How to Respond to Short Answer Questions
In many classes, you’ll be asked to respond to short-answer questions—ones that need more than a sentence but don’t require a full essay. These types of questions expect you to explain your thinking, support your ideas with evidence, and show that you understand the material. It’s easy to rush or leave out key parts, but with the right structure, your response can be clear, focused, and complete.
That’s where the A.C.E.S. Strategy comes in. This is one of several helpful tools you can use to organize short answers. A.C.E.S. stands for:
- Answer the question clearly
- Cite evidence from the text
- Explain how that evidence supports your answer
- Summarize or strengthen your response
Each step helps you build a strong paragraph that shows what you know and proves it. Once you get the hang of it, this method becomes a great habit—not just for short answers, but for writing strong paragraphs in longer assignments too.
Quick Tips!
Keep your answer focused—don’t wander away from the question.
Answer the Question (and Restate It)
Start by showing you understand the question.
Turn it into a statement and clearly answer it. This sets the foundation for your response and keeps you focused.
- Use part of the question to start your answer.
- Be specific—your answer should directly respond to what’s being asked.
Example Prompt: What is the effect of the setting on the plot?
Example Response: The setting affects the plot by creating obstacles the characters must overcome.
Cite Evidence from the Text
Next, support your answer by including a quote or detail from the text. This proves your point and shows you’re not just guessing.
Use sentence starters like: “According to the text…” or “The author writes…”
Example:
According to the author, “The dense forest surrounded the village, isolating it from the outside world” (Smith, 2021).
Explain the Evidence
After giving your evidence, explain why it matters. Don’t assume the reader will make the connection—show how the quote supports your answer.
- “This shows that…”
- “This evidence reveals…”
- “This supports the idea that…”
Example:
“This shows that the setting creates a sense of isolation, which adds tension and makes the characters feel trapped.”.
Summarize or Strengthen Your Response
End your response by wrapping it up or reinforcing your main idea. You can rephrase your answer or explain why the point is important.
Use sentence starters like:
“In summary…”
“This matters because…”
“Overall, this shows…”
Example:
Overall, the setting helps build suspense and plays a key role in the story’s conflict..