Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers) — Negative Marking
1 min read
What is Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers)?
You read a passage and choose two or more correct options from a list. Tests Reading. Audio version (Listening MCQ Multiple) follows the same scoring rules.
Format & Timing
- Options: 5–7 choices, multiple correct
- Time per question: ~2 minutes
- Number per exam: 1–2 in Reading + 1–2 in Listening
Scoring — The Negative Marking Trap
- +1 for each correct option selected.
- -1 for each WRONG option selected.
- Minimum score is 0 (you can't go negative on the question).
This is the only PTE question type with explicit negative marking — be conservative, not greedy.
The Conservative Strategy
- Only pick options you are sure about. Two confident picks beat four guesses.
- If the question says "Choose 2", pick exactly 2. If it says "Choose all that apply", pick only the ones you can support from the text.
- Eliminate obviously wrong options first — distractors with extreme words ("always", "never", "only") often signal wrong answers.
How to Spot Correct Options
- The option paraphrases an idea directly stated in the passage.
- The option uses synonyms of words in the passage (not the same words — that's a distractor pattern).
- The option is supported by at least one sentence you can point to.
Common Mistakes
- Selecting too many options — negative marks pile up fast.
- Choosing options that are TRUE but not stated in the passage.
- Falling for paraphrased distractors that contradict the original meaning.
Practice on ClearMyPTE
Drill MCQ Multiple in Reading practice. Track your accuracy — if you're below 70%, revert to picking only 2 confident options per question.