In COBOL programming, the short description of a file is typically given in the FILE SECTION.

Option A) WORKING-STORAGE - This section is used to define variables and data items that are used within the program for temporary storage or calculations. Option B) FILE SECTION - This section is used to define the files that the program will read from or write to. It includes the short description of the file, along with details such as the file organization, access mode, and record structure. Option C) CONTROL SECTION - This section is used to define the logic and control structures of the program, such as the PROCEDURE DIVISION and the various paragraphs, sections, and statements within it. Option D) LINKAGE SECTION - This section is used to define data items that are passed between programs in a COBOL program.

The correct answer is B) FILE SECTION. This is where the short description of a file is typically given in COBOL programming.