Short Answer?

[rui97]

How do you go about answering section A questions? I never seem to be able to pin point every aspect thats required in a question. Do you have any tips?

[tan(k)]

I try to use the number of marks available as a guide for how much to write. So for a 4 mark question 2-3 well explained examples from the text is usually sufficient. For a 2 mark question you probably only need one example with explanation.

The task words in the question also help determine how much and what to write. For example, an 'identify' question doesn't require any analysis while an 'explain' or 'discuss' question will be longer and require detail.
If you don't have a table of task words, I strongly recommend finding one (especially if you do any business or humanities subjects).

Lastly, short answer questions have existed since the beginning of time (2001) so have a look at the VCAA assessment reports. They always give sample responses that you can basically try to replicate.

[dmitridr]

For short answer, look at the marking which should give you an indicator as to how much you should answer. Also read/analyse the question CAREFULLY. What exactly are they asking you to complete? You'd be surprised how many people ignore a certain part of the question.

Also revise metalanguage! Almost all short answer questions use metalanguage (e.g. modal verbs, nominalisation, register), so having a sound knowledge of this will allow you to pinpoint every aspect of the question.

I hope this helps!