The PTE listening multiple choice single answer section tests your listening and comprehension of spoken English skills.

If you find this part difficult or look for ways to improve your result, this article can help.

In this post, PTE Magic will explain the task in detail and provide useful tips and tricks to help you tackle the task successfully.

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(Read our Vietnamese version here)

Key Takeaways

• In this section, you must listen to the audio and answer a multiple-choice question by choosing one correct answer.
• To know what you should focus on during the audio, the central part of the question can help.
• See below for our nine useful tips for the PTE Listening Multiple Choice section.

Related:

• PTE Listening practice tips & tricks
• The ultimate guide to PTE Academic
• How to get higher scores with these PTE preparation tips

Things You Need to Know About PTE Listening Multiple Choice Single Answer

About The Task

In this section, you need to listen to the audio and answer a multiple-choice question by choosing one correct answer. The prompt length is about 30-60 seconds, and the question is usually about the text’s content or tone.

The record will play automatically, and you can only listen once. To choose your response, click on the left button of your mouse at the selected word. Left-click on another option if you want to change your answer.

Note that the options may sound similar, but there’s only one correct one.

Sample: Listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.

According to the speaker, the main reason why TV and films work so well is that ____.

• People are not interested in web and slides.
• Most of us enjoy audio tracks and videos.
• We humans respond best to video and audio.
• We are differentiated from all competitors.

 

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What Should You Listen To?

To know what you should focus on during the audio, the main part of the question can help. For example, the question is:

• What was the main cause of the pollution? – It means you should look for the main idea of the recording.
• What aspect of the environmental policy did the professor talk about? – Here, you need to focus on supporting details or information.
• Why does he mention plastic recycling? – You need to listen and understand the purpose of the speech.

9 Useful Tips For PTE Listening Multiple Choice Single Answer 

In this PTE task, you need to make full use of the first 5 seconds to read all the options to briefly understand the content. When the audio plays, listen actively and take notes. And before submitting, ensure you have enough time to review the answers again.

Skim Through The Options Before The Audio Starts

You will be given 5 seconds before the audio begins. Use it wisely by skimming through the options to get a general idea of what will be played in the recording. 

Try to quickly remember a few keywords if possible. Once you somehow understand the context, you can deal with the question much faster and more precisely, as you know what to look for while listening. 

Try To Catch The Options While Listening

While listening, don’t be passive, but try to keep an eye on all options. At the same time, with the audio playing, you can evaluate, sort out some options, and leave the most promising one. 

It will help you answer faster and have more time to review all questions at the end. 

Focus On The Meaning Of The Audio

Focusing on the message that the recording is trying to deliver can help you select the correct answer. Remember the example of keywords in the question we mentioned in the previous section. Focus on it to find out what information you should look for.

Besides, you need to pay attention to important words in the phrases or sentences in the audio to analyze and decide which option is correct.

Take Notes

Taking notes is a crucial skill in most listening tasks. It’s difficult to remember all the information, and with the audio speed, the best way to capture the key points is to note them down.

Once you have the important information in your notes, you’ll likely answer the question perfectly. If you are not good at this skill, try to improve it.

Making a list of symbols for common words can help you take notes faster. Ensure that your handwriting is readable so you won’t struggle later on. 

Validate All Options One By One

The Listening multiple choice single answer task requires you to choose only one correct option. However, sometimes the options may be similar and make you confused.

Even if you’ve identified the answer, look at other options and validate them one by one to ensure that what you’ve selected is correct. 

Don’t Spend Too Much Time On One Question

When you get stuck on one question, don’t spend too much time on that, as you have others to complete. Give yourself some time (1-2 minutes) to deal with that difficult question. 

If you don’t know what option to select, make a random guess and keep moving on. This section has no negative points, so you’d better not leave an empty answer. Select an option first, and you can return later to clear the doubt if you have time. 

Try To Visualize While Listening

This trick of visualization is incredibly helpful in listening tasks. It’s always easier for us to remember what we see. Therefore, drawing a picture in your mind can help you listen actively, especially with the audio without visual graphics. This tip will help you focus and remember better.

Review Your Answer

Reviewing is important in all tasks and sections to ensure you deliver the desired response. When the recording ends, go through all the questions and answers again. Ensure you don’t select any option in a rush.

Focus on where you have doubt, read your note again to find a clue, and make it a clear-cut answer. If you still have no idea, choose the one with correct grammar and makes sense. Your wide vocabulary may be a big help in this situation.  

Keep Practicing

To attain a full mark, practicing is inevitable. Spend time of the day listening to authentic audio sources and practicing note-taking skills. All recording content of the test will be academic, so ensure you find the ones with the proper level to practice.

This process also requires frequency and consistency. Therefore, setting up and following a daily plan is a must.

You can also improve your skills by doing mock tests on authentic PTE platforms like PTE Magic. It will help you familiarize yourself with the test format and question types. 

What Not To Do In The PTE Listening Multiple Choice Single Answer Section

Many test-takers make mistakes not because they lack skills, but because of small habits that quietly take away their scores. Below, we list the most common mistakes that occur in the PTE Listening Multiple Choice Single Answer section:

• Not reading the question before the recording starts: This seems like a small action, but skipping this step means you will listen to the audio without knowing the context. You’ll miss the background information, which can lead to being unable to follow the audio or catch the main idea. Glancing at the question before listening to the audio will give you enough context to follow the information more effectively.
• Focusing too closely on a single word or phrase: Many test-takers focus too much on unfamiliar terms, but this will distract them from the main context. The main idea of the audio often lies in the speaker’s tone and implication, not just vocabulary. You’ll miss out on other important information when you’re busy with a single word or phrase.
• Trying to write down everything: You might think writing down everything will help you remember all the details, but it will affect your attention. This also affects your listening ability because you’re focused on writing. The result is that you will only capture parts of the audio, not the meaning. Test-takers who receive high scores often focus on listening and only write what is important.
• Losing concentration: A moment of distraction will lead to losing the chance to capture the answer. Those who prepare well will stay focused on the task better. Practice to build focus, and it will turn into good results.
• Spending too long on one question:  This will take your time away from other questions. Try to keep a balance between your instinct and time management. If time allows, review your answer before moving on to the next question.
• Having high anxiety: Anxiety will come when you feel unprepared. Your mind will go blank as time keeps running. Avoid this by familiarizing yourself with the task. The more you practice, the more you are in control of your mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Do Multiple-Choice Listening Tasks?

Skim the question before the audio begins because it helps you know what’s coming. Then, read carefully and notice the differences between options to listen with purpose. The goal is to understand the context, not catch every word.

How Is The PTE Listening Score Calculated?

Unlike traditional exams, no human will evaluate your answers in the PTE tests. It uses algorithms to assess test-takers’ responses.

How Can I Improve My PTE Listening Score?

Practice matters. Improve your listening skills to pick out the main idea and important details. High-scorers absorb what they hear, then process and stay focused throughout the audio.

What’s The Best Way To Answer Multiple-Choice Questions?

Read everything, even the options. Pay attention to words such as “always” or “never” because they’re often traps. Additionally, eliminate the wrong options to find the correct answer more easily.

Conclusion

PTE listening multiple choice single answer tasks are not difficult.

You can easily select the correct response if you actively listen and take notes properly. Apply the tips above to optimize your results, and don’t forget to practice every day for your sweet fruits to come.

Good luck with your exam!