PTE negative marking in multiple-choice questions
PTE negative marking applies to Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers in reading and listening, and to Highlight Incorrect Words: correct choices earn marks and incorrect choices lose marks, so choose an option only when the text supports it. In RealPTE practice marking that is +1 and −1 per choice: 2 right and 1 wrong scores 1.
Which PTE task types have negative marking
Reading and listening task types, from Pearson's published scoring rules.
| Task | Part | Negative marking | Scoring rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | Part 2 | Yes | Each correct option earns marks; each incorrect option you choose loses marks. |
| Listening: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | Part 3 | Yes | Each correct option earns marks; each incorrect option you choose loses marks. |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | Part 3 | Yes | Each correctly clicked word earns 1 point; each wrong click loses 1 point. |
| Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) | Part 2 | No | Partial credit applies: a partly correct response still scores. |
| Reorder Paragraphs | Part 2 | No | Partial credit applies: a partly correct response still scores. |
| Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop) | Part 2 | No | Partial credit applies: a partly correct response still scores. |
| Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer | Part 2 | No | Scored as either correct or incorrect. |
| Listening: Fill in the Blanks (Type In) | Part 3 | No | Each correct word, spelled correctly, scores 1 point. |
| Highlight Correct Summary | Part 3 | No | Scored as either correct or incorrect. |
| Listening: Multiple Choice, Single Answer | Part 3 | No | Scored as either correct or incorrect. |
| Select Missing Word | Part 3 | No | Scored as either correct or incorrect. |
Source: Pearson, PTE Academic test format, checked 9 October 2026.
Worked example: how many points each choice earns
Each right option +1, each wrong option −1; RealPTE's practice marking never goes below zero for one question. Example numbers, not an exam question.
| Question has | You choose | Points | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 correct options | 2 right, 0 wrong | 2 | 2 / 2 |
| 2 correct options | 1 right, 0 wrong | 1 | 1 / 2 |
| 2 correct options | 2 right, 1 wrong | 1 | 1 / 2 |
| 2 correct options | 1 right, 1 wrong | 0 | 0 / 2 |
| 2 correct options | 1 right, 2 wrong | 0 | 0 / 2 |
| 3 correct options | 3 right, 2 wrong | 1 | 1 / 3 |
A strategy for Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
- Read the question first. Know what you are looking for before you read or listen.
- Find evidence for each option. Choose an option only when a line of the text or recording supports it.
- Stop when unsure. A wrong choice cancels a right one, so one sure option beats three guesses.
- Never click every option. Pearson says clicking all options because you do not know the answer loses points.
Source: Pearson, PTE Academic reading format (read 21 October 2026).
Questions students ask
How should I approach PTE multiple-choice questions with negative marking?
Only Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (reading and listening) and Highlight Incorrect Words take points off for wrong choices. Choose an option only when the text supports it: a wrong choice cancels a right one.
Which PTE questions have negative marking?
Reading and Listening Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers, and Highlight Incorrect Words (each wrong click loses a point). Single-answer multiple choice has no negative marking.
Can my score for one question go below zero?
In RealPTE practice marking, no: a question scores at least zero.
Should I choose only one option?
Choose every option you can support with the text, and no more. If only one is clearly right, one option is the safe answer.
Practise with a free account; reading and listening answers are always marked.
Practise multiple answers