Short answer tests ask for a specific response to a specific question.  Generally short answers consist of 2 – 3 sentences.  Short answer questions generally consist of:

1. Why questions – These questions ask you to explain why something happens.
2. What questions – These questions ask you to give a definition.
3. How questions – These questions ask you to describe how things are connected to each other.
4. Problem questions – These questions ask you to solve a problem.
5. Illustration questions – These questions ask you to give application examples of a theory or concept.

Here’s how to do well on these questions.

1. Read the question carefully to identify what is being asked for.  Then give the type of answer that is being asked for (e.g. don’t answer a what question with an example answer.)
2. Give a specific answer.  Don’t add fluff to your answer
3. Make your strongest point in the first sentence.

When you are responding to short answer questions, think of the grader.  The easier you make it to read your response, the better your grade will be. .