Advantages of Short Answer Questions

1. Short answer questions are relatively fast to mark and can be marked by different assessors, as long as the questions are set in such a way that all alternative answers can be considered by the assessors.
2. Short answer questions are also relatively easy to set compared to many assessment methods
3. Short answer questions can be used as part of a formative and summative assessment, as the structure of short answer questions are very similar to examination questions, students are more familiar with the practice and feel less anxious
4. Unlike MCQs, there is no guessing on answers, students must supply an answer.