Many users on Quora struggle with the dilemma of whether to provide a concise, one-word or one-sentence answer or to elaborate further. This decision often hinges on the nature of the question and the potential value in providing more context. When is it appropriate to give a brief, even a single-word or single-sentence, answer? In this article, we explore the nuances and the criteria that make such answers fitting for Quora, highlighting the importance of understanding the question's scope and the community's standards.

Understanding the Question's Scope

The appropriateness of a brief answer depends largely on the nature of the question itself. For many closed questions, a single word or sentence can suffice. These questions often have clear and direct yes or no answers, such as:

Do atheists meditate? Do atheists believe in karma? Do atheists envy theists? Do theists understand the logical fallacies? Do theists lack belief in atheism? Do theists envy atheists? Are psychics real? Are cold showers healthy?

These types of questions are typically aimed at confirmation bias, and a single word or short sentence can serve as a succinct and effective response. However, it's essential to ensure that your answer is relevant and accurate. If the question can benefit from more detailed information, it would be best to expand your response.

Community Standards and Answer Quality

Google's standards for SEO and Quora's community guidelines both emphasize providing valuable, informative, and well-thought-out answers. A short or even a one-word answer can sometimes be seen as insufficient, especially if the question is complex or seeks broader insights. Quora's bot has been known to collapse two-paragraph answers, which can be frustrating for contributors.

For questions that can be answered with a yes or no, consider the following factors:

Clarity: Ensure your answer is clear and unambiguous. Relevance: Your answer should directly address the question without unnecessary elaboration. Value: While a brief answer can be appropriate, it should still provide some value or insight to the asker.

For instance, Hugh Blackledge's response to the question 'Can you create an Everyone Dies scenario using only a piece of paper?' is a creative and fun one-word answer. Such humor and creativity can make the answer more engaging and memorable, even if it's brief.

Examples and References

To illustrate the difference between open and closed questions, let's look at some examples:

Open-Ended Questions

What are the main challenges faced by modern urban societies? How has technology changed the way we communicate? What are your thoughts on the impact of globalization on local cultures?

These questions are open-ended and require more detailed answers. They are not easily answered with a simple yes or no. Providing a one-word answer might be seen as insufficient and may not provide the asker with the depth they seek.

Closed-Ended Questions

Do you agree that artificial intelligence will eventually surpass human intelligence? Do you believe the world is flat? Are you in favor of stricter gun control laws?

These closed-ended questions can often be answered with a simple yes or no. However, even for these types of questions, it's crucial to ensure that your answer is clear and accurate. Sometimes, a brief answer can be fitting, especially if the question is straightforward and the answer is clear.

For further reading on the topic, you may want to explore articles on Quora's help center or search for specific examples of well-formatted and high-quality answers.

Conclusion

The decision to provide a short or detailed answer on Quora is a delicate balance. While a one-word or single-sentence answer might be appropriate for certain questions, it's important to consider the quality and value of your response. Ensuring that your answers are clear, relevant, and provide some level of value to the asker can help you contribute effectively to the Quora community and meet Google's standards for SEO.