PTE LISTENING MULTIPLE CHOICE MULTIPLE ANSWERS

The PTE Listening question type in the listening section of PTE, is just like the common multiple choice questions you must have seen in reading comprehension tests.

However, in this case instead of reading the text, you will listen to a text and then answer a multiple choice question based on that. You will be given 5 to 7 options to choose from, and more than one will be correct. You must select all correct options.

The scoring here depends on your ability to comprehend what you have listened to. If you study or work in an English speaking environment, this will be fairly easy for you, otherwise you will need a bit more practice.

You should be able to listen to an audio and understand the central theme in it, identify the tone and the implicit and explicit meaning in the audio. For daily listening practice, you can find many free educational podcasts such as these by University of Oxford.

Let’s have a look at the basics first:

In the 7 seconds before the audio begins, try to quickly read the PTE Listening question and if possible have a glance at the options. Yes, you wouldn’t be able to read the question and options in entirety but try to read and understand as much as you can. If possible, at least pick some words from each option.

Your goal in these 7 seconds to become familiar with what the audio is going to be about, based on the PTE Listening question and the options. Having this information tells your mind what to listen for.

When the audio starts, focus on understanding what the theme and the key ideas are. Always keep the question and the options in focus. Everything you listen to and interpret should be in relation with what the question and options are. Try to take some notes, so that you remember the main points. You can then use these main points in the end to make the final decision on the correct options.

As the audio plays, keep an eye on the options in front of you. You can get some indication of which options are right or wrong at the time of listening. Shortlist your options based on that.

In the end, combine what you remember from the audio with the notes and your shortlist to determine the correct options.

Don’t forget that the Multiple choice, Multiple answers question in PTE Listening has negative marking. So, don’t make random guesses. Your total score in a question can however not go below zero. Therefore follow these recommendations:

1. Select all options you are sure of
2. If you are sure of only 1 option, just select that. Don’t risk it by selecting another wrong option.
3. If you are not sure of any options, make your best guess and select one. The score can anyway never be less than zero.

Here are some tips and tricks to maximize your score in the PTE Listening Multiple choice, multiple answers question type.

Make use of the 7 seconds

Quickly read the PTE Listening questions and options. Give your mind something to focus on. Understand the question and pick some words from each option.

Shortlist while listening

Don’t just sit there and listen to the audio. Keep your eyes on the options in front of you. When you hear a word that corresponds to an option, check if it validates that option or not. Use this time to prepare a shortlist.

Note down the key points

Whenever you hear a key point, an important piece of information, note it down. It will help you in the end to identify the correct options.

Finalize options only in the end

Even if you think you have found the correct answers while listening, don’t be in a hurry. Wait for the audio to complete and then revisit the PTE Listening question and the options before deciding on your final choice.

Consider all options

Always consider all the options given to you. Don’t skip any. You must have a reason for selecting or eliminating any option.

Take this FREE Practice Test and find our how much will you score in these multiple choice questions!