PTE Core Listening Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers requires you to understand a recording, identify multiple correct ideas and avoid selecting incorrect options because negative marking applies.
Current Format
Pearson currently lists audio of approximately 50–90 seconds.
The recording plays automatically and you hear it only once.
The January 2026 Score Guide lists approximately 1–2 questions.
Scoring
- +1 for each correct response
- −1 for each incorrect selected response
- Minimum item score: 0
This task contributes to Listening.
Use the Seven Seconds Before Audio
Pearson currently gives you seven seconds before the recording begins.
Use this time to:
- Read the question
- Understand the topic
- Notice keywords in the options
- Prepare to take short notes
Best Strategy
- Read the question first.
- Understand whether you need main ideas or details.
- Listen without trying to click answers immediately.
- Take short notes.
- Capture main points and important details.
- After listening, compare each option with your notes.
- Select for meaning, not identical vocabulary.
- Avoid uncertain selections because negative marking applies.
Take Notes Instead of Chasing Options
Pearson recommends note-taking because information in the recording may not appear in the same order as the answer choices.
Your notes can use keywords such as:
meeting delayed / weather / Tue 10am / online option
Listen for Paraphrasing
The correct answer may express the same idea using different words.
Audio:
The company plans to reduce operating expenses.
Option:
The business intends to lower its costs.
The vocabulary changes but the meaning is similar.
Keyword Trap
An incorrect option may repeat exact words from the recording while changing the meaning.
Do not choose merely because something sounds familiar.
Negative Marking Discipline
Use confidence levels:
- High confidence → select
- Medium confidence → compare notes carefully
- Low confidence → avoid random guessing
Listen for Important Details
Useful notes may include:
- Times
- Places
- People
- Reasons
- Changes
- Decisions
- Problems
- Solutions
Common Mistakes
- Trying to read options while missing the audio
- Selecting every option
- Ignoring negative marking
- Matching words instead of meaning
- Writing full sentences as notes
- Missing contrast words such as however or although
Practice Routine
Listen to 60–90 second clips once. Take notes, then write the three most important ideas before checking the transcript.
This develops the same listening-selection skill without depending on memorized practice questions.
Related Guides
- PTE Core Listening Tips
- Summarize Spoken Text Tips
- Highlight Incorrect Words Tips
- PTE Core Practice Test
Official Resource
Pearson PTE Core Listening Format
Final Thoughts
Listening Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers rewards accurate understanding rather than aggressive selection. Take short notes, match meaning rather than repeated vocabulary, and remember that incorrect selected answers can reduce your score.
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