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
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No More Than 3 Words and/or a Number

No More Than 3 Words and/or a Number

Ancient Rome: The Rise of an Empire

The Roman Empire, founded in 27 BCE by Augustus Caesar, became one of history’s most influential civilizations. At its peak in 117 CE, it covered 5 million square kilometers and dominated the Mediterranean region. The Colosseum, completed in 80 CE, could hold 50,000 spectators and remains Rome’s most iconic structure. Emperor Constantine moved the empire’s capital to Constantinople in 330 CE, marking a significant shift in power. Latin, the official language, evolved into several modern languages, while Roman architecture, characterized by the arch design, influenced buildings for centuries to come.

1. Who founded the Roman Empire?

Answer: Augustus Caesar

The passage states that the Roman Empire was founded by Augustus Caesar.

2. When was the Colosseum completed?

Answer: 80 CE

According to the text, the Colosseum was completed in 80 CE.

3. How many spectators could the Colosseum hold?

Answer: 50,000

The passage mentions that the Colosseum could hold 50,000 spectators.

4. What was the empire’s peak size?

Answer: 5 million kilometers

At its peak in 117 CE, the Roman Empire covered 5 million square kilometers.

5. What was the new capital city?

Answer: Constantinople

Emperor Constantine moved the empire’s capital to Constantinople.