The PTE Listening Multiple Choice Multiple Answer task requires test-takers to listen to a recording lasting between 40 and 90 seconds and answer a multiple-choice question. Unlike the PTE Multiple Choice Single Answer task, you may have more than one correct answer in this task.
You only have one chance to listen to the audio and choose the answers once the audio ends. Choose every answer that you think is correct. The test will highlight your chosen answers in yellow.Â
This task has no time limit to answer. Pay attention to all the details to respond correctly.
Let’s try a sample question from PTE Magic‘s question bank below.
Sample: Listen to the recording and answer the question by selecting all the correct responses. You will need to select more than one response.
- Countryside becomes a suburb
- The way people go about their daily lives
- The location of supermarkets
- The new governments
- People’s terms of reference in conversation
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Common Mistakes To Avoid
Making mistakes in your PTE Listening Multiple Choice Multiple Answer test will drag your overall test scores. See these common mistakes below to stay aware and plan your preparation more effectively:
- Not utilise the time before the audio starts: The 5 seconds before the audio starts are crucial to skim the questions and answer options. This brief moment is crucial because candidates can use it to understand the recording’s topic and key ideas. However, many skip these 5 seconds, which leads to confusion and choosing the wrong answers.
- Ignore the context: This is another common mistake. Test-takers who don’t understand the audio’s context tend to follow the audio more closely than others. This can cause you to miss important details and even misunderstand the recording.
- Focus too much on minor details: Some test-takers pay too much attention to small details instead of the key ideas. Overlooking the main theme of the recording makes your selection more challenging, so identify the topic first to focus better while listening.
- Skip the key details: Key details such as names, dates, numbers, or past events are important pieces of information that can aid you in choosing the correct answers. Skipping this information can lead to missing the correct answer.
- Not taking notes: This mistake can cost you many points. Many candidates only rely on their memory, which is unreliable and might lead to forgetting crucial details. Not taking notes makes remembering information harder and more challenging when doing the PTE Listening Multiple Choice Multiple Answer task.
- Stay on one question for too long: Candidates who spend too much time answering one question risk losing valuable time for the rest of their test. This affects your overall test score and puts you in a rush later. You should move on to the next part or make a careful guess rather than getting stuck on it.
- Not visualise while listening: Imagining the scenarios in your head while listening is an effective method to master the PTE Listening Multiple Choice Multiple Answer task. Test-takers who don’t practise this skill tend to struggle more than those who can visualise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are Multiple Choice Multiple Answer Questions Scored?
The Multiple Choice Multiple Answer task requires test-takers to choose the most suitable responses from the list of options based on the audio. Each correct answer will earn you one point; however, every wrong answer will cost you one point. Choose wisely to achieve the highest scores possible in this task.
How Is the Listening Score Calculated In PTE?
Your PTE Listening score is calculated based on automated scoring algorithms.Â
Is there a negative marking in the PTE Listening Multiple Choice Multiple Answers task?
Yes, the PTE Listening Multiple Choice Multiple Answers task applies a negative marking system. This scoring system also applies to tasks such as PTE Highlight Incorrect Words and PTE Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answers. This means you will lose one point each time you choose an incorrect answer. Your lowest possible point is zero.
What happens if I select an incorrect option in the PTE Listening section?
You will lose one point if you select the wrong option. As mentioned, each correct answer will earn you one point while each incorrect answer costs you one point. You won’t get scores lower than zero.
Can I replay the recording if I miss important information while listening?
No. The audio will only play once. Test-takers won’t be able to hear the recording for a second chance. Therefore, listen carefully the first time to capture all the important information to secure your score in the PTE Listening Multiple Choice Multiple Answers task.
Conclusion
Success in the PTE Listening Multiple Choice Multiple Answers task requires the ability to understand, think critically, and choose answers correctly under time pressure. The key is to stay consistent with your preparation, taking PTE Listening Multiple Choice Multiple Answers practice questions as frequently as possible. This will help you sharpen your Listening skills to overcome this task with confidence. Cheers!
Last updated on 02/06/2025

My name is Moni, and I am a seasoned PTE teacher with over 6 years of experience. I have helped thousands of students overcome their struggles and achieve their desired scores. My passion for teaching and dedication to my student’s success drives me to continually improve my teaching methods and provide the best possible support. Join me on this journey toward PTE success!
I am a firm believer that the best teachers educate with their hearts not just their minds.
Moni | PTE MAGIC International Founder
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