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PTE ListeningPTE Academic and PTE Core

PTE Listening: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers — format, scoring and tips

You hear a recording and then choose every option that answers the question; more than one is correct. Like its reading twin, wrong choices take marks away, so choose only what you actually heard.

Timing at a glance

AudioPlayed once; there is no replay
Our practice paceAbout 1½ minutes per question

Timings are approximate and can vary slightly from question to question.

How it's scored

Scored on+1 per correct option−1 per wrong option

Each correct option chosen adds one mark and each incorrect option chosen takes one away, never below zero. Choosing only the options you are sure of is usually the safer approach.

Worked example

A practice question we wrote

Imagine a recording about a city that replaced car lanes with bike lanes. The speaker says cycling trips doubled, local shops reported more customers on foot, and air quality improved near the main road. Question: Which results does the speaker mention? A) More cycling B) Fewer road accidents C) More shoppers on foot D) Cleaner air near the main road E) Cheaper parking

A strong approach

A, C and D. B and E fit the topic but were never said; choosing them would cost a mark each.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing options that are logical but weren't said.
  • Not reading the question and options before the audio starts.
  • Choosing every option that sounds vaguely familiar.

Tips

  • Read the question and options before the audio plays.
  • Note which options you actually hear mentioned.
  • Leave out any option you are unsure of.
  • Watch for options that use words from the audio but change the meaning.

Listening: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers FAQ

Yes. Each correct option adds a mark and each wrong option removes one, though the score never goes below zero.

PTE Practice is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Pearson. Our scores are a calibrated emulation, not official PTE scores.