---
title: "Short answer"
slug: "short-answer"
tags: ["admin"]
updated: 2026-05-28T11:28:25Z
published: 2026-05-28T11:28:25Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.cirrusassessment.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Short answer

***To create a Short Answer question in Cirrus, go to your Library, create or open a collection, and click **+ Add** or use the drop-down arrow to select this question type. The screen below will appear.***

The Short Answer question type enables questions that require a short written response. It is suitable for questions requiring a few words or a single line.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/cdfc20c8-6721-4154-b0a1-9f49f139d107/Images/Documentation/short-answer-clean.png)

#### Enter the title

Enter the item title. This is for internal use only and will be visible in your Library throughout the process. This title is not visible to candidates.

#### Enter the question

Click inside the text box to enter or edit your question. Use the text editor for a range of text editing options.

#### Resource & media file

The **Add Resource** and **Add Media file** buttons are available. See [How to add and use Media Elements](/v1/docs/how-to-add-use-media-elements).

### Short answer example

To create a Short Answer question, enter your question text into the question box. For example:

*'What is the name of the legal Act that protects consumers from false or misleading information about goods being sold?'*

Enter the correct answers in the answer box.

#### Answer options

Optionally, require the candidate's answer to be case-sensitive to receive the mark.

Set a spelling tolerance by entering a number in the **Spelling error** field. This uses the Levenshtein algorithm. Within this tolerance, spelling errors are accepted and the answer is still marked as correct.

              Answer tolerance

              

Without a spelling tolerance set, the candidate's answer must match exactly to be marked correct. Use the spelling tolerance option to allow minor variations.

### Set maximum score for this question

Set a maximum score for the question by entering a number in the box. When marking Short Answer questions, assessors can use decimals (for example, 1.5).

### Save, close, preview & cancel

- Click **Save** to save the item.
- Click **Save and Close** to return to your collection overview.
- Use **Preview** to see how the question will appear to the candidate and verify that the correct answer receives the correct marks.
- Select **Cancel** to exit the question editor. A warning will appear to avoid losing unsaved data.