Multiple-choice, Multiple Answers, PTE Academic

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Score Weightage

Overall Score1%

Listening3%

Source: Pearson PTE Academic, Scoring Information for Teachers and Partners. Weightings are averages and may vary per test form.

The Do's and Don'ts

Use the 7-Second Lead TimeRead the question and identify the topic. Then draw on your background knowledge of that topic to predict what you might hear. This primes you to recognize relevant information faster and helps distinguish correct answers from distractors that use the same words with different meanings.

Take Minimal, Clear NotesFocus on nouns, dates, results, and the speaker's tone. Use symbols ('+' for positive, '≠' for contrast).

Listen for Meaning, Not Just WordsDistractors often use the exact words from the audio but change the context. Look for synonyms in the correct answers.

Be SelectiveBecause of negative marking, only select options you are confident about.

Don't Guess RandomlyEvery wrong click takes away a point you earned. Random guessing can easily result in a zero for the task.

Don't Stop Listening to Take NotesIf you miss a section because you were writing, you might miss a correct answer. Keep your ears on the audio.

Don't Ignore Transition WordsIf the topic is unfamiliar, stay calm and focus on the gist. Track the speaker's overall direction. Listen for transition words (however, therefore, in addition, as a result) to follow the logic. Correct answers are usually paraphrases, not exact copies, of what was said.

Don't Exceed 1 Minute Post-AudioDon't spend more than 1 minute analyzing options after the audio stops, or you will run out of time for later tasks.

Tips & Tricks

The Half-Truth Trap

Watch out for options that are partially correct based on the audio but include a small detail that is false or not mentioned.

Academic Register

Correct answers are typically phrased in formal, academic language. If an option sounds too colloquial or extreme (always/never), proceed with caution.

Common Sense Check

If one option contradicts common logic or the general tone of the lecture, it is likely a distractor.

Standardized Logic Framework

The Pre-Audio Scan (7 Seconds)

Read the question, is it asking for Purpose, Supporting Details, or Inferences?

Active Listening & Mapping

Listen for the 'Big Picture' first. Jot down keywords that relate to the options you scanned.

Option Validation

Read each option. Ask yourself: 'Did the speaker explicitly support this, or am I assuming it?'

The Strategic Selection

Select only the 'Sure Wins.' Exclude the 'Clear Fakes', contradictions or things not mentioned.

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Test-Taking Strategies & Practice

1 Draw on background knowledge to prime your attention

Use the 7-second lead time to read the question and identify the topic. Then activate your background knowledge of that topic to predict what you might hear. This mental preparation primes your brain to recognize relevant information faster and helps you distinguish correct answers from distractors that use the same words with different meanings.

2 Focus your listening and identify what is relevant

Listen for the direction of the question and the options. Some information in the recording will not be relevant -- learn to identify and ignore it.

Listen for cue words that signal relevant content. Transition words (however, therefore, in addition, as a result) usually point to the correct answers.

3 Stay focused on the gist even with unfamiliar vocabulary

If the topic is unfamiliar or the speaker uses technical language, concentrate on what you do understand rather than panicking about individual words.

Because of negative marking, only select options you are confident about. Selecting all options results in a net loss of points.

Practice - Colonial North America

Transcript

We are led to believe that much of eastern North America was heavily cloaked in mature forest. Certainly one of the first things that happened as increasing waves of colonists arrived was the need to clear the land. This clearing started in the form of small, subsistence farms. The timber was used for building houses, ships, firewood, and all manner of things. The glacial erratic stones that were so much a part of the New England landscape are today what we find in the latticework of stone walls that one can find practically anywhere in the landscape. By the early part of the nineteenth century, the trees and the forests were essentially clear-cut to an extent that is almost unbelievable.

Question: What happened as a result of the arrival of colonists?

Correct

Huge areas were deforested.The speaker says clearing of the land was one of the first things that happened, and the forests were essentially clear-cut.

Incorrect

Old farming methods were abandoned.Abandonment of old farming methods is not discussed.

Incorrect

Large expanses were planted with new species.New species are not mentioned.

Incorrect

Stone quarries were depleted.Stone quarries are not mentioned.

Correct

Sections of land were delineated with stones.The glacial erratic stones are today found in the latticework of stone walls, implying stones were used to mark sections of land.

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Official Scoring Criteria

+1 per correct

Each correct response selected earns 1 point.

−1 per incorrect

Each incorrect response selected deducts 1 point.

0 (min)

Minimum score is 0. Score cannot go negative.

Negative marking applies, do NOT guess randomly. Only select options you are confident are correct. Selecting all options will result in a net loss of points.