Top Tips for Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer Questions in PTE Listening

Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer is the second task type of the PTE listening exam. Don’t underestimate it. Just because you’ll be given options in this section, doesn’t mean that it’s not as nerve-wracking as the rest. 

Below are some tips that’ll help you get a high score in this task type. If you’re enrolled in a PTE online course, it’s highly likely that your coach will discuss some of them. Consider them during your preparation period.

1. Don’t waste a single second. 

The audio recording will play automatically seven seconds after you enter the page. Use that seven seconds well. Read the question to get the gist of the audio recording. Then, skim the options. There’s a status description on top of the recording that indicates how many seconds you have left before the audio will play. Keep an eye on it. Get ready to jot down notes.

2. Take down notes.

Like in most of the other task types in the PTE listening exam, there is no pause or play option. The audio recording will only play once, so pay attention. Take note of the recording’s key points and their supporting details. Remember, you’ll need to pick more than one option. So, jot down as much as you can. Develop your writing speed during your PTE online training period to enhance your note-taking skills.

3. Don’t pick an option just because it contains the same words you heard.
Select the ones that match the meaning of what you listened to. There’s a huge chance that most of the choices won’t not reflect the recording’s message despite containing words that are mentioned in the material. So, analyze your options carefully. Answer as many practice tests as you can during your PTE online course to get used to this task type’s demands.

4. Know how you’ll be scored.

In the PTE listening exam’s multiple choice, multiple answer section, negative marking is implemented. This means that there will be deductions for every incorrect option you select.

For example, the test item demands that you select four options. You picked two right and two wrong options. Since your two incorrect choices will cancel out the two correct choices, you’ll earn no points for this test item. You won’t get a negative score if your incorrect options outnumber the ones you got right. Still, consider your choices well.

Integrate these tips into your PTE preparations. But, don’t stop there. Refine your approaches to the other test types of the exam as well. Complement your PTE online training sessions with your own study efforts to achieve your grade goals!

References:

Kaia. "The PTE Listening Test: Tips for a PTE 90—The E2Language Blog." PTE, OET, IELTS, & TOEFL Study Material and Tips—E2Language Blog. March 22, 2018. Accessed July 04, 2018. https://blog.e2language.com/pte-listening-test-90/.

"Listening Multiple Choice, Single Answer." PTE Academic. Accessed July 04, 2018. https://pearsonpte.com/the-test/format/english-listening/multiple-choice-single-answer/.

“PTE Listening Section Tips and Tricks." Shiksha.com. April 28, 2017. Accessed July 04, 2018. https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/pte/listening-section-tips.

“Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers Practice Activities.” The E2Language Blog. Accessed July 4, 2018. https://blog.e2language.com/multiple-choice-choose-multiple-answers-practice-activities/