ReadingPTE AcademicPTE Core

PTE Multiple Choice, Single Answer (Reading)

In PTE Reading Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer you read a short passage and pick the one correct option. There is no negative marking on this task, so you should always answer, even if you are guessing between two options.

Timing: Untimed within the reading section — budget about 1–2 minutes per item.
Contributes to: Reading score

How PTE Multiple Choice, Single Answer (Reading) is scored

One point for the correct option (no negative marking)

How to score higher in Multiple Choice, Single Answer (Reading)

1
Read the question before the passage so you know what you are hunting for.
2
Eliminate first. Two of the four options can usually be ruled out immediately.
3
The correct option is a paraphrase of the text, not a word-for-word copy — an option repeating the passage's exact words is often the trap.
4
There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave it blank.

Common mistakes in Multiple Choice, Single Answer (Reading)

Picking the option that shares the most vocabulary with the passage.
Answering from prior knowledge rather than from the text.

Multiple Choice, Single Answer (Reading) — frequently asked questions

Is there negative marking in PTE Reading Multiple Choice Single Answer?

No. Only the multiple-answer version carries negative marking. For single-answer items a wrong choice simply scores zero, so you should always select something.

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