PTE Listening Multiple Choice (Multiple) practice: 12 questions with answers

A student is working with a classmate to finalize a presentation on volcanic activity, and they have only the remainder of this week to complete it. One of them has already collected all the necessary data, including charts and photographs of the mountain. They begin by reviewing their plan: the first part will be an introduction explaining how scientists at a volcano observatory recently detected a minor earthquake at Stone Peak, measuring just 0.8 in magnitude, which experts think could be part of a pattern of small tremors that often come before an eruption. Following that, the presentation will cover the history of eruptions in the area, going back two thousand years to the last major event at Stone Peak, but focusing only on the six or seven most significant eruptions rather than every small one. After this historical overview, the second student will take over to show visual materials. These include a color photograph of the mountain, a graph that tracks eruptions over the past six years, and a set of black-and-white images that clearly display a growing bulge on the mountain's surface. The bulge has been expanding by a few inches each year because a magma chamber underground is swelling, causing the earth's crust to bend more and more, and this gradual bending is expected to eventually crack open and lead to an eruption. The students also discuss the need to convert their photos and graphs into slides, but they agree this will not take much time. They plan to wrap up the presentation by leaving a period for questions from the audience, and they feel confident that they are well prepared.

What kinds of information will the students include in their presentation?

1. AA summary of past volcanic events in the region
2. BImages that one of the presenters captured personally
3. CA collection of visual depictions of the mountain
4. DA real-time conversation with a geology expert

The Theatre Studies program distinguishes itself through the nurturing environment it creates for learners. Operating as a compact conservatoire, it offers outstanding instruction across a variety of subjects, along with numerous chances for public performance. Over time, the school has become well-known for presenting both classic and innovative productions. One of the main reasons prospective students are drawn to the course is the comprehensive support system in place, which includes academic guidance from tutors, collaborative work with classmates, and career mentoring from former graduates, all of which foster a genuine sense of community. When evaluating applicants, the program looks for individuals who can cope with the substantial pressures it imposes, as this directly mirrors the professional theatre world they are being trained for. The course is exceptionally demanding, encompassing a diverse range of projects and introducing students to performance design concepts they may not have previously encountered. Imagination and perseverance are crucial traits, particularly when the pace intensifies. Although the workload is heavy, it is worth noting that the college maintains an outstanding track record for student retention, high levels of satisfaction, and successful job placement in the field after graduation.

What observations are made about students enrolled in the Theatre Studies program?

1. AThey are obliged to concentrate solely on classical theatre.
2. BAlumni offer them support.
3. CThey can move through the curriculum at their own pace.
4. DThey need to have prior stage experience.
5. EA high proportion graduate and find employment in the industry.

Researchers report that women find a man they see with an attractive woman more desirable than unattached men. That's according to a study in the journal Evolutionary Psychology. Researchers had two groups of female college students rate photos of men, all of whom had first been rated as being of average attractiveness. The first group of 148 women was shown pictures of those men with an attractive female. The subjects were told that the women in the photos were either a girlfriend, ex-girlfriend, cousin or adopted sister. And the subjects rated the men with the girlfriends as more desirable than the men shown with partners described as being exes or relatives. The second study group of 97 students were shown average looking men with an attractive woman who was described as definitely a girlfriend. And again the women rated the men with the good-looking gals as more desirable than the single guys. Plus, the attached men were thought more likely to be more intelligent, trustworthy, humorous, wealthy and attentive.

In the research, how do women think of men in different photos?

1. ASingle men are less attractive than men with pretty girls.
2. BWomen tend to prefer men who are older than they are.
3. CMen with girlfriends are more desirable than those with relatives.
4. DMen with partners are thought to be more reliable than single men.
5. EWomen prefer men who are mature and financially secure.

Many people think the Poet Laureate role is unique to England, but that's not the case. The position exists in several other places. In the United Kingdom, besides England, Wales has one, which fits with its strong poetic traditions, and both Ireland and Scotland have appointed laureates too. Outside the UK, some Commonwealth countries like Canada have the role. The United States also has a Poet Laureate—W.S. Merwin held the title, for example. In the Caribbean, the island of Saint Lucia had a famous Poet Laureate, Derek Walcott, who wrote the epic poem Omeros. However, not every country follows this tradition. France does not have a Poet Laureate; instead, they elect members to the French Academy based on excellence in their field. Germany also does not have one, despite some confusion. The compensation for the role has changed over time—it was once just a barrel of wine, but that practice ended long ago, though one recent laureate requested its return.

According to the talk, which of these places has or had a Poet Laureate?

1. Athe Caribbean region
2. Bthe country of Ireland
3. Cthe island nation of Saint Lucia
4. Dthe United States of America
5. Ethe Federal Republic of Germany
6. Fthe French Republic

Do you consider yourself a kind and cooperative person? If the answer is yes, you might want to take a closer look at your bank account. Research suggests that individuals with agreeable personalities tend to save less, carry more debt, and face a greater risk of bankruptcy or loan default. Sandra Matz, a computational social scientist at Columbia Business School, and her colleague Joe Gladstone analyzed personality surveys alongside financial records. They discovered that highly agreeable people are more likely to experience serious money problems—especially if they already have low incomes. The team also examined personality data from millions of people in the U.S. and the U.K., comparing it with regional debt default rates. Once again, they found that communities with nicer residents, on average, had worse financial health. Matz suggests that agreeable individuals may simply place less importance on money. They might frequently cover the bill for others or lend cash even when they cannot afford it. In short, their generosity can go too far.

According to the speaker, which two statements are correct?

1. AUnfriendly people are more inclined to ask for loans.
2. BAgreeable people's giving nature makes them more susceptible to debt.
3. CKind individuals receive greater rewards because they are rich.
4. DKind people tend to assist others, even when it harms their own interests.
5. EKind people have a lower chance of financial ruin than others.

Many bears in protected areas have lost their natural fear of humans. They may seem calm, but they remain wild and can be extremely dangerous. In Glacier Park, one or two bear attacks happen each year, and most occur when a bear is startled. To prevent surprise encounters, you should stay alert and make plenty of noise while hiking. Speak loudly, shout, or clap your hands at regular intervals. Some people suggest using bells, but even so-called bear bells are usually too quiet to be effective. Making noise is not rude in bear territory—it is a safety measure. Walking silently puts you, the bears, and other hikers at risk. Many hikers wrongly believe that popular trails are safe enough to hike quietly. In reality, some of the busiest trails in Glacier Park pass through prime bear habitat, and bears can appear anywhere without warning. Therefore, always be cautious and avoid actions that increase danger. For example, never try to get close to a bear, even if it looks tame. Also, avoid hiking in low light conditions when visibility is poor, as this makes it harder to spot bears and increases the chance of a surprise encounter.

According to the speaker, which two actions should hikers avoid in bear country?

1. AUsing bear bells
2. BMoving quietly on trails
3. CMaking loud noises
4. DHiking after sunset

Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, often called the rainforests of the sea. They provide habitat for a vast number of marine species. However, coral reefs are under threat from a variety of factors. Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, turning white. Ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, makes it harder for corals to build their skeletons. Pollution from land-based sources, such as agricultural runoff, can also smother reefs. Overfishing disrupts the ecological balance of the reef ecosystem.

What are two threats to coral reefs mentioned by the speaker?

1. Acoral bleaching
2. Bincreased marine biodiversity
3. Cocean acidification
4. Dstronger coral skeletons

Technology has dramatically reshaped how music is created, how it sounds, and how we experience it. When we talk about new technologies, we're referring to more than just electronic gadgets—they can transform musical sound itself. Crucially, certain innovations, like electronic recording systems, have directly impacted the business side of music and how it reaches audiences. Consider how the valve trumpet in the 19th century altered orchestral sound. Today, we enjoy effortless access to an enormous range of music, though it's debatable whether this has deepened our comprehension of it. In earlier times, before radio and recordings, wealthier households owned pianos or pianolas—player pianos that used paper rolls—so reading sheet music was a more common skill. Nowadays, whether we're trained musicians or not, music undeniably enriches our lives. Thanks to the Internet, download platforms, and file-sharing, we can access more music than ever, much of it at no cost.

Which of the following developments have influenced the economics and distribution of music?

1. Athe market for acoustic pianos
2. Belectronic recording systems
3. Cthe Internet
4. Dthe creation of the valve trumpet
5. Ethe widespread use of player pianos
6. Fthe ability to download music

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440 revolutionized Europe. Before the printing press, books were copied by hand, which was slow and expensive. Gutenberg's press used movable type, allowing for the mass production of books. This made books more affordable and accessible. The spread of printed materials helped increase literacy rates and facilitated the dissemination of new ideas, including those of the Reformation and the Scientific Revolution. However, the printing press also led to the spread of misinformation, as false or controversial ideas could be printed and distributed quickly.

What were two effects of the printing press mentioned by the speaker?

1. Adecreased literacy rates
2. Bincreased accessibility of books
3. Cspread of new ideas
4. Dreduced production of books

A group of researchers has discovered that spending money on time-saving services can lead to greater life satisfaction than simply purchasing more material goods. The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Most of us frequently feel pressed for time. In fact, we are experiencing what Ashley Whillans of Harvard Business School, the study's lead author, calls a "time famine." And like any famine, this persistent shortage of time harms our health. "When our to-do lists seem longer than the hours available in a day, we can feel like our lives are spinning out of control, which undermines our personal well-being." So, if time is money, Whillans and her colleagues investigated whether using money to buy time could provide relief. For instance, paying someone else to clean the house, mow the lawn, or deliver groceries.

According to the speaker, which of the following are examples of time-saving services?

1. ABuying more household items.
2. BHiring someone to walk the dog.
3. CCreating a detailed schedule for the week.
4. DHiring a babysitter to take care of the baby.
5. EFixing a broken appliance.

Pacific salmon are famous for an incredible migration known as the salmon run. They start their lives as tiny fry in the headwaters of small freshwater streams. After hatching, they move downstream through rivers and eventually reach the ocean, where they spend several years growing and maturing. While in the sea, salmon from many different river systems mix together in large schools, feeding and traveling as one group. When they become adults, they separate into groups based on their common geographic origin and begin the long journey back to the exact stream where they were born. The return trip occurs in two distinct stages. During the first stage, salmon use the position of the sun to navigate across the open ocean. Later, when they arrive at the coastal river that leads to their home stream, a different sense takes over: their highly developed sense of smell. Every stream has a unique chemical fingerprint created by the plants, soil, and other natural materials found in that specific environment. This distinctive scent is imprinted in a salmon's memory while it is still a young fry, before it migrates to the ocean. The instinct to return home is remarkably powerful. Salmon will even leap up waterfalls, sometimes jumping as high as ten feet, to overcome obstacles on their path. The survival of the entire species depends on their ability to reach their birthplace and reproduce. This migration also plays a critical role in the broader ecosystem. Salmon spend roughly ninety percent of their lives in the ocean, where they feed on plankton, shrimp, and small fish. When they make their return journey, they transport valuable nutrients from the ocean back to freshwater rivers and streams. After they spawn and die, their bodies provide food for birds, mammals, and vegetation, and even nourish their own newly hatched offspring. In some northern river valleys, eagles gather every year to feast on the salmon run, demonstrating that nothing in nature is ever wasted.

According to the talk, how do salmon navigate back to their home stream?

1. ABy swimming behind other salmon
2. BBy using the sun's position
3. CBy hearing the sound of waterfalls
4. DBy smelling the water

Chocolate has a long and fascinating history. The ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations in Central America were among the first to cultivate cacao trees. They prepared a bitter drink called xocolātl, which was often flavored with spices and used in religious ceremonies. When Spanish explorers brought cacao back to Europe in the 16th century, they added sugar and vanilla, making the drink sweeter and more palatable. Over time, chocolate evolved into the solid form we know today, with the invention of the chocolate bar in the 19th century. This transformation made chocolate a popular treat worldwide.

What two facts about the early history of chocolate are mentioned?

1. AIt was first consumed as a bitter drink.
2. BIt was invented in Europe.
3. CIt was used in religious ceremonies.
4. DIt was always sweet.