Rules library / Speaking
Answer Short Question
One or two words, answered immediately. No sentences.
The rule
- 1Answer with the noun only: 'a thermometer', 'January'.
- 2Answer at once. Thinking aloud wastes the short recording window.
- 3If you do not know, say your best single guess — never stay silent.
- 4Most questions test everyday vocabulary: jobs, places, body, weather, time, study.
Worked example
What do we call the instrument used to measure temperature?
- Identify the category: instrument
- Recall the word
- Answer in one word
Answer: A thermometer
Three drills
Drill 1. What do you call the person who treats teeth?
Drill 2. How long should your answer be?
Drill 3. You do not know the answer. What is best?