PTE Listening Multiple Choice Single Answer

The PTE Listening Multiple Choice Single Answer task is similar to the one you come across in the reading section of PTE. The only difference here is- you will hear an audio instead of text to answer the multiple choice question. This task judges your listening and comprehension of spoken English skills. 

If you are looking for ways to improve your score in this task, this article is here to help you. Read the post till the end for useful tips and trips to crack the Multiple Choice Single Answer task in the listening section PTE.

About the Task-PTE Listening Multiple Choice Single Answer

Multiple choice single answer is the fifth task in the listening section. In this task, you must listen to an audio and answer the multiple choice question by picking the correct answer. The question displayed is normally related to the text’s content or tone. The recording will play automatically and the prompt length is about 30-60 seconds. You are able to hear the recording only once.

To select your response, place the cursor on it and click the left button of your mouse. If you wish to change to another option, click on it and follow the same. Note that options might be similar, but the correct answer is only one.

What should you focus on while listening?

What you should focus on during the audio depends on the type of question asked there. For example, if the question is:

• What aspect of budget policy the author is talking about? It means you should focus on supporting details or information.
• What was the main cause of global warming?- Here you should look for the main idea of the recording.
• Why does he mention about climate change?- here you need to listen and understand the purpose of the talk.

9 Useful Tips and Tricks for PTE Listening Multiple Choice Single Answer

For this task, initially, you make use of the first 5 seconds to read the question and all the answer options carefully to understand the context. When the audio plays, actively listen and take notes of important points. Before submitting, make sure you have enough time to check the answer again.
Here are the proven tips and tricks that help you to improve your score in this question type.

1. Skim through the Options before the audio starts

Before the audio begins, you will be given 5 seconds. Use this time wisely to skim the question and all the options to get an idea of what will be played in an audio and what to look for.

Try remembering a few keywords if possible. When you understand the context, you can deal with the question more precisely and find answers much faster.  

2. Keep an eye on all the options while listening

While you are listening to an audio, be actively engaged and try to keep an eye on all the options. By doing this, you can validate, sort out some options, selecting the most possible one. This will help you in answering faster and have enough time at the end to review all the questions.

3. Focus on Meaning of the Audio

Concentrating on the main message that is delivered in the recording can help you select the correct answer. Recollect the examples of the keywords in the question discussed in the previous section. Focus on it to find out which information you should look for. Besides, to analyze and decide the correct option, you need to pay attention to important words in senences/phrases in the audio.

4. Take Notes

Taking notes is absolutely essential in most listening tasks. Since it is very difficult to remember all the information in an audio, take the notes to capture the keypoints. Once you have note down the crucial information, on this basis you can answer the question perfectly. If you are not good at this skill, work on improving it.
Here is the best tip- creating the list of symbols for common words can help you prepare notes faster. Make sure your handwriting is readable so you won’t face any difficultylater.

5. Validate all options one by one

The task Listening multiple choice single answer in PTE challenges you to choose only one correct option. Sometimes the options might be similar and will make you confused. So, though if you have identified the answer, look at other options and validate them to make sure the answer you have chosen is correct.

6. Don’t spend too much time on any one question

It is always good to avoid spending too much time on one single question. If you are stuck on one question, don’t spend too much time on it. Give yourself a short time 1-2 minutes to try and figure it out. 
Since this section has no negative points, if you don’t know the answer, take a random guess and move on to the next. It is better not to leave an answer blank. Pick an option and if the time permits you can recheck it to clear the doubt.

7. Try to Visualize while you Listen

Using the visualization trick is greatly helpful for the listening tasks. We always find it easier to remember what we see. So, drawing a picture in your mind can help you listen actively, enhance your focus, and remember better.

8. Review your Answer chosen

It is important to review your answer in all tasks and sections to ensure you kept the desired response. After the recording ends, have a look at all the questions and answers again. Make sure you didn’t select any option in a rush.

If you are unsure about something, focus on it, read your notes again for a clue, and come up with a clear-cut answer. If you still have no idea, pick the option with correct grammar and make sense. Your vocabulary can be helpful here.

9. Keep Practicing

To get full marks in this task, practicing is a must. You can dedicate some time in a day listening to authentic audio sources to practice note-taking skills. Make sure the recordings you use for practice are academic with the proper level of difficulty.

This process requires frequency and consistency, so it is necessary to set up and follow a daily plan. You can utilize our best platform Kanan International to get good practice through mock tests and live classes. This will help you to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types you will face in the real test.

Practice Questions

Now it’s your turn to practice. You can try these practice questions.

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

Which of the following statements best summarise the lecture?
A. Developing strength and the ways various methods which you can use to grow yourself.
B. Developing your neuromuscular, physiological and energetic strengths and then motivating others.
C. Getting yourself organised and understand what you are going to do with your life.
D. Use the four pillars to become a confident human being, mainly by eating healthy and treating others with respect.

Correct Answer: B

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

Going by the lecture, which of the following statements is true about enzymes?
A. They catabolise internally in the digestive system and metabolize externally.
B. They are a result of Metabolic reactions which first originate from the digestive system.
C. They are needed for cells to survive internally and digest food externally.
D. They are produced within cells and set off reactions internally and externally.

Correct Answer: D

PTE Listening Multiple choice Single Answer task is not difficult if you apply the tips given on this page. Don’t forget to practice every day to enhance your performance. 

All the best for your Exam!