Three Words and/or a Number Questions Guide

Understanding “No More Than Three Words and/or a Number” Questions

These questions require you to:

  • Fill in gaps using words from the passage
  • Use a maximum of three words plus a number (if needed)
  • Keep the exact words from the passage
  • Maintain grammatical correctness
Important:
  • Numbers count as one word
  • Hyphenated words count as one word
  • Articles (a, an, the) count as words

Example 1: Number + Words

Passage:

The Sydney Opera House took 14 years to complete, with construction beginning in 1959. The final cost of the project was 102 million Australian dollars, which was substantially more than the original estimated budget of 7 million.

Question:

The construction of the Sydney Opera House lasted ________________.

14 years
Explanation:

The answer “14 years” is correct because:

  • It uses a number (14) and one word (years)
  • It’s taken directly from the passage
  • It maintains grammatical correctness

Common mistakes:

fourteen years

(numbers should be written as numerals)

14 long years

(adds unnecessary word)

Example 2: Three Words

Passage:

Marine biologists have discovered that dolphins use signature whistles to identify themselves and other members of their pod. These unique sounds function like names and help maintain social bonds within the group.

Question:

Dolphins use ________________ to identify themselves.

signature whistles
Explanation:

The answer “signature whistles” is correct because:

  • It uses exactly the words from the passage
  • It’s within the three-word limit
  • It completes the sentence grammatically

Common mistakes:

their signature whistles

(exceeds word limit)

unique sounds

(wrong information, though mentioned in passage)

Example 3: Words with Number

Passage:

The average adult brain weighs about 1.5 kilograms and contains approximately 86 billion neurons. These neurons form trillions of connections, enabling complex thought processes.

Question:

The adult human brain weighs approximately ________________.

1.5 kilograms
Explanation:

The answer “1.5 kilograms” is correct because:

  • The number (1.5) counts as one word
  • It includes the unit (kilograms)
  • It’s within the three-word limit

Common mistakes:

about 1.5 kilograms

(exceeds word limit)

1.5

(missing unit)

Key Rules and Tips

Word Count Rules:

Type Counts As Example
Numbers (including decimals) One word 1.5, 86, 100
Hyphenated words One word well-known, up-to-date
Articles (a, an, the) One word the brain, an apple
Symbols Should be written as words % → percent

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Adding Extra Words:
    Don’t add unnecessary words like “about” or “approximately” unless they’re part of the answer
  2. Changing Word Forms:
    Use exactly the same form of words as in the passage
  3. Missing Units:
    Include units with numbers when they’re given in the passage
  4. Using Synonyms:
    Don’t replace words with synonyms – use the exact words from the passage
  5. Spelling Mistakes:
    Double-check spelling – any spelling error will mark the answer wrong
No More Than 3 Words and/or a Number

No More Than 3 Words and/or a Number

Reading Passage

The Eiffel Tower, located in Paris, France, was completed in 1889 and remains one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Standing at 324 meters tall, it attracts millions of visitors annually. Initially criticized by some as an “eyesore,” it has since become a beloved symbol of France and a marvel of engineering. Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind its design, ensured the tower’s durability with wrought iron construction. Today, it is not only a tourist attraction but also a cultural icon, hosting various events and exhibitions.

1. Where is the Eiffel Tower located?

Answer: Paris, France

The passage explicitly states that the Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, France.

2. When was the Eiffel Tower completed?

Answer: 1889

The text mentions that the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889.

3. How tall is the Eiffel Tower?

Answer: 324 meters

The passage indicates that the Eiffel Tower stands at 324 meters tall.

4. Who designed the Eiffel Tower?

Answer: Gustave Eiffel

The passage identifies Gustave Eiffel as the engineer behind the tower’s design.

5. What material ensures the Eiffel Tower’s durability?

Answer: Wrought iron

The text mentions that the Eiffel Tower’s durability is due to its wrought iron construction.

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