The PTE Listening – Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer task often strikes fear in students. And let’s be real, it’s not hard to understand why. You only get one chance to hear the audio, and you have to choose multiple answers that could be right. It sounds tricky, but with the right strategies and practice, you’ll soon feel more confident.
What is the PTE Listening Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer?
In this task, you’ll listen to an audio recording, which could range from 30 to 60 seconds in length. After the audio plays, you’ll be given a question with a list of options. Your job is to pick more than one correct option based on the information you heard.
Here’s the kicker: the audio will only play once, and you must carefully listen and select the best answers in real-time.
Negative Marking – Don’t Let it Stress You Out
It’s important to note that this question type includes negative marking. So, if you pick an incorrect answer, you’ll lose points.
However, here’s some good news: your score won’t drop below zero for that question, so the minimum score is always zero. This rule helps to minimise the damage caused by a wrong answer, but you’ll still need to be cautious.
Tip: Only choose answers you’re fairly confident about to avoid the dreaded negative points.
Strategies and Tips to Master This Task
1. Use the 5 Seconds Wisely Before the Audio Starts
Before the audio begins, you’ll get around 5 seconds to quickly scan the question and answer options. This time is crucial. Take a moment to glance over the question and options so you can get a sense of the topic you’ll be listening to. It gives you a head start and helps you tune into the right kind of information when the recording starts.
2. Understand the Context of the Audio
Is the audio a conversation? A lecture? A news story? Understanding the context will give you valuable insights into the type of information you’re likely to hear.
For example:
- A conversation will often focus on personal experiences or opinions.
- A lecture might highlight academic concepts or theories.
- A news report will give you facts or current events.
Knowing the style helps you anticipate the kind of answers you should be looking for.
3. Focus on the Main Idea
This one’s simple but often overlooked. While listening, it’s important to identify the main idea or key message in the recording. Don’t get bogged down in every little detail. Instead, focus on the overall theme of the conversation or speech. The correct answers usually align with the main point.
4. Pay Attention to Supporting Details
Now, don’t completely ignore the details. Things like names, dates, facts, or numbers often pop up in the audio. These supporting details can be the key to answering the question correctly. They can help narrow down which options are correct.
Example: If the speaker mentions a specific date or location, those details are often tied to a correct answer.
5. Take Notes While Listening
One of the best ways to make sure you don’t forget key points is to take quick notes during the audio.
Don’t try to write everything down, but jot down important words or ideas as you go. This could include key facts, names, or any details you feel are essential. These notes will serve as a reference when you’re choosing your answers.
6. Stay Focused (Even If You Miss a Part)
It’s totally normal to lose track of things now and then, especially if you miss a part of the recording. But don’t panic! It’s important to stay calm and keep listening. If you miss something important, focus on the remaining portion of the audio. Even if you can’t catch every detail, making educated guesses based on what you do hear will help.
7. Visualise the Scene
One effective strategy is to visualise what the speaker is talking about. If the audio is about a park, try to picture the park in your mind. If it’s about a museum, imagine what the exhibits might look like.
This mental exercise can help you stay engaged with the content and boost your recall when it’s time to pick your answers.
8. Validate Your Choices Against Your Notes
Once the audio is over, look at your notes and review the options. Cross-check the options with what you wrote down. The options that match your notes are likely the correct answers. Be sure to evaluate all the remaining choices carefully before making your final decision.
9. Be Mindful of Similar-Sounding Options
Multiple-choice questions often have similar options designed to trip you up. For example, two answers might sound almost the same but have subtle differences. To choose the right one, check if the option exactly matches the information in the audio. If it’s even slightly off, it’s likely wrong.
Where to Practice
Here’s the best part! So, you can practice for PTE exam with all these strategies on websites that offer free practice materials. These will help you build familiarity with the question type and improve your skills.
Check out these sites for practice questions:
- PTE Academy – Free Listening Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer Practice
- Exam English – PTE Academic Listening Test 6
Final Thoughts
The PTE Listening Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer task might seem tricky at first, but with a bit of practice and the right strategies, you’ll be able to tackle it with confidence.
Remember, focus on the main idea, take quick notes, and validate your options carefully. Stay calm, don’t get stuck on difficult parts, and make educated guesses when needed.
The more you practice, the easier it gets.
Good luck, and happy studying!