and help you tackle short-answer questions with confidence.

What is the Answer Short Question Task in PTE Speaking?

The Answer Short Question (ASQ) is one of the tasks in the PTE Speaking section, where you will hear a short question and are required to respond with a single word or a brief phrase.

You will listen to the question once.
Then, you have about 10 seconds to answer.
The questions are general knowledge-based or logical reasoning-based.
Responses are usually 1 to 3 words long.
There will be no negative marking for incorrect answers, so it would be prudent to attempt all the questions in this section.

How Many Short Answer Questions are There in PTE Speaking?

There will be around 10 to 12 answer short questions in total in the Speaking section, and you will be awarded +1 mark for each correct answer. However, the number can vary slightly depending on the test version.

These questions appear after the PTE Repeat Sentence task and before the Summarize Written Text section begins.

Frequently Asked PTE Short Answer Questions

Now look at the list of the most popular PTE Speaking Short Answer questions to prepare yourself for PTE Academic 2025.

Question	Answer
Which symbol is used to complete a sentence?	Full stop/Period
What is the job title for someone who makes meals in a restaurant?	Chef/Cook
How many years are there in a passage of a decade?	10 years
Who sits in the cockpit of an aeroplane?	Pilot
When your bone is injured and broken, what would you say you have?	Fracture
What is the big musical instrument that has 88 black and white keys?	Piano
What do you call a doctor who can sell prescribed medicines in a hospital?	Chemist/Pharmacist
What do you call a list in front of a book which outlines the structure of a book?	Table of Contents
Under which circumstance would you describe the economy as a good one, the one with high unemployment or low unemployment?	Low unemployment
What is the outer part that protects fruits like oranges and bananas?	Peel
How do you call the money that citizens must contribute to the government for public use?	Tax
What kind of clothes and shoes do you wear to keep it comfortable when hiking?	Hiking outfit
What does the chemical symbol H2O stand for?	Water
A newspaper is published every day, and a journal is published every month. What do you call the publication that is published four times a year?	Quarterly
What is a painting of a person’s head usually called?	Portrait

Download the Frequently Asked PTE Short Answer Questions PDF

Click on the link below and download the PTE short answer questions with answers PDF!

PTE Short Answer Questions with Answers PDF

Purpose of the PTE Answer Short Question Task

Many test-takers wonder why such a simple task is part of an advanced language proficiency exam. Here's what the ASQ task evaluates:

Listening Skills: Can you comprehend the question quickly and accurately?
General Knowledge/Vocabulary: Do you have the basic vocabulary to respond to real-world, academic, or everyday questions?
Fluency and Pronunciation: Can you respond clearly, confidently, and immediately?

Although the answers are short, this task tests both your receptive (listening) and productive (speaking) skills.

How Are Short Answer Questions in PTE Scored?

This section is scored by AI, and your response is evaluated based on the following:

Criteria	Weightage
Correctness of Answer	High
Pronunciation	Moderate
Fluency	Moderate

It is important to note that if your pronunciation is unclear or you hesitate too much, even a correct word may not be marked. Similarly, if your answer is wrong but fluently spoken, you will not score.

How to Attempt the Answer Short Question Task in PTE?

Answering short questions in the PTE Speaking section may seem simple, but accuracy, timing, and delivery all play a vital role in scoring well. Here's a step-by-step strategy to help you answer with confidence and clarity.

1 Listen Carefully

You will hear each question only once, and there is no option to replay. This makes your listening focus critical. Here is how to enhance your listening:

Eliminate background noise or distractions.
Use noise-cancelling headphones during practice sessions.
Pay attention to question words like ‘what’, ‘who’, ‘where’, and ‘how’, which will guide your response.
Practice active listening by watching short documentaries or news clips and summarizing them in a few words.

If you miss a question in the real test, do not panic. Stay calm and focus on the next one. Every question is scored independently.

2 Don’t Overthink

Many students lose time trying to analyze or second-guess the question. But this task is designed to assess basic awareness and spontaneous response, not academic depth.

Answer the question as naturally as you would in conversation.
If you're unsure, go with your first instinct; often, it is correct.
Avoid complex thought processes that lead to hesitation.

Example:

Q: “What do we call a baby dog?”
Wrong: “I’m not sure, maybe… uh… puppy?”
Correct: “Puppy”

3 Speak Immediately

Timing is crucial. After the question finishes playing, a short beep will sound, which is your cue to speak. If you wait too long, the microphone will automatically close, and your response will not be recorded.

Aim to begin speaking within 1 to 2 seconds of the beep.
Avoid fillers like ‘um,’ ‘let me think’, or ‘I think it’s…’., as they reduce your fluency score.
Be assertive. Speak clearly and confidently, even if you are unsure.

Avoid this:	Say instead:
“I believe the answer is a nurse?”	“Nurse”

4 Stick to Short Answers

This is not a speaking monologue. You're expected to answer in 1 to 3 words only. Giving a full sentence does not help and can actually confuse the AI scoring system.

Avoid unnecessary elaboration.
Use the most direct form of the answer.
It also ensures you do not run out of time or get penalized for poor sentence structure.

5 Practice with Real Examples

Like any skill, success in this task comes with consistent practice. Make sure to:

Use official PTE preparation tools or trusted platforms with AI-powered voice analysis.
Record your answers and play them back to evaluate fluency, clarity, and pronunciation.
Use flashcards with audio questions to simulate real test conditions.
Some of the effective practice methods are listening to the question, pausing, speaking your answer aloud, checking the correct answer, and assessing your delivery.
You can also practice with a study partner who quizzes you rapidly, helping you develop reflex-like response speed.

Conclusion: Mastering the Answer Short Question Task in PTE

The Answer Short Question task in PTE may appear simple at first glance, but do not be fooled. It demands quick thinking, clear pronunciation, and sharp listening skills. Since the task contributes to both your speaking and listening scores, taking it seriously can significantly boost your overall PTE performance.

To succeed, focus on concise yet accurate answers, delivered fluently and without hesitation. Strengthen your general knowledge and vocabulary by reading short articles, following current events, and listening to educational podcasts.

Additionally, expand your topic familiarity in key areas such as science, geography, professions, and common measurements, which are frequently tested. And finally, practice minimal but precise speaking, a skill that benefits not only this task but also the entire Speaking module.

With smart preparation and consistent practice of PTE Speaking practice tests, you will be well on your way to mastering this deceptively simple but high-scoring PTE task.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many short questions are in the PTE exam?

Typically, the PTE Speaking section includes 10 to 12 Answer Short Questions. However, the number can vary slightly depending on the version of the test and the specific algorithm used on test day.

Is answer short questions important in PTE?

Yes, answer short questions in PTE Speaking is quite important. While each question carries fewer marks compared to other speaking tasks, Answer Short Questions contribute to both your Speaking and Listening scores.

Can I use full sentences in my answer?

No, you should not use full sentences in your answer. Only the relevant word or short phrase should be spoken. Full responses may confuse the AI scoring engine and negatively impact your score.

What types of topics are covered in Answer Short Questions?

The questions are drawn from common knowledge and academic contexts, including: science (e.g., water, temperature, biology), geography (e.g., countries, weather), professions (e.g., doctor, teacher), everyday vocabulary (e.g., keys, food, time), measurements, directions, and basic math.

What happens if I stay silent or hesitate too long?

If you remain silent for more than 3 seconds after the recording begins, the microphone will automatically close, and your response will not be scored. So, always aim to answer within 1–2 seconds after hearing the tone.