Loading…

PTE Core · Listening · L4

PTE Core Listening: Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Listening Multiple Choice, Single Answer plays a short recording once, then asks one question with several options. Only one option is correct, and there is no penalty for a wrong choice. PTE Core has 1 to 2 of these items, testing whether you understood the main point or a key detail.

Items per test
1–2
Recording
Plays once
Response
Select one option
Marking
Correct or incorrect; no penalty

How it works

  1. 1Read the question and options before the recording starts.
  2. 2Listen once, focusing on the part the question asks about.
  3. 3Rule out options the speaker contradicted or never mentioned.
  4. 4Select one answer and continue.

Sample question

Original sample · not from an official test

You hear a voicemail: "Hi, it's Lena from the dentist's. We need to move your Tuesday appointment because Dr Shaw is away. Could you call us back to choose a new time?" Question: Why is the speaker calling?

  1. ATo confirm a Tuesday appointment
  2. BTo rearrange an appointment
  3. CTo introduce a new dentist
  4. DTo ask for a payment
Show answer

Answer: To rearrange an appointment

Lena says the appointment must be moved and asks the listener to choose a new time. The other options mention details from the message but not its purpose.

Tips that work

  • Decide whether the question asks for purpose, a detail or the speaker's opinion before listening.
  • Listen to the end; the key information often comes after a change such as "but" or "so".
  • Always pick an answer, as a wrong choice costs nothing.
  • Jot down two or three keywords while listening so you can check the options after the recording ends.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing the first option that mentions a word from the recording.
  • Confusing this task with the multiple-answer version and looking for several answers.

Questions candidates ask

How many options are correct?

Exactly one. The multiple-answer listening task is the one with several correct options.

Can I hear the recording again?

No. Every PTE Core listening recording plays once.

What topics come up?

Everyday and workplace situations such as messages, announcements and short conversations.

Other PTE Core Listening tasks

PTE Core overviewPTE Core Listening: all partsPTE Core full mock testsPTE Core articles on the blog