What are Short Answer Questions?

Purpose:

Short answer questions are generally open-ended questions that require students to construct a concise response. 

You are required to identify:

• What the questions are asking you to consider

• Any techniques that emphasise the ideas being presented

• During reading time read the questions before you read the relevant texts in the Stimulus Booklet. This allows you to focus your reading (i.e. read Question 1 before reading Text 1)

• Time allocation—allocate time according to marks. Allow approximately 2 minutes per 1 mark (i.e. 3 marks = 6 minutes, 4 marks = 8 minutes, 5 marks = 10 minutes)

• As a general rule of thumb, one mark = one sentence. It is unnecessary to overcompensate for questions worth smaller marks to guarantee a reward

TECHNIQUE + QUOTE + EFFECT (i.e. analysis relating to human experiences)

Most sentences should contain T+Q+E

5 mark question = 1 topic sentence + 4-5 examples

4 mark question = 1 topic sentence + 3 examples

3 mark question = 1 topic sentence + 2 examples

→ Review language techniques here ← 

1. Answer the question

• Notice the key words in every question

• As above, let the wording of the question guide your reading

• In your response use the wording of the question and related ideas/experiences

For example, if the question asks about loneliness, discuss aspects depicted in the text

Key idea of question         Aspects of idea/related ideas

loneliness                            social isolation

sadness

desire for human connection

Address aspects of human experience represented in the texts

• Be specific. Zoom in. Demonstrate understanding by addressing specific aspects of the human experience in question

• Do not waste time. Answer the question immediately. Before writing, think: What is the direct answer to this question? Markers value direct responses

UNSEEN TEXTS

“SECTION ONE, GET THE JOB DONE”