Short answer questions are a type of assessment that requires respondents to provide brief, concise responses, typically in one or two sentences. These questions often focus on specific facts, concepts, or ideas, allowing for quick evaluation of a person's knowledge or understanding of a subject. They are commonly used in educational settings, such as exams or quizzes, to test comprehension. In contrast to multiple-choice questions, short answer questions encourage critical thinking and the ability to articulate thoughts clearly. They can cover a wide range of topics, including science, history, or literature, and are effective in gauging a student's grasp of material without requiring lengthy explanations.