
Short answer questions in the IELTS Reading section are among the easiest to tackle. These questions require locating specific answers within the passage and responding within the word limit specified in the instructions. By skim-reading the passage and focusing on question words, you can identify the type of answers needed. Notably, the answers for these questions follow the order of the passage, making it easier to find them.
What Do Short Answer Questions Analyze?
These questions test your ability to:- Skim and scan the passage efficiently
- Identify keywords
- Understand synonyms and paraphrased words
Pay Attention to Word Limits
Exceeding the word limit will result in an invalid answer, even if it is logically correct. For example, if the instruction is “no more than two words,” your response must adhere to this limit.
Beware of Paraphrased Words
Questions are often paraphrased. Use words directly from the passage to answer and focus on understanding the implied meanings.
Follow Instructions Carefully
Begin by reading the instructions and questions to identify the required information. Then, proceed to the relevant paragraph to locate the answer.
Underline Keywords
Highlight keywords in the questions and think of possible synonyms. Use these to navigate the passage and locate the answers efficiently. Ensure your answer adheres to the word limit, keeping in mind that hyphenated words count as one.
Do’s and Don’ts for Short Answer Questions
Do’s:
- Quickly skim through questions to identify the required information.
- Recognize synonyms and hidden vocabulary.
- Ensure your answer does not exceed the word limit.
- Follow the sequence of questions for efficient navigation.
- Write answers in capital letters for clarity.
- Check for grammatical accuracy, adjusting tense if necessary.
Don’ts:
- Avoid reading the passage before the questions.
- Do not read every word in the passage; focus on skimming and scanning.
- Do not panic if you encounter unfamiliar words—they may be paraphrased.
Example Questions
Passage:
The Role of Bees in Agriculture
A. Bees play a critical role in agricultural production by pollinating crops, which in turn boosts yields and ensures the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Some studies suggest that around 75% of the world’s crops depend to some extent on pollination by bees. Farmers in many regions actively maintain bee populations by creating suitable habitats or renting bee colonies during flowering seasons.
B. However, modern agricultural practices have adversely affected bee populations. Pesticides, monoculture farming, and habitat destruction have all contributed to declining numbers of both wild and domesticated bees. This has led to a significant reduction in pollination efficiency, which negatively impacts crop yields. For instance, in certain parts of China, the scarcity of bees has forced farmers to resort to manual pollination of fruit trees.
Questions 1-4
Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS, answer the following questions.
Write your answers in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.
- What boosts agricultural production?
- How do some farmers maintain bee populations?
- What farming practice has harmed bees?
- What method is used for pollination in parts of China?
Answers:
- Pollinating crops
- Renting bee colonies
- Monoculture farming
- Manual pollination
Explanation:
The answers are located in the passage in the order of the questions. For instance:- Answer 1: The answer is in the first paragraph, 1st line: “Bees play a critical role in agricultural production by pollinating crops.”
- Answer 2: The answer is in the first paragraph, 4th line: “Farmers in many regions actively maintain bee populations by creating suitable habitats or renting bee colonies.”
- Answer 3: The answer is in the second paragraph, 2nd line: “Pesticides, monoculture farming, and habitat destruction have all contributed to declining numbers of bees.”
- Answer 4: The answer is in the second paragraph, 5th line: “In certain parts of China, the scarcity of bees has forced farmers to resort to manual pollination.”
To excel in IELTS Reading, mastering short answer questions is key. Understand the keywords, skim effectively, and always stay within the word limit
Mastering short answer questions requires practice in skimming, scanning, and understanding synonyms. Regular practice with IELTS passages will enhance accuracy and time management.
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