The Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers task tests your ability to read a passage and identify all correct options based on the information given in the text.
Unlike single-answer questions, this task has more than one correct answer. You need to choose all the options that are supported by the passage. However, you should be careful because selecting an incorrect option can reduce your score for that question.
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Scoring
Based on Pearson's official PTE Core scoring guide, selecting an incorrect answer can reduce your score for this question, but it does not reduce your overall test score beyond this item. This is why you should only choose options that are clearly supported by the passage.
| Criteria | What It Measures | Scoring Range |
|---|---|---|
| Response | Whether each selected option is correct or incorrect | 1 point for each correct response; -1 for each incorrect response |
Task Format
| Part | Format |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | Usually 1–2 questions |
| Correct answers | Two or more options |
| Task | Select all correct responses |
| Skills assessed | Reading |
A Simple Strategy to Use
A strong approach is:
- Read the question first.
- Find the relevant information in the passage.
- Check each option against the passage.
- Select only the options that are clearly supported.
If you are unsure about an option, it is often safer not to select it, because incorrect choices can reduce your score for the question.
Example Question
Let's take this Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers example and use it throughout the guide.
Read the text from a hiking club announcement and answer the question by selecting all the correct responses. You will need to select more than one response.
The Mountain Trekkers Hiking Club is excited to announce our upcoming weekend trip to Pine Ridge Trail. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, we have prepared a list of recommended gear. Proper preparation will help you stay comfortable and safe on the trail, regardless of the weather.
We strongly suggest bringing sturdy hiking boots and a waterproof jacket, as the terrain can be rough and unpredictable weather is common. In addition, a backpack with plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and a first aid kit is essential. Please do not bring heavy or bulky items that could slow you down or cause discomfort during the hike. Avoid cotton clothing since it retains moisture and can increase the risk of chills.
For those interested, we offer a gear-check session next Saturday where experienced members will help you pack and recommend suitable equipment. If you're unable to attend, please review the full gear checklist posted on our website. Your safety is our priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in preparing well for this adventure.
Question: Which items or actions does the Mountain Trekkers Hiking Club recommend for the upcoming trip?
Step 1: Read the Question First
First, identify exactly what the question is asking.
In this example, the question asks:
Which items or actions does the club recommend?
This means you should look for items or actions that the club suggests, encourages, or describes as useful for the hiking trip.
Step 2: Skim the Passage for Key Information
Now skim the passage and look for recommendation language.
In this example, the passage recommends:
- sturdy hiking boots
- a waterproof jacket
- plenty of water
- high-energy snacks
- a first aid kit
- attending a gear-check session
- reviewing the gear checklist if unable to attend
The passage also tells readers not to bring heavy or bulky items and to avoid cotton clothing.
Step 3: Analyze Each Option
Now check each option directly against the passage.
Correct. The passage says the club strongly suggests bringing a waterproof jacket because the weather can be unpredictable.
We strongly suggest bringing sturdy hiking boots and a waterproof jacket, as the terrain can be rough and unpredictable weather is common.
Incorrect. The passage says not to bring heavy or bulky items because they can slow hikers down or cause discomfort.
Please do not bring heavy or bulky items that could slow you down or cause discomfort during the hike.
Incorrect. The passage says to avoid cotton clothing because it retains moisture and can increase the risk of chills.
Avoid cotton clothing since it retains moisture and can increase the risk of chills.
Correct. The club offers a gear-check session where experienced members help participants pack and recommend suitable equipment.
For those interested, we offer a gear-check session next Saturday where experienced members will help you pack and recommend suitable equipment.
Correct. The passage says a backpack with water, high-energy snacks, and a first aid kit is essential.
In addition, a backpack with plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and a first aid kit is essential.
Step 4: Use Elimination Carefully
Back to the same example, options b) and c) may look related to the topic, but they are not recommended. In fact, the passage advises against them.
This is common in Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers questions. Some options may contain words from the passage but reverse the meaning.
Eliminate options that:
- contradict the passage
- are mentioned as warnings
- are only partly true
- sound related but are not actually recommended
Step 5: Verify Your Selections
Before finalizing your answer, check that each selected option is clearly supported by the text.
For this question, the correct answers are:
Do not select heavy, bulky items or cotton clothing, because both are discouraged in the passage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Selecting options just because they appear in the passage
Some options may use words from the text but have the opposite meaning.
Check whether the passage actually recommends, supports, or confirms the option. -
Choosing too many answers
Selecting extra options can reduce your score if they are incorrect.
Choose only the answers that are clearly supported. -
Ignoring negative language
Words like "avoid," "do not," and "not recommended" are important.
Pay attention to whether the passage is recommending something or warning against it. -
Relying on assumptions
An option may sound logical, but it must be supported by the passage.
Do not use outside knowledge to choose answers. -
Missing more than one correct answer
This task always has more than one correct option.
After finding one correct answer, continue checking the remaining options. -
Overlooking partial contradictions
Some options may be partly related but still incorrect.
Make sure the full option matches the passage. -
Not reviewing before submitting
A quick review can help you remove risky choices.
Recheck each selected option before finalizing your answer.
Practice more Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers questions to sharpen your reading accuracy, identify clearly supported information, and avoid risky answer choices.
