Answer Short Question: PTE Speaking Practice Questions with Sample Answers (2026)

In Answer Short Question, you hear a short question and answer it in one or a few words. It tests listening and general knowledge, not long speaking. Practice with 15 real questions below and check the correct answers.

15 Questions

Practice questions

Attempt each one, then open the sample answer to compare.

Question 1

You will hear a question. Please answer with a single word or a few words.

What do we call a road crossing where pedestrians have the right of way?
Community Answers

View Sample Answer

Zebra crossing

Question 2

You will hear a question. Please answer with a single word or a few words.

What is the term for a doctor who specializes in treating children?
Community Answers

View Sample Answer

Pediatrician

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Question 3

You will hear a question. Please answer with a single word or a few words.

What is the event when the moon completely blocks the sun’s light?
Community Answers

View Sample Answer

Solar eclipse

How to approach it

  1. Listen for the key word. The question usually points to one obvious answer.
  2. Answer in one to three words. No need for full sentences.
  3. Respond immediately. Speed matters. Do not overthink.
  4. Say it clearly. One clear word scores better than a mumbled phrase.

Useful Phrases

one-word answera short noun phraserespond instantlyspeak clearly

FAQs

How many Answer Short Question items come in PTE?

Usually 5 to 6. Each question plays once and expects an answer within a few seconds.

How long should my answer be?

One word or a short phrase. A single clear word is a complete, full-scoring answer.

What if I do not know the answer?

Say your best guess quickly and move on. There is no negative marking, and silence scores zero.

Which section does Answer Short Question score?

Officially it counts toward your Listening score. You answer aloud, but Pearson scores it as a listening task, so quick clear answers are easy Listening marks.

How can I prepare for the general knowledge part?

Practice common categories: everyday objects, places, professions, science basics. The questions stay simple.

Practice Other Question Types

Speaking

Read Aloud Repeat Sentence Describe Image Re-tell Lecture Respond to a Situation Summarize Group Discussion

Writing

Summarize Written Text Essay Write Email

Reading

Fill in the Blanks (Drop-down) Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Multiple Choice, Single Answer Fill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop) Reorder Paragraphs

Listening

Summarize Spoken Text Fill in the Blanks Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Multiple Choice, Single Answer Highlight Correct Summary Select Missing Word Highlight Incorrect Words Write from Dictation

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