Multiple Choice (Single Answer) — Strategy Guide

What is Multiple Choice (Single Answer)?

You read a passage and select one correct option. Easier than the multi-answer version because there is no negative marking.

Format & Timing

• Options: 4–5, only one correct
• Time per question: ~1.5 minutes
• Number per exam: 1–2

Scoring

• 1 point for correct answer.
• No negative marking. Always answer.

The Elimination Approach

1. Read the question first, then the passage. You'll know what to look for.
2. Eliminate obviously wrong options — usually 2 of the 4 are clearly wrong.
3. Compare the remaining 2 carefully. One is a distractor that twists the meaning slightly.
4. Pick the option that paraphrases the passage, not the one that copies words verbatim — verbatim copies are often distractors.

Distractor Patterns to Recognise

• Verbatim copy: uses the same words but different meaning. Distractor.
• Extreme language: "always", "never", "all", "none". Almost always wrong.
• Out of scope: true in general but not stated in this passage. Distractor.
• Half-true: first half right, second half wrong. Distractor.

Common Mistakes

• Reading too quickly — passage details matter.
• Picking the option that "sounds smart" — go with what the text actually says.
• Leaving blank — never. Always pick something.

Practice on ClearMyPTE

Practice in Reading practice. After each attempt review which distractor pattern caught you out.