The PTE Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer (MCMA) question type is the same for the PTE Academic and PTE Core tests. So, this post applies equally to both versions.
PTE MCMA is more challenging than a typical multiple-choice question because there will be more than one correct answer, and you won’t know how many correct answers there will be for any given question. Not knowing how many correct answers there are is the one thing that unsettles test candidates the most.
In this post, we will help you understand how to approach PTE MCMA more confidently with tips, tricks and strategies to help you achieve the score you need for PTE!
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Reading is Key: Don’t just dive into the passage! Preview the questions and answers first to guide your reading. Then, skim for the main idea and scan for specific details to answer the questions efficiently.
- Every Point Counts: Remember the negative marking system. Selecting incorrect answers will be deducted from your score, so choose your answers carefully. If unsure, make educated guesses, but don’t select answers randomly.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarise yourself with the question format and practice the strategies outlined in this guide. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in tackling Multiple Choice Multiple Answer questions.
- Key Takeaways
- Introduction
- Understanding the Question Format in PTE Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answer
- Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answer Scoring
- PTE Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answer Step-by-Step Guide
- PTE Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answer: Practice Question
- Conclusion
- What’s next?
Introduction
To master the PTE Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answer question type with ease, everything you need is right here! This PTE Reading question type is known to be one of the trickiest, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the format of the question, discuss effective strategies, and provide a worked example to help you blitz this task.
Remember to utilise all the fantastic resources available at E2 Language, such as the excellent E2 Language PTE Youtube channel.
Or watch our video overview of the task:
Understanding the Question Format in PTE Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answer
The Multiple Choice Multiple Answer question in the PTE reading section presents a written passage followed by a question and a list of possible answer choices. The catch? There’s more than one correct answer, and you must select all of them to score full points.
Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answer Scoring
This table shows you how this task is scored. You get one point for a correct answer and minus one point for an incorrect answer.
| Action | Score Impact |
| Selecting a correct answer option | +1 |
| Selecting an incorrect answer option | -1 |
| Not selecting a correct answer option | 0 |
| Not selecting an incorrect answer option | 0 |
Important Note: The lowest possible score you can receive on a Multiple Choice Multiple Answer question is 0. Even if you select all incorrect options, your score for that question will not be negative.
PTE Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answer Step-by-Step Guide
We’ve broken down the process into clear steps. Follow this guide to approach these questions strategically:
Step 1: Start with the Question and Options
Begin by reading the question and all answer choices. This will give you a sense of what to look for in the passage. As you read the answer choices, try to identify keywords or phrases that might help you locate the relevant information in the passage.
Step 2: Get the Gists
Quickly skim the passage to get a general understanding of its central idea and overall structure. Don’t worry about understanding every detail at this stage. The goal is to understand the passage’s main topic and the general location of different ideas.
Step 3: Zero in on the Details
Now read the passage more carefully, paying particular attention to the sections relevant to the question and answer choices. Look for keywords or phrases that relate to the answer choices. As you read, try to identify the main points and supporting details.
Step 4: Weigh Up Your Options
Go back to the answer choices and evaluate each based on your understanding of the passage. Eliminate any answers that are clearly incorrect or not supported by the passage. For the remaining choices, consider why they might be correct and whether they accurately reflect the information in the passage.
Step 5: Make Your Choice/s
Choose the answer choices that you believe are best supported by the passage. Remember that you need to select all the correct answers to get full marks for the question and that negative scoring for incorrect selections is a feature of this task.
PTE Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answer: Practice Question
Let’s put these strategies into practice with an example:
Passage:The internet has revolutionised the way we communicate, providing instant access to information and connecting people worldwide. However, it also presents challenges such as online safety, misinformation, and the potential for addiction.
Question: Which statements about the internet are true according to the passage?
Answer options:
a) The internet has only positive effects on society.
b) Information can be accessed immediately.
c) The internet can be addictive.
d) The internet is a safe space for everyone.
Correct answers: b, c
Explanation: Options (b) and (c) are explicitly mentioned in the passage as benefits and challenges of the internet. Option (a) is incorrect because the passage states both positive and negative effects. Option (d) is incorrect as the internet presents safety challenges.
Did you know we have a full PTE Reading test with answers you can also use to practise? Check it out below:
Conclusion
Multiple Choice Multiple Answer questions can be challenging, but you can confidently tackle them with the right strategies. Remember to practice regularly, manage your time effectively, and stay focused on the information presented in the passage. We’re confident that by following the advice in this blog, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle Multiple Choice Multiple Answer questions and boost your PTE reading score.
What’s next?
So, what should you do now? Go to e2language.com and use our high quality materials to practice PTE MCMA questions to be ready for test days!
To improve your PTE MCMA score, we recommend you practice all the PTE practice activities, assessments, and mock tests on the E2 website. Even though the PTE test might seem challenging initially, if you use our methods, tips & strategies, you will master all sections of whichever PTE test you take. Start a free trial of our PTE Test Preparation course and improve your Speaking and other English skills with the help of our experts.
About the author:
E2 is your trusted PTE test prep provider. We have helped 1000’s of students achieve PTE success for over 10 years. Our experienced teachers are highly trained, and our training content and materials are of the highest quality. Your next step to PTE success is to sign up for free to E2Language.com, join one of our live classes and try some of our high-quality practice activities and assessments. Let us guide you to the score that you need.