🎯 Objective
To help learners master the critical reading skills and analytical techniques needed to accurately answer Short Answer Questions in IELTS Reading tests, specifically focusing on "No More Than Three Words and/or a Number" and "No More Than Two Words or a Number" question types.
📝 Understanding Short Answer Questions
These questions test your ability to locate specific information in the text and extract precise answers within strict word limits.
| Question Type | Word Limit | Key Strategy | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | No more than THREE words and/or a number | Find exact phrases or paraphrase briefly | "renewable energy", "25%", "solar panels" |
| Type 2 | No more than TWO words or a number | Extract key nouns, adjectives, or numbers | "wind power", "15", "solar energy" |
| Numbers | Count as ONE word | Write exactly as shown in passage | "2,500", "30%", "1.5 million" |
📚 Complete Guide: Mastering Short Answer Questions
Understanding Word Limits and Rules
Critical Rules: The word limit is absolute and includes articles (a, an, the), prepositions, and conjunctions. Exceeding the limit results in zero marks, even if the content is correct.
📊 What Counts as ONE Word
Hyphenated words: well-known, twenty-five
Numbers: 2,500 / 15% / 1.5 million
Contractions: don't, isn't, can't
Articles: a, an, the (each counts as one word)
✅ Acceptable Answers
Exact copying: Use exact words from text
Logical paraphrasing: Only when obvious
Number formats: Keep original format (15% not fifteen percent)
Capitalization: Not usually important
❌ Common Mistakes
Adding unnecessary words: "the solar panels" when "solar panels" is sufficient
Changing word forms: "investment" to "invest"
Including irrelevant information: Extra descriptive words
Exceeding word limit: Most common error
🔍 Word Counting Examples
"renewable energy sources" = 3 words ✅ (for 3-word limit)
"twenty-five percent" = 2 words ✅ (hyphenated = 1 word)
"the wind power" = 3 words ❌ (for 2-word limit)
"wind power" = 2 words ✅ (for 2-word limit)
Step-by-Step Solution Process
Step 1: Analyze the Question (15 seconds)
- Identify question words (what, where, when, how, who)
- Note the word limit clearly
- Find key content words that will guide your search
- Predict the type of answer (noun, number, adjective)
Step 2: Locate Information (30 seconds)
- Scan for key words or their synonyms in the passage
- Read the surrounding sentences carefully
- Look for specific details that answer the question
- Pay attention to numbers, dates, and names
Step 3: Extract and Refine Answer (15 seconds)
- Copy the exact words from the passage when possible
- Count words carefully including articles and prepositions
- Remove unnecessary words to fit the limit
- Ensure the answer directly responds to the question
Advanced Techniques and Strategies
✅ Effective Strategies:
- Always count words before writing final answer
- Copy exactly from the passage when possible
- Look for keyword synonyms in the passage
- Focus on nouns, adjectives, and numbers
- Remove articles if they exceed word limit
- Practice identifying question types quickly
❌ Common Mistakes:
- Adding words not in the original passage
- Changing grammatical forms unnecessarily
- Including too many descriptive words
- Writing full sentences instead of phrases
- Ignoring the exact word count
- Assuming answers without finding evidence
Word Limit Decision Making:
3-word limit question: "What type of energy is mentioned?"
Passage: "The use of renewable solar energy..."
Possible answers: "renewable solar energy" (3 words ✅) or "solar energy" (2 words ✅)
Best choice: "renewable solar energy" (uses full allowance, more specific)
Question Type Analysis
Typical Question Patterns:
What: Usually asks for nouns or concepts
Where: Asks for locations or places
When: Asks for time periods, dates, or duration
How many/much: Asks for quantities or numbers
Who: Asks for people, organizations, or groups
Which: Asks for specific choices or types
Answer Type Predictions:
Numbers: Percentages, years, quantities, measurements
Names: People, places, organizations, brands
Time expressions: Decades, seasons, months, duration
Technical terms: Scientific concepts, processes, materials
Descriptive phrases: Types, categories, characteristics
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Multiple Possible Answers
Problem: Finding several potential answers in the passage
Solution: Choose the most specific and direct answer that fits the word limit
Example: Question asks for "type of renewable energy" → Choose "solar power" over just "power"
Challenge 2: Word Limit Constraints
Problem: Perfect answer exceeds word limit
Solution: Remove less essential words while keeping meaning
Example: "the advanced solar technology" → "solar technology" (remove "the advanced")
Challenge 3: Synonym Recognition
Problem: Question uses different words than passage
Solution: Learn common IELTS synonyms and paraphrasing patterns
Example: Question: "method" / Passage: "technique" or "approach"
📄 Reading Passage: Sustainable Energy Revolution
The global transition to sustainable energy has accelerated dramatically over the past decade. Renewable energy sources now account for approximately 30% of worldwide electricity generation, with solar power leading the charge. In 2023, solar energy capacity increased by an unprecedented 15 gigawatts, making it the fastest-growing renewable technology.
Wind power has also seen remarkable growth, particularly in coastal regions where offshore wind farms can generate up to 25% more electricity than their onshore counterparts. The Netherlands has emerged as a pioneer in this field, with over 200 offshore turbines currently operational. These turbines can each produce enough electricity to power 3,000 homes annually.
Energy storage technology represents another crucial component of the renewable revolution. Advanced lithium-ion batteries can now store energy for up to 8 hours, addressing the intermittency challenges that have historically limited renewable adoption. The cost of battery storage has decreased by 60% since 2020, making large-scale energy storage economically viable.
Government policies have played a significant role in driving this transformation. The European Union's Green Deal mandates that member countries achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To support this goal, the EU has allocated 750 billion euros for green energy investments over the next seven years. Similar initiatives are underway in Asia, where China plans to invest 2.5 trillion yuan in renewable energy infrastructure by 2030.
Smart grid technology is revolutionizing how energy is distributed and consumed. These intelligent networks can automatically balance supply and demand, reducing energy waste by up to 18%. In California, smart grid implementation has resulted in a 12% reduction in peak electricity demand, demonstrating the technology's effectiveness in managing renewable energy integration.
Despite these advances, challenges remain. The International Energy Agency estimates that global renewable capacity must triple by 2030 to meet climate targets. This requires continued innovation in energy efficiency, with researchers currently developing next-generation solar panels that could achieve 35% efficiency rates compared to today's average of 22%.
🧩 Practice Questions: Short Answer Questions
Answer the questions below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for questions 1-6, and NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS OR A NUMBER for questions 7-12.
1. What percentage of worldwide electricity generation comes from renewable energy sources?
2. Which renewable technology showed the fastest growth in 2023?
3. How much more electricity can offshore wind farms generate compared to onshore ones?
4. How many homes can each offshore turbine power per year?
5. For how long can advanced lithium-ion batteries store energy?
6. By what percentage has battery storage cost decreased since 2020?
7. When must EU member countries achieve carbon neutrality?
8. How much has the EU allocated for green energy investments?
9. By how much can smart grids reduce energy waste?
10. What is the current average efficiency rate of solar panels?
11. Which organization estimates renewable capacity requirements?
12. In which state was smart grid implementation particularly effective?
✅ Answer Key & Detailed Analysis
1. 30% / approximately 30%
Location: "Renewable energy sources now account for approximately 30% of worldwide electricity generation"
Analysis: Either "30%" or "approximately 30%" is acceptable. Numbers count as one word.
2. solar power / solar energy
Location: "solar power leading the charge" and "solar energy capacity increased by an unprecedented 15 gigawatts, making it the fastest-growing renewable technology"
Analysis: Both "solar power" and "solar energy" are acceptable as they refer to the same technology.
3. 25% / 25% more
Location: "offshore wind farms can generate up to 25% more electricity than their onshore counterparts"
Analysis: "25%" or "25% more" both fit within the three-word limit.
4. 3,000 / 3,000 homes
Location: "These turbines can each produce enough electricity to power 3,000 homes annually"
Analysis: Numbers with commas count as one word. "3,000 homes" uses two words.
5. 8 hours / up to 8 hours
Location: "Advanced lithium-ion batteries can now store energy for up to 8 hours"
Analysis: Both versions are acceptable within the word limit.
6. 60% / 60 percent
Location: "The cost of battery storage has decreased by 60% since 2020"
Analysis: Keep the original format from the passage. "60%" is preferred over "60 percent".
7. 2050
Location: "The European Union's Green Deal mandates that member countries achieve carbon neutrality by 2050"
Analysis: Simple one-word answer. Years count as one word.
8. 750 billion euros
Location: "the EU has allocated 750 billion euros for green energy investments"
Analysis: Numbers with descriptors count as one word. This exceeds the two-word limit, so the answer should be "750 billion".
Correct Answer: 750 billion
9. 18% / up to 18%
Location: "reducing energy waste by up to 18%"
Analysis: "18%" fits the two-word limit. "Up to 18%" would exceed it (three words).
Correct Answer: 18%
10. 22%
Location: "compared to today's average of 22%"
Analysis: Direct answer from the passage. One word/number answer.
11. International Energy Agency
Location: "The International Energy Agency estimates that global renewable capacity must triple by 2030"
Analysis: This is three words, which exceeds the two-word limit. The correct answer should be the abbreviated form or a shorter version.
Correct Answer: Energy Agency
12. California
Location: "In California, smart grid implementation has resulted in a 12% reduction in peak electricity demand"
Analysis: One-word answer, clearly stated in the passage.
🏆 Complete Analysis Guide and Advanced Strategies
🔍 Word Counting Mastery:
Question 8 Analysis - Common Mistake:
Student answer: "750 billion euros" (3 words - INCORRECT for 2-word limit)
Correct answer: "750 billion" (2 words - fits limit)
Lesson: Always prioritize staying within word limits over being more specific
Question 11 Analysis - Word Limit Strategy:
Full phrase: "International Energy Agency" (3 words - exceeds limit)
Strategic reduction: "Energy Agency" (2 words - fits limit, maintains meaning)
Alternative: "IEA" (if abbreviation used in passage)
⚡ Speed Reading Techniques for Short Answers:
Scanning Pattern:
• Read question → Identify question type → Predict answer type
• Scan for key words → Read surrounding sentences → Extract answer
• Count words → Adjust if necessary → Write final answer
Time Allocation (per question):
• Simple factual questions: 30-45 seconds
• Complex analytical questions: 60-90 seconds
• Number/date questions: 20-30 seconds
📊 Answer Type Recognition:
Number Questions:
Look for: percentages, years, quantities, measurements, durations
Example patterns: "What percentage...", "How many...", "How long..."
Name/Place Questions:
Look for: proper nouns, locations, organizations, people
Example patterns: "Which country...", "What organization...", "Where..."
Concept Questions:
Look for: technical terms, processes, types, categories
Example patterns: "What type of...", "Which method...", "What kind of..."
🎯 Error Prevention Strategies:
Before Writing Final Answer:
- Count words on fingers: include articles, prepositions
- Check capitalization: copy from passage when possible
- Verify spelling: especially for technical terms
- Confirm relevance: does it answer the specific question?
Word Reduction Hierarchy:
1. Remove articles (a, an, the) first
2. Remove descriptive adjectives if necessary
3. Keep essential nouns and numbers
4. Maintain grammatical sense when possible
🔄 Common Synonym Patterns in IELTS:
Academic Vocabulary Substitutions:
• increase → rise, grow, expand, boost
• decrease → fall, decline, drop, reduce
• method → approach, technique, way, system
• important → significant, crucial, vital, key
• problem → issue, challenge, difficulty
Technical Terms:
• renewable energy → sustainable energy, clean energy
• capacity → ability, potential, volume
• generate → produce, create, make
• efficient → effective, productive
📈 Improvement Exercises:
Daily Practice Routine (15 minutes):
- Practice word counting with newspaper headlines
- Create short answer questions from academic articles
- Time yourself extracting specific information
- Practice reducing word counts while maintaining meaning
Focus Areas for Different Skill Levels:
Beginner: Focus on word counting and exact copying
Intermediate: Practice synonym recognition and time management
Advanced: Master complex paraphrasing within word limits
🏆 Band Score Indicators:
Band 6.0: 7-8 correct answers out of 12
• Basic word counting accuracy
• Can find obvious answers
• Makes some word limit errors
Band 7.0: 9-10 correct answers out of 12
• Consistent word counting
• Good synonym recognition
• Minor errors in complex questions
Band 8.0+: 11-12 correct answers out of 12
• Perfect word counting
• Excellent paraphrasing skills
• Strategic answer optimization
⏰ Time Management for Complete Reading Test:
Short Answer Questions (typically 6-13 questions):
• Allocate 8-12 minutes total
• Spend 30-60 seconds per question
• Use remaining time for review and checking
Priority System:
1. Answer obvious questions first (numbers, names)
2. Tackle concept-based questions next
3. Return to difficult questions if time permits
4. Always write something - blank answers guarantee zero marks
🎓 Advanced Test-Taking Psychology:
Confidence Building:
• Start with easier questions to build momentum
• Remember that word limits are strictly enforced
• Trust your first instinct when unsure
• Move on quickly from difficult questions
Stress Management:
• Practice under timed conditions regularly
• Develop automatic word-counting skills
• Stay calm when passages seem unfamiliar
• Focus on finding answers, not understanding everything