An Efficient Method for PTE Reading Multiple Choice Single Answer

The PTE Reading section features a question type called Multiple Choice Single Answer (MCSA). Your goal is to read a passage, analyze a question, and select the one correct answer from a list of options.

While the task sounds simple, it can be a hidden time trap. The biggest mistake students make is spending too much time trying to solve a question that is only worth a single point. This can leave you with little time for the more valuable, high-scoring questions in the Reading section.

This guide provides a fast and efficient method for solving MCSA questions. The strategy is built around speed and accuracy, helping you find the correct answer in under two minutes and move on with confidence.

What is PTE Reading Multiple Choice Single Answer?

This task, Multiple Choice Single Answer presents you with a short academic text, typically up to 300 words long. Alongside the text, there is one question with 4 to 5 answer options. Your job is to choose the single best option that answers the question based on the information in the passage.

How Multiple Choice Single Answer is Scored

The scoring for this task is straightforward.

• Correct Answer: You receive 1 point.
• Incorrect Answer: You receive 0 points.
• Negative Marking: There is no negative marking.
• Score Contribution: The point you earn contributes only to your Reading score.

Because it is a single-point question, your primary goal is efficiency.

A Time-Saving Method to Find the Correct Answer

To solve MCSA questions quickly, you should not read the entire passage from beginning to end. Instead, use a targeted “search and verify” method.

Step 1: Analyze the Question to Find Keywords

Your first step is to read the question carefully, not the passage. Identify the specific keywords that will guide your search. These are often nouns, names, dates, or key concepts.

• Example Question: “According to the passage, what was a significant consequence of the Industrial Revolution on urban populations?”
• Keywords to find: consequence, Industrial Revolution, urban populations.

Step 2: Scan the Passage to Locate the Keywords

Now, scan the text with your eyes. You are not reading for deep understanding yet. You are only looking for the location of your keywords.

When you find a sentence or two that contains “Industrial Revolution” and discusses “urban populations,” you have found the relevant section of the text. This is where your answer will be.

Step 3: Read the Relevant Section and Eliminate Wrong Answers

Once you have located the key information, read that specific part of the text carefully. Then, turn your attention to the answer options. Your goal is to eliminate the incorrect options.

• Compare each option against the information you just read in the text.
• If an option contradicts the text, it is wrong.
• If an option introduces information not mentioned in the text, it is wrong.
• If an option uses extreme words like always or never that are not supported by the text, it is likely wrong.

By eliminating the 3 or 4 incorrect “imposter” options, you will be left with the one answer that is directly supported by the passage.

A Worked Example: Putting the Method into Practice

Let’s apply this method to a real example.

• Question: “What is the primary benefit of using biomimicry in architecture, according to the text?”
• Keywords: primary benefit, biomimicry, architecture.
• Passage (Excerpt): “…Biomimicry in architecture involves learning from and mimicking strategies found in nature. One of the most significant benefits of this approach is the creation of highly efficient, self-sustaining buildings. For example, the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe was designed to mimic the self-cooling mounds of African termites, resulting in a building that uses over 90% less energy for air conditioning compared to conventional structures…”
• Answer Options:
  • A) It allows buildings to be constructed faster.
  • B) It results in buildings that are more energy-efficient.
  • C) It is the most popular architectural style.
  • D) It uses only natural building materials.

The Solution Process:

1. Analyze the Question: I have identified my keywords.
2. Scan the Passage: I scan the text and find the sentence: “One of the most significant benefits of this approach is the creation of highly efficient, self-sustaining buildings.” This is the key information.
3. Eliminate the Wrong Answers:
   • A) The text does not mention construction speed. Eliminate.
   • C) The text does not mention popularity. Eliminate.
   • D) The text does not mention the types of materials used. Eliminate.
   • B) The text explicitly states that a benefit is creating “highly efficient” buildings and gives an example of a building that uses “90% less energy.” This is a direct match. B is the correct answer.

This entire process is designed to be completed in under two minutes.

How to Practice Multiple Choice Single Answer

To get better at this task, you need to train both your scanning skills and your analytical thinking.

• Practice Scanning: A simple way to improve your scanning speed is to take any English article and give yourself 30 seconds to circle every instance of a specific word. This trains your eyes to locate information quickly without reading every word.
• Analyze Your Mistakes: When you practice questions on the PTE Reading MCSA page, don’t just move on after you see the result. If you get a question wrong, take the time to find the evidence in the text that supports the right answer and contradicts the one you chose.
• Simulate Exam Conditions: To build your overall speed and stamina, it is important to practice this task in the context of the full PTE Reading practice section.
• Take a Timed Test: The ultimate test of your strategy is to see if you can apply it under the pressure of a ticking clock. A PTE Reading Sectional Mock Test will show you if you are managing your time effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reading MCSA

Q1. How much time should I spend on this question?

You should aim to spend no more than 2 minutes on each MCSA question. It is a single-point question, and your time is more valuable on other, higher-scoring tasks in the Reading section.

Q2. What should I do if I am stuck between two options?

If you have successfully eliminated the other options but are stuck between two plausible answers, quickly re-read the relevant sentence in the text. Look for any small detail or specific word that makes one option a better fit than the other. If you are still unsure after a brief check, make your best guess and move on. Do not waste more than 2.5 minutes.

Q3. Are the answers always explicitly stated in the text?

Yes. For MCSA questions, the correct answer will be a paraphrase or a direct restatement of information found in the passage. You do not need to make large inferences or use outside knowledge. The proof is always in the text.

By using the “Keyword Detective” method, you can approach this task with a clear, time-saving strategy. This allows you to secure your point efficiently and reserve your valuable time and mental energy for the more complex parts of the PTE Reading exam.

Ready to test your skills in a full exam simulation? Take a free, full-length PTE mock test with a complete score report.