ReadingPTE AcademicPTE Core

PTE Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (Reading)

In PTE Reading Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers you read a passage and select every option that is correct — there is more than one. This task carries negative marking: each correct choice earns a point and each incorrect choice loses one, with the item floored at zero. That single rule should change how you answer it.

Timing: Untimed within the reading section — budget about 2 minutes per item.
Contributes to: Reading score

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How PTE Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (Reading) is scored

+1 per correct option, −1 per incorrect option (minimum zero)

How to score higher in Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (Reading)

1
Because wrong answers subtract, only select the options you can point to a line in the text for. Do not select everything that looks plausible.
2
Two confident correct answers beat four guesses — with negative marking, guessing has a negative expected value.
3
Beware options that are true in the real world but not stated in the passage. The question is about the text, not about reality.
4
Watch for absolutes — 'always', 'never', 'only'. They are usually too strong to be supported.

Common mistakes in Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (Reading)

Ticking every option that seems reasonable, and cancelling out your correct answers.
Choosing an option because it is factually true rather than because the passage says it.
Forgetting that more than one answer is required and selecting only one.

Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (Reading) — frequently asked questions

Does PTE Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answers have negative marking?

Yes. You gain a point for each correct option and lose a point for each incorrect one, though the item cannot go below zero. This means you should only select options you can justify from the text, rather than guessing broadly.

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