How to Ace Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer PTE Reading Questions

Understanding the Task

You will be given a passage (up to 300 words) followed by a multiple-choice question. In this question type, more than one answer is correct. Your task is to select all the options that are correct based on the question’s demands.

How Scoring Works:

• For every correct answer you choose, you get +1 point.

• For every incorrect answer, you lose -1 point.

• If you choose all the answers incorrectly, your score for that question can be negative.

• The minimum score is 0, meaning that even if you end up with a negative score, it will be adjusted to 0.

Prompt Length	Skill Assessed	Time to Answer
Text up to 300 words	Reading	Not Applicable

Effective Strategies for Answering

1. Skim the Question and the Answer Choices First

Skimming the questions and options before reading the text prepares your mind for what to focus on in the passage. It’s easier to find relevant details when test takers know what you’re looking for.

How to Do It:

• Read the question and go through the options.

• Identify any keywords or phrases in the options.

Example Question:

Question: Which of the following options are true according to the passage?

Note: Here, the question is asking about true statements and you should focus on finding the true statements as per the text.

2.  Identify Keywords in the Options

You should look for repeated words or phrases in the answer choices. These repeated words or concepts are often a central theme in the passage. These words will help you to find specific parts of the text that support or contradict those choices.

How to Do It:

• Look for nouns or adjectives that appear in multiple options, for example, economy, education, decline.

• Then, scan the passage for these keywords to understand the context.

Example:

If the options mention decline, and you find the word decline or synonyms like decrease in the passage, it’s a clear indication that the passage talks about something negatively changing.

3.  Scan and Read Strategically

Once you identify keywords from the options, scan the passage for those words. Don’t read everything word for word, but target the relevant sections of the passage.

How to Do It:

• Use your eyes to scan for the keywords.

• Once you find the keyword, read around it to understand its context.

• Focus on those sections that include these keywords.

4.  Eliminate Incorrect Options First

It’s much easier to eliminate the wrong choices before worrying about the correct ones. The elimination method will help you to find the correct answer instead of picking the wrong answer.

How to Do It:

• Look for answers that contradict the text or are completely unrelated to the main theme.

• For example, if the passage is about a scientific breakthrough, avoid options mentioning art or music unless there’s a clear connection.

Example:

• The Passage Section talks about: The new research shows important progress in renewable energy for the benefit of the environment.
• The option is related to: The research focuses on economic impacts would be incorrect because the passage does not mention economic impacts.

5.  Look for Qualifiers or Absolute words in the Options

Some options include words like often, some, and few. These terms are strong indicators that the option might be wrong unless the passage explicitly supports such an absolute statement.

How to Do It:

• They are only correct if the passage clearly states or implies the same absolute idea.

Example:

• If the option says the author always supports renewable energy,” but the passage only discusses its benefits in certain contexts, that option would be too absolute and is likely incorrect.

6.  Don’t Choose All Options Automatically

Don’t select all the options just because you’re unsure. Selecting too many options is a common trap. Even if you’re uncertain, only select those that are correct to avoid penalties for wrong answers.

How to Do It:

• Only choose an option if you are confident that the text supports it.

• Be aware of negative marking.

Tips to Improve Accuracy

• Focus on the main idea: Summarize each paragraph or section of the passage in your mind. It’ll help you quickly spot what the text is primarily talking about.

• Avoid assumptions: Don’t add extra information not provided in the text. Only select what is directly supported or implied by the text.

• Be patient: Don’t rush through the passage. Take your time to over and check the answers against the passage.

Practice Question:

Home decor plays a significant role in creating a comfortable and visually pleasing environment in a home. When decorating, it is essential to consider both functionality and aesthetics to ensure that the space is not only stylish but also practical. Color schemes are one of the most critical elements of home decor, as they set the tone for the room. Neutral colors tend to make a space feel more spacious and calming, while bold colors can add energy and personality. Furniture choices are also crucial, and they should be focused on functionality. For example, a cozy reading nook will require comfortable seating and soft lighting, while a living room may need a mix of comfortable seating and stylish tables for entertainment. Furthermore, incorporating plants and artwork can bring life to a room, adding both texture and interest. Finally, it is essential to pay attention to the scale and proportion of furniture and decor pieces about the room size to maintain a balanced and harmonious look.

Which of the following statements are true according to the text?

• Neutral colors make a room feel more spacious and calming.
• Bold colors should only be used in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Furniture choices should focus solely on style rather than functionality.
• Adding plants and artwork can enhance the beauty of a room.
• The proportions of furniture and decor should be adjusted according to the room size.
• The functionality of the room is not important when choosing furniture.

Explanation of Correct Answer:

• A: Neutral colors make a room feel more spacious and calming: The passage states that neutral colors tend to make a space feel more spacious and calming.
• D: Adding plants and artwork can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room: The passage mentions that incorporating plants and artwork can bring life to a room, adding both texture and interest.
• E: Proportions of furniture and decor should be adjusted according to the room size: The passage highlights the importance of paying attention to the scale and proportion of furniture and decor to maintain a balanced look.

Take a Reading PTE Practice Test on Sumlingo to boost your score in the exam.