Disadvantages of Short Answer Questions

1. Short Answer Questions are only suitable for questions that can be answered with short responses. It is very important that the assessor is very clear on the type of answers expected when setting the questions, because short answer questions in an open-ended question, students are free to answer any way they choose, short-answer questions can lead to difficulties in grading if the question is not worded carefully.
2. Short answer questions are typically used for assessing knowledge only; students may often memorize short answer questions with rote learning. If assessors wish to use short answer questions to assess deeper learning, careful attention (and many practice) on appropriate questions are required.
3. Accuracy of assessment may be influenced by handwriting/spelling skills.There can be time management issues when answering short answer questions