Multiple Choice, Single Answer at a glance
How Multiple Choice, Single Answer works
- You read a passage of up to 300 words.
- You answer one question by selecting a single option.
- The task uses the Reading section time and has no separate item timer.
What your response is scored on
One correct selection earns the available credit.
Incorrect, blank or multiple selections receive zero.
The task contributes to Reading performance.
Pearson does not publish the complete scoring algorithm or raw-to-scale conversion. PrepEx feedback and 10-90 scores are practice estimates, not official PTE results.
Sample-style single-answer task
Many cities now use permeable pavement in selected streets and car parks. The material allows rainwater to pass through the surface, reducing pressure on drainage systems during heavy storms.
What is the main purpose of permeable pavement in the passage?
To help stormwater enter the ground instead of overloading drains
To make roads less expensive to build in every city
To increase traffic speed during heavy rain
To replace all traditional drainage systems immediately
This is an original PrepEx example designed to demonstrate the response format. It is not an official Pearson test item.
How to improve at Multiple Choice, Single Answer
- Predict the answer from the passage before comparing the options.
- Eliminate distractors that are true details but do not answer the question.
- Check whether the question asks for main idea, inference, purpose or detail.
Learn the strategy here, then practise filtered Multiple Choice, Single Answer items in the Practice Hub.
A 15-minute Multiple Choice, Single Answer practice loop
Preview the rules
Re-read the timing, scoring traits and common mistakes on this guide before opening practice.
Run focused attempts
Open the filtered Practice Hub view and complete several Multiple Choice, Single Answer attempts without switching task types.
Review and repeat
Use your activity history and target plan to decide whether to repeat this task or move to the next weak family.
Stay on this task for a short focused set, then review whether it should remain your priority.
Common mistakes
- Answering from background knowledge instead of the passage
- Choosing a true detail when the question asks for the main idea
- Ignoring negative or exception wording in the question
- Changing a supported answer because another option sounds more academic
Checked against Pearson's current format
Task format, timing and published scoring traits were checked against Pearson's current PTE Academic test-format guidance on June 23, 2026. Pearson remains the final authority and may update the test.
Primary source: Pearson PTE Academic test format.