Understanding the Listening Multiple Choice, Single Answer Task in PTE Academic, UKVI & Core

Listening: Multiple Choice, Single Answer is part of the PTE Listening section. This task checks how well we understand spoken text, pick out key points, and choose one precise answer from the options. We need to catch the main idea, key points, and what is implied in the audio. As we build this skill, we sharpen listening and thinking that pay off in school, work, and daily life.

What is the Listening Multiple Choice, Single Answer Task?

We listen to a brief clip, about 30 to 60 seconds, then pick the best answer to a question based on what we heard. Several choices appear, and only one is correct.

What Skills does This Task Test?

  • Finding the main idea and the key details tied to the question
  • Understanding the context and implied meaning from the audio
  • Telling important points from less important ones
  • We hear the recording only once, so focused listening and quick decisions matter.

Key Features of the Task

  • Audio will be played only once
  • You can expect 1-2 questions per test
  • This contributes only to the Listening skill
  • The audio will be of a formal or academic tone
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Types of Audio in the Listening Multiple Choice, Single Answer PTE Task

The recordings are typically sourced from academic or informational contexts and use a formal or neutral tone. They can include:
Lectures or Presentations
Focus on key points, main arguments, or conclusions
Example topics: Economic trends, Scientific studies, Educational practices
Explanatory or Instructional Talk
Identify processes, steps, or key concepts
Example topics: Research methods, Data analysis, Historical events
Conversations or Discussions
Pay attention to opinions, agreements, or key statements
Example topics: Group discussions, Interviews, Panel debates

Multiple Choice, Single Answer

In this task, you will see a text displayed on the screen. You are required to read the text aloud clearly and naturally. You will have 35 seconds to complete your reading, so focus on maintaining clarity, proper pronunciation, and a natural flow.

Sample Question 1:

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According to the text, when did signs advertising businesses become common?
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Sample Question 2:

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Why does the professor discuss taking a client's case history?
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Sample Question 3:

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Which of the following statements is best related with the opinion expressed by the woman?
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Tips for Acing the PTE Listening Multiple Choice, Single Answer Task

Listen for Specific Information
Focus on specific details rather than trying to remember every word.
Eliminate Distractors:
Identify options that include irrelevant or contradictory information not mentioned in the audio.
Take Quick Notes
Jot down keywords or key phrases to help you recall the main points.

How to Effectively Tackle Listening Multiple Choice, Single Answer in PTE

Step-by-Step Strategy

Listen Actively and Take Notes
Write down important words, phrases, or numbers as they are mentioned.
Identify the Main Idea and Key Details
Pay attention to the speaker’s main point, supporting examples, and any conclusions.
Review the Options Before Selecting
Cross-check your notes with each option and eliminate incorrect or misleading choices.
Listen Actively and Take Notes
Write down important words, phrases, or numbers as they are mentioned.
Identify the Main Idea and Key Details
Pay attention to the speaker’s main point, supporting examples, and any conclusions.
Review the Options Before Selecting
Cross-check your notes with each option and eliminate incorrect or misleading choices.
By familiarizing yourself with various audio types and practicing regularly, you can gain confidence in tackling the Listening Multiple Choice, Single Answer effectively, ultimately boosting your PTE Academic, UKVI, or Core score.

Use full video for Multiple Choice, Single Answer

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Learn more about other questions

Your Guide to Every Section of the PTE Exam

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Speaking
Read AloudRepeat SentenceDescribe ImageRe-Tell Lecture (Academic / UKVI)Answer Short QuestionRespond to a SituationSummarize Group Discussion (Academic / UKVI)
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Writing
Summarize Written TextWrite Essay
Write Email (Core)
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Reading
Fill in the Blanks (Drop Down)Multiple Choice, Multiple AnswersRe-order ParagraphsFill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop)Multiple Choice, Single Answer
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Listening
Summarize Spoken TextMultiple Choice, Multiple AnswersFill in the BlanksHighlight Correct SummaryMultiple Choice, Single AnswerSelect Missing WordHighlight Incorrect WordsWrite from Dictation

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.

It’s a listening task where you select the single best answer to a question based on an audio clip.

You will typically encounter 1 to 2 questions of this type.

No, the recording plays only once.

Focus on the main idea, key points, and specific details mentioned in the audio.

No, as you are selecting a multiple-choice option, spelling is not a factor.

No, it only contributes to the Listening score in PTE Academic, UKVI, or Core.