Speaking & Writing — Part 1

Answer Short Question

5–6 Tasks
Response: 10 sec
1 Point Per Task

Official Instruction

“You will hear a question. Please give a simple and short answer. Often just one or a few words is enough.”

Scoring Criteria

What Is Being Assessed

Vocabulary (1 point per item)

Correct answer = 1 point. Wrong or no answer = 0 points. No partial credit. No negative marking.

This is the only binary-scored task in PTE — it’s either right or wrong. But since there is no negative marking, always answer.

Strategy

Key Tips

Topic areas: Science, nature, health, everyday objects, geography, culture, and social situations.

  • ➤Give a 1–2 word answer only. This is not an essay task — adding extra words doesn’t help.
  • ➤Speak immediately after you hear the question. Don’t overthink — your first instinct is usually correct.
  • ➤Build general knowledge vocabulary: anatomy terms, scientific names, common processes, everyday items.
  • ➤No negative marking — always say something even if unsure. Silence guarantees zero.
  • ➤Example Q: “What is the largest organ in the human body?” → Answer: Skin