Reading - PTE Academic / UKVI, PTE Core
Reading Multiple Choice (Single)
Reading Multiple Choice Single practice trains you to choose one best answer from passage evidence.
Task facts at a glance
| Appears in | PTE Academic / UKVI and PTE Core — Reading part |
|---|---|
| Items per test | 2–3 |
| Passage length | Up to 300 words |
| Scoring | Correct or incorrect, 1 point per item — low score weight |
| Negative marking | None — always select an answer |
| Skills credited | Reading |
Worked example
A passage on Australia’s energy waste and emissions notes the country’s high per-capita CO₂ output and a long-standing drought. “What does this passage suggest climate change will bring to Australia?” (Real bank question with four options — shown in the player below.)
D — drought. The passage warns higher temperatures could leave Australia “at the mercy of more severe droughts and devastating tropical cyclones”.
Why this scores well: The correct option restates the passage’s explicit warning; there is no penalty here, so always answer.
Scoring traits to watch
Reading comprehension
Key takeaways
Understand what the question asks before reading options.
Use passage evidence to separate close answers.
Review why the chosen answer is stronger than the alternatives.
How to practise Reading Multiple Choice (Single)
The correct answer usually depends on precision. Practise matching the option to the exact question and passage evidence.
- Read the stem and identify the task.
- Scan the passage for relevant evidence.
- Eliminate unsupported or overly broad options.
Practice framework
- Read the stem and identify the task.
- Scan the passage for relevant evidence.
- Eliminate unsupported or overly broad options.
- Choose the strongest answer.
Common mistakes
- Answering from memory after one quick read.
- Choosing an option that is true but not the best answer.
- Missing the question wording before reading options.
Frequently asked questions
Does PTE Reading Multiple Choice (Single) have negative marking?
No. It is worth 1 point, marked simply correct or incorrect, with no penalty for a wrong answer, so always choose an option.
How much time should I spend on Reading Multiple Choice (Single)?
It has a low score weight, so do not overspend time on it. There are 2–3 items and the passage is up to 300 words.
Is Reading Multiple Choice (Single) in both Academic and Core?
Yes. It appears in both PTE Academic and PTE Core.
This task inside EdKnot
