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PTEPTE Prep

Part 2 · Reading · MCQ-S

Multiple Choice (Single Answer): Reading PTE question type

You read a passage and answer one question with a single correct option out of four.

Two of the four options are designed to be plausible on a fast read. The item rewards reading for the detail the question actually asks about, not for general comprehension.

Scoring

How Multiple Choice (Single Answer) is scored

Correct or incorrect, one point, with no partial credit. Because there is no partial band, a rushed guess and a considered answer are worth exactly the same.

Skills scored
Reading — contributes to your Reading score
Questions per test
2–3 in Reading

Watch out

Common Multiple Choice (Single Answer) mistakes

  1. 1Answering the most recently mentioned idea rather than the one asked about.
  2. 2Selecting an option that is true of the passage but does not answer the question.
  3. 3Running out of time and guessing without rejecting the two plausible options.

Strategy

Correct or incorrect, one point, no partial credit. Two of the four options are always plausible — reject them explicitly before choosing.
Practice Multiple Choice (Single Answer)Sit a full mock

Questions

Multiple Choice (Single Answer) questions, answered

How many Multiple Choice (Single Answer) questions are on the PTE Academic?

A PTE Academic has 2–3 Multiple Choice (Single Answer) items in the Reading section. Each one counts towards your Reading score.

How is Multiple Choice (Single Answer) scored?

Correct or incorrect, one point, with no partial credit. Because there is no partial band, a rushed guess and a considered answer are worth exactly the same.

What goes wrong most often on Multiple Choice (Single Answer)?

Answering the most recently mentioned idea rather than the one asked about.

Keep going

Related reading question types

All Reading question types · tips for all 22 types · full test format · how PTE scores work.

Scoring figures on this page follow the current PTE Academic official guide. This is an independent practice site and is not affiliated with Pearson.