Question type 6 of 6: Short answer questions in IELTS listening

Question type 6 of 6: Short answer questions in IELTS listening. On this page, we will look at the last of the 6 types of question used in the IELTS listening test – Other completion questions in IELTS listening.

What do I have to do for Short answer questions in IELTS listening?

For this question type, you need to give a short answer to a question.

Here’s an example:

Questions 31 to 32

Answer the questions below

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer

31. For what type of positions will most of the audience be applying for the first time?
32. What is a general CV unlikely to achieve?

What is this question type testing my ability to do?

With this question type, you are being tested on your ability to understand a rephrased sentence and identify key points in the recording.

What are the best steps for answering Other completion questions in IELTS listening?

There are 7 steps that we recommend following for this question type:

Step 1 – Instructions: Read the instruction words carefully regarding the number of words / numbers you need.

Step 2 – Keywords: Identify keywords and consider how they might be rephrased and what they suggest you will need to listen for

Step 3 – Predict: Predict the type of answer you are looking for – what word group (adjective / noun etc)? Is it a number? A name?

Step 4 – Prepare: Look at the next question. This is an essential step in the IELTS listening test. If you are aware of what the next question is about and then you hear it, you know you’ve missed the answer you were waiting for! Although that’s not good news, it’s better than waiting for an answer that’s already gone and missing subsequent answers.

Step 5 – Listen: Identify your answer

Step 6 – Write / Type: Write or type your answer but keep listening

What useful tips are there for this question type?

• TIP 1: Follow the instructions for the number of words
• TIP 2: Wrong spelling will cost you a point
• TIP 3: The question paper will be paraphrased / rephrased in the recording
• Tip 4: Question words can give a good indication of the type of answer

Now practice!

Click the link in the table below to test your skills with Short answer questions in IELTS listening.