That's correct; the equation to calculate the heat energy (the equation we use is q=mcΔT, though the exact symbols you use may be slightly different) will always give you a positive answer, so when you then go on to calculate the enthalpy change (ΔH) you need to take another look at the question and decide whether or not the reaction is endothermic or exothermic.
If it is endothermic and the temperature decreases then you can just leave it how it is as a positive answer, but (like in this case) the reaction is exothermic since the temperature increases, you have to adjust your answer at the end to be negative.