The task and its timing
You hear a question of 3 to 9 seconds, sometimes with an image, and reply in one word or a short phrase. The microphone opens as soon as the audio ends, with no tone, and you have 10 seconds to answer (Pearson). You cannot replay the question or record twice.
Pearson's tips add that if you wait more than three seconds to start, or stop for three seconds, the recording closes. Although you answer by speaking, the Score Guide counts the item towards Listening only, and Pearson's page says speaking and writing are not tested.
The scoring rule and item counts are from Pearson's PTE Academic Test Taker Score Guide (the post-August-2025 edition, copyright 2025, PDF dated 4 March 2026), read on 4 October 2026. The explanations and examples are our own.
The scoring rule: one point or nothing
The guide scores this item correct or incorrect, with vocabulary as its only trait: 1 when your word choice is appropriate and 0 when it is not (page 24). Pearson's page says a wrong answer or silence earns nothing, and that extra words earn no extra marks.
| What you say | Score | What usually causes it |
|---|---|---|
| An appropriate word or short phrase that answers the question | 1 | Catching the key word in the question and answering at once |
| The right answer inside a full sentence | 1, the same as the short answer; the extra words add nothing | Treating it like a longer speaking task |
| A wrong or inappropriate word | 0 | Mishearing one key word, such as "before" for "after" |
| No answer before the recording closes | 0 | Waiting more than three seconds to start |
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Take a free scored PTE mock →Practical advice for Answer Short Question
This is our advice, not Pearson's rules. Start speaking straight away and keep it short. One clear word or phrase is all the item scores, and a long answer only adds time for something to go wrong.
If you are unsure, say your best guess. A wrong answer scores the same 0 as silence, so there is nothing to lose by answering.
Listen for the word that tells you what kind of answer is wanted, such as who, where, how many or what do you call. Speak clearly, even though pronunciation is not a scored trait here.
BandLadder's PTE mock tests include Answer Short Question practice with automatic marking, though only Pearson's score is official.
Frequently asked questions
How is PTE Answer Short Question scored?+
Correct or incorrect: 1 point for an appropriate answer and 0 for a wrong answer or no answer.
Does Answer Short Question count towards Speaking?+
No. The Score Guide counts it towards Listening only, even though you answer aloud.
Is there negative marking in Answer Short Question?+
No. A wrong answer scores 0, the same as no answer.
Should I answer Answer Short Question in a full sentence?+
There is no need. Pearson says extra words earn no extra marks, and a short accurate answer is what scores.
How long do I have to answer?+
10 seconds, starting as soon as the question ends. The recording closes if you stay silent for three seconds.
Keep reading
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Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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