shortanswer

Short answer is a type of assessment item or examination question that requires a brief response. Unlike long essays or many multiple-choice items, short answer prompts ask for concise replies, typically a single word, a short phrase, or one or two complete sentences. They are commonly used in educational settings, standardized tests, and online assessments to evaluate knowledge recall, comprehension, and the ability to express information succinctly.

Design and scoring can vary. Short answer prompts should specify acceptable responses and length limits. An answer key or rubric guides scoring, with points awarded for accuracy and, in some cases, partial credit when essential elements are present. Graders may rely on model answers or keyword recognition, and automated scoring can be used for well-defined responses, particularly in large cohorts.

Advantages and limitations. Short answer items are efficient to administer and can distinguish students who know specific facts from those who do not. They often require less time to answer than essays and can be easier to grade than open-ended responses. However, prompts can be ambiguous if unclear, and scoring may be subjective if responses vary in wording. They are less suitable for evaluating complex reasoning or synthesis compared with essay questions.

Variations and best practices. Some short answers require only one word, others allow a sentence or two. Designers should specify word limits, acceptable synonyms, and formatting. Combining short-answer items with other formats, such as multiple choice or essays, can provide a balanced assessment.

In computing or data collection contexts, "short answer" can also refer to a free-text field for concise user input, with constraints like maximum length and validation rules. See also: essay question, fill-in-the-blank, open-ended question.