PTE Reading Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers) | Step-by-Step Guide, Tips & Solved Questions

PTE Reading Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers) — Step-by-Step Guide with Tips & Solved Questions

Among all the question types in the PTE Academic Reading section, the Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (MCMAs) question type is considered one of the trickiest. Many test-takers lose marks here—not because the content is extremely difficult, but because one wrong choice cancels out one correct choice. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to handle these questions efficiently, avoid negative marking, and maximize your Reading score.

Before we begin, if you haven’t already read my earlier blogs on PTE Reading, I highly recommend checking out these two:

Both blogs will give you a stronger foundation for the Reading module and prepare you for the logical reasoning and comprehension skills that are essential for success in the MCMA question type.

What Are Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Questions?

In this task, you will read a passage (around 100–300 words) and answer a question that asks you to select more than one correct option from a list of 5–7 choices.

For example, the question may say:

“Select all the correct answers.”

This means two or more answers could be correct, and there’s no partial marking—each wrong option you select reduces your score for that question.

Scoring:

Each correct option = +1 mark
Each incorrect option = -1 mark
Minimum score per question = 0 (no negative total per question)

What This Question Type Tests

This task evaluates your ability to:

Identify the main idea and supporting details
Understand inferences (implied meaning)
Recognize attitude or purpose of the writer
Distinguish between facts and opinions
Grasp synonyms and paraphrases

Unlike single-answer questions, this one requires precise comprehension, because the distractors (wrong options) often contain partially correct information.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Solve

Step 1: Read the question first

Before you even look at the passage, read the question carefully. Identify whether it asks about the main idea, supporting details, opinions, or inferences.

For example:

“Which of the following statements are true according to the passage?”

This tells you to look for factual confirmation in the text.

Step 2: Skim the passage for main ideas

Spend 20–30 seconds skimming the paragraph. Identify:

The overall topic (What is it about?)
The author’s tone (Informative? Critical? Analytical?)
The general flow (Introduction → explanation → examples → conclusion)

Step 3: Read each option carefully

Now go through the options one by one.
Ask yourself:

Does the passage fully support this option?
Is it partially true or completely opposite?

If it’s partially true or opposite in meaning, eliminate it immediately.

Step 4: Use the elimination method

Most options will have something tricky. For example:

A word like “always”, “only”, “never” often makes a statement extreme.
Look out for paraphrasing—sometimes the same idea is expressed in different words.

Mark only those options that are fully supported by the passage.

Step 5: Don’t over-select

If you’re unsure about an option, it’s safer to skip it. Remember, a wrong answer can cancel a right one. Selecting one correct option gives you +1, but selecting an extra incorrect one can bring you down to zero.

So if you’re confident about only one choice, choose that and move on.

Example 1 – Solved MCMA Question

Passage:

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the impact of social media on mental health. Studies indicate that excessive use of social media platforms can lead to anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem, particularly among teenagers. However, some researchers argue that moderate and mindful use of these platforms can enhance social connections and provide emotional support during stressful times.

Question:
Which of the following statements are correct according to the passage?

Options:
A. Social media is harmful to all users.
B. Moderate use of social media can have positive effects.
C. Researchers agree that social media causes mental illness.
D. Teenagers are especially affected by excessive use.
E. Using social media always leads to depression.

Answer: ✅ B and ✅ D

Explanation:

(B) is correct because the passage mentions that “moderate and mindful use can enhance social connections.”
(D) is correct because “particularly among teenagers” supports it.
(A), (C), and (E) are incorrect because they use extreme language (“all users”, “always”) or misrepresent what researchers said.

Example 2 – Solved MCMA Question

Passage:

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has revolutionized the automobile industry. Governments worldwide are promoting their use by offering subsidies and tax benefits. However, the production of EV batteries still depends on rare earth minerals, the mining of which has environmental costs. Until cleaner extraction methods are developed, the environmental advantage of EVs remains limited.

Question:
Which statements are true according to the passage?

Options:
A. Electric vehicles have completely solved environmental problems.
B. Governments are encouraging the use of electric vehicles.
C. The production of EV batteries has no environmental impact.
D. Mining for rare earth minerals harms the environment.
E. The benefits of EVs are restricted by current battery production methods.

Answer: ✅ B, ✅ D, and ✅ E

Explanation:

(B) supported by “Governments… offering subsidies and tax benefits.”
(D) supported by “mining… has environmental costs.”
(E) supported by “Until cleaner extraction methods are developed, the environmental advantage remains limited.”
(A) and (C) are wrong because they exaggerate.

Time Management Tips

Don’t spend more than 2 minutes per question.
Skim first, don’t read word-by-word.
Mark only confident answers.
Move quickly if unsure — you can’t afford to lose time on one tricky question.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-selecting answers: Choosing 3–4 options when only 2 are correct can drop your score to zero.
Falling for traps: Phrases that sound familiar but are slightly twisted from the text.
Ignoring “qualifiers”: Words like some, few, may, likely often signal that the statement isn’t absolute.
Not reading the full sentence: The context can change meaning entirely.

Connect with Related PTE Reading Skills

Your overall performance in the Reading section depends on how well you handle logical flow, paragraph connections, and inference-based reading. To strengthen these skills, do read my other blogs:

Understanding PTE Academic Reading: Structure, Timing & Scoring — for a deep understanding of how the Reading module is structured.
PTE Re-order Paragraphs: Proven Tips, Do’s & Don’ts, and Solved Examples — to improve your understanding of logical flow and cohesion.

Both posts build a strong foundation that directly supports your success in MCMA questions.

Final Thoughts

The Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers task in the PTE Reading section can be intimidating at first, but with smart strategies and awareness of common traps, you can handle it confidently. Focus on accuracy, not over-selection. Trust the text—every correct answer is explicitly supported somewhere in the passage.

Keep reading, keep practising, and most importantly, simulate the full test experience. Combine daily reading exercises with timed LRWS tests from trusted resources like the PTE Practice Test Book on Amazon Australia and the latest PTE book for all modules available on Amazon UK. It’s designed to give you real exam-like exposure and help you reach your target PTE score faster.

If you found this guide useful, make sure to share it with fellow PTE aspirants and explore more free preparation blogs on IELTS Treasure. For complete test readiness, start your full-length PTE practice journey today with the book linked above.

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