Timing at a glance
| Real test | No clock per question: the Reading items share one section timer |
|---|---|
| Our practice pace | About 1½ minutes per question |
Timings are approximate and can vary slightly from question to question.
How it's scored
Scored on1 mark for the correct option
Choosing the correct option earns one mark; any other choice earns nothing. There is no negative marking.
Worked example
A practice question we wrote
Text: "Many people assume that cats are indifferent to their owners. Recent studies, however, show that cats respond differently to their owner's voice than to a stranger's, and often seek their owner out when stressed." Question: What is the main point of the text? A) Cats prefer strangers. B) Cats are more attached to their owners than many people think. C) Cats are stressed by their owners' voices. D) Cats cannot recognise voices.
A strong approach
B. The word "however" signals the writer's real point: the evidence goes against the common assumption. A and D contradict the text, and C twists one detail.
Common mistakes
- Choosing an option that is true in general but not stated in the text.
- Picking the option that repeats words from the text but changes the meaning.
- Spending too long here; it's worth only one mark.
Tips
- Read the question first so you know what to look for.
- Watch signal words such as however, although and in fact; they often mark the main point.
- Rule out options that are too extreme, not mentioned or contradict the text.
- Keep moving: one mark is not worth five minutes.
Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer FAQ
No. A correct answer earns one mark and a wrong answer earns nothing.
Related guides
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.