- Read the sentence: "The researcher's findings were so meticulous that no reviewer could identify a single overlooked detail." The word "meticulous" most nearly means
- Carelessly assembled
- Extremely brief
- Openly hostile
- Showing great attention to detail
Correct answer: Showing great attention to detail
Showing great attention to detail is correct because reviewers found no overlooked detail, signaling thorough, careful work, which is what meticulous means. Carelessly assembled is the opposite, and the sentence says nothing about length or hostility.
- In the PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks' task, choose the word that best completes the sentence: "Although the proposal seemed promising, the committee remained _____ until the financial data could be independently confirmed."
- Delighted
- Exhausted
- Decorative
- Skeptical
Correct answer: Skeptical
Skeptical is correct because the committee withheld approval pending confirmation, which signals doubt, and "although" sets up a contrast with the promising proposal. Delighted contradicts that caution, while exhausted and decorative make no sense with confirming financial data.
- Read the academic sentence: "The new policy will mitigate the effects of flooding by expanding wetland buffers along the river." The word "mitigate" most nearly means
- Investigate thoroughly
- Make worse
- Celebrate publicly
- Make less severe
Correct answer: Make less severe
Make less severe is correct because expanding wetland buffers is meant to reduce flooding effects, and mitigate means to lessen something harmful. Make worse is the opposite, and investigating or celebrating do not fit a policy designed to limit damage.
- In a PTE Reading 'Re-order Paragraphs' task, four sentences must form a logical paragraph. Which sentence should come FIRST? (1) However, recent studies challenge that assumption. (2) For decades, scientists believed the species was extinct. (3) These studies suggest small populations survived in remote valleys. (4) The discovery has reopened debate about conservation priorities.
- Sentence 1
- Sentence 3
- Sentence 4
- Sentence 2
Correct answer: Sentence 2
Sentence 2 is correct because it introduces the long-held belief with no back-reference, making it the logical opener, while sentences 1, 3, and 4 all depend on it. "However," "These studies," and "The discovery" each point back to earlier ideas, so none can begin the paragraph.
- Read the sentence: "The lecturer's argument was undermined by a lack of supporting evidence." The word "undermined" most nearly means
- Strengthened
- Summarized
- Weakened
- Translated
Correct answer: Weakened
Weakened is correct because missing evidence damages an argument, and undermine means to weaken or erode something's foundation. Strengthened is the opposite, and summarizing or translating an argument is unrelated to the effect of weak evidence.
- For a PTE 'Summarize Written Text' task, a passage explains that urban trees lower temperatures, filter air pollutants, and reduce stormwater runoff. Which single sentence best summarizes the passage?
- Urban trees provide several environmental benefits, including cooling, cleaner air, and reduced runoff.
- Trees are difficult to plant in cities.
- Stormwater runoff is a serious global problem.
- Air pollution comes mainly from vehicles.
Correct answer: Urban trees provide several environmental benefits, including cooling, cleaner air, and reduced runoff.
The summary naming several environmental benefits is correct because it combines all three points the passage makes into one sentence, which is the goal of Summarize Written Text. The other choices add planting difficulty, narrow to runoff, or shift to pollution sources, none of which captures the full passage.
- Choose the option that completes the sentence with correct grammar: "Neither the manager nor the employees _____ aware of the schedule change."
Correct answer: Were
Were is correct because with "neither/nor" the verb agrees with the nearer subject, "employees," which is plural and takes "were." Was and has been are singular, and "is being" is the wrong tense and number for this statement of past awareness.
- Read the sentence: "The committee deferred the decision until further data became available." The word "deferred" most nearly means
- Approved
- Canceled
- Postponed
- Announced
Correct answer: Postponed
Postponed is correct because the committee held off the decision until more data arrived, and defer means to delay or put off. Approved and announced suggest the decision was made, while canceled means it was dropped entirely rather than delayed.
- In a PTE Listening 'Write from Dictation' task, you hear: "The seminar will address sustainable agriculture next week." Which written version reproduces the sentence exactly?
- The seminar will address sustainable agriculture next week.
- The seminar will discuss sustainable farming next week.
- The seminar will address sustainable agriculture last week.
- A seminar will address sustainable agriculture next week.
Correct answer: The seminar will address sustainable agriculture next week.
The exact-match sentence is correct because Write from Dictation requires reproducing every word precisely, including "The," "address," "agriculture," and "next week." Substituting "discuss/farming," changing "next" to "last," or replacing "The" with "A" each alters the dictated wording.
- Read the sentence: "Her concise report covered every key point in under two pages." The word "concise" most nearly means
- Long and detailed
- Brief and clear
- Confusing
- Decorative
Correct answer: Brief and clear
Brief and clear is correct because covering every key point in under two pages describes efficient, compact writing, which is what concise means. Long and detailed is the opposite, and confusing or decorative contradict a report that hits every key point.
- In a PTE Listening 'Highlight Incorrect Words' task, the transcript reads "...the company reported a steady decline in profits..." but the speaker actually said "increase." The word a test taker should mark as incorrect is
- Decline
- Company
- Steady
- Profits
Correct answer: Decline
Decline is correct because it is the transcript word that differs from the spoken word "increase," and Highlight Incorrect Words asks you to mark mismatches between text and audio. Company, steady, and profits match what was spoken, so they are not the error.
- Read the sentence: "The data corroborate the hypothesis that sleep improves memory retention." The word "corroborate" most nearly means
- Contradict
- Confirm or support
- Complicate
- Ignore
Correct answer: Confirm or support
Confirm or support is correct because data that back a hypothesis provide supporting evidence, which is what corroborate means. Contradict is the opposite, and complicate or ignore do not describe data that align with the hypothesis.
- Choose the word that best fills the blank in this academic sentence: "The findings, while preliminary, _____ a promising direction for future research."
- Obscure
- Forbid
- Indicate
- Decorate
Correct answer: Indicate
Indicate is correct because preliminary findings can point toward or suggest a promising direction, and indicate means to point out or signal. Obscure means to hide, while forbid and decorate have no logical relationship to research findings suggesting a direction.
- Read the sentence: "The professor gave an ambiguous answer that left students unsure of her position." The word "ambiguous" most nearly means
- Open to more than one interpretation
- Perfectly clear
- Extremely loud
- Written down
Correct answer: Open to more than one interpretation
Open to more than one interpretation is correct because an answer that left students unsure has more than one possible meaning, which is what ambiguous means. Perfectly clear is the opposite, and the sentence does not address volume or whether the answer was written.
- In a PTE Reading 'Multiple Choice, Single Answer' task, a passage states that a city reduced traffic by adding bike lanes, lowering speed limits, and improving bus frequency. What is the main idea?
- Bike lanes are dangerous for drivers.
- Buses are the only solution to congestion.
- Speed limits should always be raised.
- The city used several measures to reduce traffic.
Correct answer: The city used several measures to reduce traffic.
The city used several measures to reduce traffic is correct because it unites the three actions the passage credits with reducing traffic. The other choices misstate bike-lane safety, single out buses, or reverse the speed-limit point the passage actually makes.
- Read the sentence: "The advent of the printing press transformed how knowledge spread across Europe." The word "advent" most nearly means
- Decline
- Arrival or coming
- Cost
- Repair
Correct answer: Arrival or coming
Arrival or coming is correct because the sentence describes the printing press appearing and changing society, and advent means the arrival of something new. Decline is the opposite, and cost or repair do not match the idea of a new invention emerging.
- Choose the option with correct punctuation for this PTE writing item.
- Because the experiment failed the team revised its method.
- Because the experiment failed; the team revised its method.
- Because the experiment failed, the team revised its method.
- Because, the experiment failed, the team revised its method.
Correct answer: Because the experiment failed, the team revised its method.
The version with a single comma after the introductory clause is correct because an introductory dependent clause beginning with "because" is set off from the main clause by a comma. Omitting the comma, using a semicolon (which joins independent clauses), or adding a comma after "because" all break standard punctuation rules.
- Read the sentence: "The novel's plot was so intricate that readers needed a chart to follow every subplot." The word "intricate" most nearly means
- Very complex
- Very simple
- Very short
- Very loud
Correct answer: Very complex
Very complex is correct because needing a chart to follow many subplots signals a complicated structure, which is what intricate means. Very simple is the opposite, and very short or very loud do not fit a plot with many interwoven subplots.
- In a PTE Listening 'Select Missing Word' task, the recording ends and the final word is replaced by a beep: "To preserve the artifacts, the museum keeps the gallery cool, dark, and carefully [beep]." The most logical missing word is
- Abandoned
- Humidity-controlled
- Demolished
- Advertised
Correct answer: Humidity-controlled
Humidity-controlled is correct because preserving artifacts in a cool, dark gallery logically pairs with managing moisture, completing the conservation list. Abandoned and demolished contradict preservation, and advertised does not fit the environmental controls the sentence describes.
- Read the sentence: "The author's tone is candid; she admits her own errors without excuse." The word "candid" most nearly means
- Secretive
- Angry
- Honest and frank
- Humorous
Correct answer: Honest and frank
Honest and frank is correct because admitting one's own errors without excuse shows openness, which is what candid means. Secretive is the opposite, and the sentence gives no sign the tone is angry or humorous.
- For a PTE 'Write Essay' task, which sentence works best as a clear thesis statement for an essay on remote work?
- This essay will talk about remote work and some things about it.
- Remote work is a topic many people have opinions about.
- There are computers involved in remote work.
- Remote work increases flexibility but requires stronger communication to maintain team cohesion.
Correct answer: Remote work increases flexibility but requires stronger communication to maintain team cohesion.
The sentence naming flexibility and the need for stronger communication is correct because a thesis states a clear, arguable position the essay will develop. The other options are vague announcements or trivial observations that take no position, so they fail as thesis statements.
- Read the sentence: "The two theories are not contradictory but complementary, each explaining part of the phenomenon." The word "complementary" most nearly means
- Working together to complete each other
- Completely opposed
- Offered for free
- Identical
Correct answer: Working together to complete each other
Working together to complete each other is correct because the sentence says the theories each explain part of the phenomenon, so they fit together, which is what complementary means. Completely opposed contradicts "not contradictory," "offered for free" confuses it with complimentary, and identical ignores that each explains a different part.
- In a PTE Reading 'Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers' style item, a passage says a study had a small sample, lacked a control group, and was funded by an interested company. Which TWO are valid criticisms of the study's reliability?
- The study was published, so it must be reliable.
- Company funding guarantees accuracy.
- The small sample and the lack of a control group weaken its reliability.
- A small sample always proves the opposite conclusion.
Correct answer: The small sample and the lack of a control group weaken its reliability.
The option naming the small sample and missing control group is correct because both are recognized threats to a study's reliability. Publication does not guarantee quality, interested funding raises bias rather than guaranteeing accuracy, and a small sample weakens conclusions without proving any opposite result.
- Read the sentence: "The spokesperson tried to placate the worried investors with reassurances about the company's stability." The word "placate" most nearly means
- Provoke
- Calm or soothe
- Ignore
- Audit
Correct answer: Calm or soothe
Calm or soothe is correct because offering reassurances to worried investors is an attempt to ease their concern, which is what placate means. Provoke is the opposite, and ignore or audit do not match the act of reassuring anxious people.
- In a PTE Listening 'Highlight Correct Summary' task, a lecture explains that bees pollinate crops, so their decline threatens food supplies and farmers are now planting wildflowers to support them. Which summary is correct?
- Farmers dislike bees and want to remove them from fields.
- Declining bee populations endanger food production, prompting farmers to plant wildflowers.
- Wildflowers are the main crop grown by farmers.
- Bees have no effect on agriculture.
Correct answer: Declining bee populations endanger food production, prompting farmers to plant wildflowers.
The summary linking bee decline, food risk, and wildflower planting is correct because it captures the lecture's cause, consequence, and response. The other choices reverse the farmers' attitude, mislabel wildflowers as the main crop, or deny the bees' agricultural role the lecture stresses.
- Read the sentence: "His explanation was redundant, repeating the same point three times in different words." The word "redundant" most nearly means
- Needlessly repetitive
- Highly original
- Very short
- Deeply moving
Correct answer: Needlessly repetitive
Needlessly repetitive is correct because repeating the same point three times is unnecessary duplication, which is what redundant means. Highly original is the opposite, and very short or deeply moving do not describe repeating one idea multiple times.
- Choose the most appropriate transition word to fill the blank: "The trial showed strong results in adults; _____, its effects on children remain untested."
- Therefore
- For example
- Similarly
- However
Correct answer: However
However is correct because the sentence contrasts proven results in adults with untested effects in children, and "however" signals contrast. Therefore implies a conclusion, "for example" introduces an instance, and "similarly" signals likeness, none of which fits the shift between the two clauses.
- Read the sentence: "The committee reached a consensus after hours of negotiation." The word "consensus" most nearly means
- A single dissenting vote
- A written contract
- General agreement
- A long delay
Correct answer: General agreement
General agreement is correct because reaching consensus after negotiation means the group came to a shared position, which is what consensus means. A single dissenting vote is the opposite of agreement, and a contract or a delay describes neither the agreement nor its meaning.
- In a PTE Reading 'Re-order Paragraphs' task, which sentence should come LAST to form a logical paragraph? (1) Scientists first noticed the unusual readings in early spring. (2) After months of analysis, they confirmed a new ocean current. (3) The discovery may reshape climate models for the region. (4) They spent the summer gathering additional data.
- Sentence 1
- Sentence 3
- Sentence 2
- Sentence 4
Correct answer: Sentence 3
Sentence 3 is correct because it states the broader implication of the confirmed discovery, the natural endpoint after noticing, gathering, and confirming. Sentence 1 begins the timeline, while sentences 4 and 2 describe intermediate steps that must precede the concluding implication.
- Read the sentence: "The article offered a nuanced view, acknowledging both the benefits and the risks of the technology." The word "nuanced" most nearly means
- Showing subtle, balanced distinctions
- Completely one-sided
- Extremely brief
- Factually wrong
Correct answer: Showing subtle, balanced distinctions
Showing subtle, balanced distinctions is correct because acknowledging both benefits and risks reflects careful, fine distinctions, which is what nuanced means. Completely one-sided is the opposite, and the sentence gives no basis for calling the view brief or factually wrong.
- Read the sentence: "The keynote speaker spoke eloquently, holding the audience's attention for an hour." The word "eloquently" most nearly means
- With fluent, persuasive expression
- Very quietly
- In a foreign language
- Without preparation
Correct answer: With fluent, persuasive expression
With fluent, persuasive expression is correct because holding an audience's attention while speaking signals skilled, expressive delivery, which is what eloquently means. Very quietly and in a foreign language describe unrelated traits, and the sentence says nothing about preparation.
- For a PTE 'Describe Image' response, which opening sentence best introduces a bar graph comparing coffee consumption across four countries?
- I like coffee very much and drink it daily.
- The bar graph compares coffee consumption across four countries.
- This is a picture with some colors in it.
- Coffee is grown in tropical regions worldwide.
Correct answer: The bar graph compares coffee consumption across four countries.
The sentence naming the graph type and what it compares is correct because Describe Image rewards an accurate overview of what the visual shows. A personal preference, a vague color comment, and an off-topic fact about growing regions all fail to describe the graph's content.
- Choose the option that completes the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement: "Each of the candidates _____ required to submit a portfolio."
Correct answer: Is
Is is correct because "each" is singular and takes a singular verb, regardless of the plural "candidates" in the prepositional phrase. Are and have been are plural, and "were being" is the wrong tense and number for this present requirement.
- Read the sentence: "The proposal was met with widespread acclaim from the scientific community." The word "acclaim" most nearly means
- Strong public praise
- Harsh criticism
- Total silence
- Financial loss
Correct answer: Strong public praise
Strong public praise is correct because being met with acclaim means receiving enthusiastic approval, which is what acclaim means. Harsh criticism is the opposite, and silence or financial loss do not describe a welcoming reception.
- For a 'Summarize Written Text' task, a passage states that exercise improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and supports better sleep. Which single sentence summarizes it best?
- Exercise is hard for many people to start.
- Regular exercise benefits the heart, mood, and sleep.
- Sleep problems are common worldwide.
- Mood depends mainly on diet.
Correct answer: Regular exercise benefits the heart, mood, and sleep.
Regular exercise benefits the heart, mood, and sleep is correct because it combines all three benefits the passage names into one sentence. The other choices add a difficulty not stated, narrow to sleep, or shift to diet, missing the passage's scope.
- Read the sentence: "The instructions were so verbose that readers struggled to find the key steps." The word "verbose" most nearly means
- Using too many words
- Clearly numbered
- Written in pictures
- Extremely accurate
Correct answer: Using too many words
Using too many words is correct because instructions that bury key steps under excess text are wordy, which is what verbose means. Clearly numbered is nearly the opposite, and the sentence does not mention pictures or accuracy.
- Choose the grammatically correct sentence for a PTE writing response.
- The results was surprising to everyone involved.
- The results were surprising to everyone involved.
- The results is surprising to everyone involved.
- The results being surprising to everyone involved.
Correct answer: The results were surprising to everyone involved.
The results were surprising is correct because "results" is plural and takes the plural verb "were." Was and is are singular, and "being" produces a sentence fragment without a finite main verb.
- Read the sentence: "Her argument was cogent, leading the panel to accept her conclusion at once." The word "cogent" most nearly means
- Clear and convincing
- Poorly reasoned
- Very long
- Highly emotional
Correct answer: Clear and convincing
Clear and convincing is correct because an argument that leads a panel to accept a conclusion at once is persuasive and logical, which is what cogent means. Poorly reasoned is the opposite, and the sentence does not address length or emotion.
- For a 'Write Essay' task, which sentence best serves as a concluding sentence that restates the main argument without adding new points?
- In addition, a new study from 2024 supports this view.
- Overall, balancing automation with human oversight offers the most reliable outcome.
- By the way, the topic of automation is very interesting.
- First, automation reduces repetitive labor.
Correct answer: Overall, balancing automation with human oversight offers the most reliable outcome.
The sentence beginning "Overall" is correct because a conclusion should summarize the central position rather than introduce evidence. Adding a new study brings in new material, the aside is filler, and "First" opens a body point rather than closing the essay.
- Read the sentence: "The new evidence rendered the original theory obsolete." The word "obsolete" most nearly means
- No longer useful or current
- Newly proven
- Widely admired
- Very expensive
Correct answer: No longer useful or current
No longer useful or current is correct because new evidence that replaces a theory makes it outdated, which is what obsolete means. Newly proven is the opposite, and admired or expensive do not describe a theory that has been superseded.
- Choose the option that corrects the pronoun-antecedent agreement: "Every student must bring _____ own laptop to the exam."
Correct answer: Their
Their is correct because it is the possessive pronoun needed before the noun "own laptop," and contemporary usage accepts singular "their" with "every student." "They" is subjective, "them" is objective, and "theirs" cannot precede a noun.
- Read the sentence: "The scientist remained impartial, refusing to let personal beliefs shape the results." The word "impartial" most nearly means
- Fair and unbiased
- Deeply biased
- Entirely silent
- Highly skilled
Correct answer: Fair and unbiased
Fair and unbiased is correct because refusing to let personal beliefs shape results describes neutrality, which is what impartial means. Deeply biased is the opposite, and silent or skilled do not capture the idea of even-handed judgment.
- Choose the sentence with correct parallel structure for a PTE writing item.
- The course teaches reading, writing, and to speak clearly.
- The course teaches reading, writing, and speaking clearly.
- The course teaches to read, writing, and speaking.
- The course teaches reading, to write, and speaking.
Correct answer: The course teaches reading, writing, and speaking clearly.
The version listing "reading, writing, and speaking" is correct because all three items share the same -ing form, giving parallel structure. The other options mix infinitives and gerunds, breaking the parallelism in a list.
- Read the sentence: "The diplomat's tactful reply avoided offending either side." The word "tactful" most nearly means
- Sensitive and diplomatic
- Blunt and rude
- Completely silent
- Highly technical
Correct answer: Sensitive and diplomatic
Sensitive and diplomatic is correct because a reply that avoids offending anyone shows care in handling a delicate situation, which is what tactful means. Blunt and rude is the opposite, and silent or technical do not describe a careful, considerate reply.
- For a 'Summarize Written Text' response, which version best avoids copying the passage while staying accurate to a text about recycling reducing landfill waste and conserving raw materials?
- Recycling is good and people should do it more.
- Recycling cuts landfill waste and helps conserve raw materials.
- Landfills are filling up across the country every year.
- Raw materials are mined in many different countries.
Correct answer: Recycling cuts landfill waste and helps conserve raw materials.
Recycling cuts landfill waste and helps conserve raw materials is correct because it restates both points of the passage concisely and accurately. The vague endorsement, the landfill-only claim, and the off-topic mining fact each fail to capture the passage's two ideas.
- Read the sentence: "The report was comprehensive, addressing every aspect of the issue in detail." The word "comprehensive" most nearly means
- Complete and wide-ranging
- Brief and partial
- Difficult to read
- Written by a committee
Correct answer: Complete and wide-ranging
Complete and wide-ranging is correct because addressing every aspect in detail means the report covers everything, which is what comprehensive means. Brief and partial is the opposite, and difficulty or authorship are not what the word describes.
- Choose the option with the correct verb tense: "By the time the results arrive, the team _____ for three weeks."
- Will have waited
- Waits
- Is waiting
- Waited
Correct answer: Will have waited
Will have waited is correct because the future perfect describes an action completed before a future point ("by the time the results arrive"). The simple present, present continuous, and simple past do not express duration completed before a future event.
- Read the sentence: "The author used vivid imagery to evoke the bustling marketplace." The word "evoke" most nearly means
- Bring to mind or call forth
- Erase completely
- Measure precisely
- Translate
Correct answer: Bring to mind or call forth
Bring to mind or call forth is correct because vivid imagery is used to summon a scene in the reader's mind, which is what evoke means. Erase is the opposite effect, and measuring or translating do not match the act of conjuring a mental picture.
- Choose the most concise revision of this wordy sentence for a PTE writing task: "Due to the fact that it was raining, the event was canceled."
- Because it was raining, the event was canceled.
- Owing to the fact of the situation of rain, the event was canceled.
- The event was canceled, and it was due to the fact of rain.
- It was raining, and because of that fact, the event was canceled.
Correct answer: Because it was raining, the event was canceled.
"Because it was raining" is correct because it conveys the same cause in fewer words, and concision improves writing scores. The other options keep or add the wordy phrase "the fact," making them less efficient.
- Read the sentence: "The committee scrutinized the budget line by line before approving it." The word "scrutinized" most nearly means
- Examined closely
- Ignored entirely
- Approved instantly
- Rewrote from memory
Correct answer: Examined closely
Examined closely is correct because going through a budget line by line is careful, detailed inspection, which is what scrutinize means. Ignored is the opposite, and instant approval or rewriting from memory do not describe close examination.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks': choose the word that best completes the sentence: "The two datasets were nearly identical, so the analysts _____ them to avoid double counting."
- Merged
- Ignored
- Multiplied
- Invented
Correct answer: Merged
Merged is correct because combining nearly identical datasets to prevent double counting means joining them into one, which is what merge means. Ignoring them would leave the problem, while multiplying or inventing data does not address overlap.
- PTE Reading: A passage notes that the city built more parks, the air quality improved, and residents reported feeling healthier. What is the main idea?
- Parks are expensive to maintain.
- Adding parks coincided with better air and healthier residents.
- Residents dislike spending time outdoors.
- Air quality is impossible to measure.
Correct answer: Adding parks coincided with better air and healthier residents.
Adding parks coincided with better air and healthier residents is correct because it links the three connected points the passage reports. Maintenance cost, disliking the outdoors, and unmeasurable air quality all contradict or stray from what the passage states.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)': choose the best word: "The bridge's design must _____ heavy loads without bending under stress."
- Withstand
- Withhold
- Withdraw
- Witness
Correct answer: Withstand
Withstand is correct because a bridge must resist or endure heavy loads, and withstand means to endure successfully. Withhold means to hold back, withdraw means to remove, and witness means to observe, none of which fits bearing loads.
- PTE Reading 'Re-order Paragraphs': which sentence should come FIRST? (1) As a result, the festival now draws visitors from across the region. (2) The town launched its annual music festival in 2005. (3) Each year the event grew larger and more ambitious. (4) Local businesses report record sales during the festival weekend.
- Sentence 1
- Sentence 2
- Sentence 3
- Sentence 4
Correct answer: Sentence 2
Sentence 2 is correct because it introduces the festival's start with no back-reference, the natural opener. "As a result," "Each year," and "during the festival weekend" all depend on the festival already being established, so they cannot begin the paragraph.
- PTE Reading: In context, "The drought decimated the region's wheat harvest" means the harvest was
- Greatly reduced
- Doubled in size
- Left unchanged
- Stored safely
Correct answer: Greatly reduced
Greatly reduced is correct because a drought that decimates a harvest sharply cuts it, and in modern usage decimate means to destroy or reduce drastically. Doubling, staying unchanged, or being stored safely all contradict the damaging effect of drought.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks': choose the word that best fits: "Critics praised the film for its _____ portrayal of rural life, free of cliche and sentimentality."
- Authentic
- Artificial
- Careless
- Identical
Correct answer: Authentic
Authentic is correct because a portrayal free of cliche and sentimentality is genuine and true to life, which is what authentic means. Artificial and careless are the opposite of praiseworthy realism, and identical does not relate to portraying life faithfully.
- PTE Reading: A passage argues that electric cars cut tailpipe emissions but shift demand to electricity that may come from coal. The author's main point is that electric cars
- Have no environmental impact at all
- Are cleaner only if the electricity is clean
- Are worse than gasoline cars in every way
- Cannot be charged at home
Correct answer: Are cleaner only if the electricity is clean
Are cleaner only if the electricity is clean is correct because the passage qualifies the benefit by pointing to the power source. Claiming no impact, calling them worse in every way, or denying home charging all overstate or misread the author's balanced point.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)': choose the best pair: "Although the medicine relieved the symptoms, it did not _____ the underlying _____."
- Address ... cause
- Create ... cure
- Ignore ... benefit
- Worsen ... symptom
Correct answer: Address ... cause
Address ... cause is correct because relieving symptoms without fixing the root problem means the cause was not addressed, and "although" sets up that contrast. Creating a cure, ignoring a benefit, or worsening a symptom do not complete the contrast logically.
- PTE Reading 'Re-order Paragraphs': which sentence should come LAST? (1) Engineers first proposed the tunnel in the 1980s. (2) Funding delays pushed the project back by a decade. (3) Construction finally began in the early 2000s. (4) Today the tunnel carries thousands of commuters daily.
- Sentence 1
- Sentence 4
- Sentence 2
- Sentence 3
Correct answer: Sentence 4
Sentence 4 is correct because "Today" marks the present-day outcome, the natural endpoint after proposal, delay, and construction. Sentence 1 opens the timeline, while sentences 2 and 3 are intermediate steps that precede the final result.
- PTE Reading: In the sentence "The senator's claims were unsubstantiated," the claims were
- Not backed by evidence
- Widely accepted as fact
- Printed in every newspaper
- Translated into many languages
Correct answer: Not backed by evidence
Not backed by evidence is correct because unsubstantiated means lacking proof or support. Being accepted as fact is nearly the opposite, and being printed widely or translated says nothing about whether evidence supports the claims.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks': choose the connector that best fits: "The plan was costly; _____, the council approved it because the long-term savings were clear."
- Nevertheless
- Therefore
- Meanwhile
- For instance
Correct answer: Nevertheless
Nevertheless is correct because the council approved the plan despite its cost, and "nevertheless" signals approval in spite of an obstacle. "Therefore" implies the cost caused approval, "meanwhile" signals time, and "for instance" introduces an example, none fitting the concession.
- PTE Reading: A passage states that a fungus and a tree exchange nutrients, each benefiting the other. This relationship is best described as
- Mutually beneficial
- One-sidedly harmful
- Completely unrelated
- Strictly competitive
Correct answer: Mutually beneficial
Mutually beneficial is correct because both organisms gain from the exchange, the definition of a mutualistic relationship. One-sided harm, no relationship, and pure competition all contradict the passage's statement that each benefits the other.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)': choose the best word: "The witness gave a _____ account, recalling the events with remarkable precision."
- Detailed
- Vague
- Reluctant
- Imaginary
Correct answer: Detailed
Detailed is correct because recalling events with remarkable precision means the account was full and specific, which is what detailed means. Vague is the opposite of precise, and reluctant or imaginary do not describe accuracy of recall.
- PTE Reading: The sentence "The findings were preliminary and required further validation" implies that the findings were
- Early and not yet confirmed
- Final and fully proven
- Completely false
- Kept secret from the public
Correct answer: Early and not yet confirmed
Early and not yet confirmed is correct because preliminary findings needing further validation are tentative. Final and proven is the opposite, while "completely false" and "kept secret" go beyond what the sentence states.
- PTE Reading 'Re-order Paragraphs': which sentence should come FIRST? (1) This breakthrough could lower the cost of solar panels significantly. (2) Researchers have developed a new material that absorbs sunlight more efficiently. (3) They tested it under a range of weather conditions. (4) The results, published last month, exceeded expectations.
- Sentence 1
- Sentence 2
- Sentence 3
- Sentence 4
Correct answer: Sentence 2
Sentence 2 is correct because it introduces the new material with no back-reference, making it the opener. "This breakthrough," "They tested it," and "The results" all refer back to the material, so none can start the paragraph.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks': choose the best word: "The negotiations reached an _____ when neither side would compromise."
- Impasse
- Agreement
- Audience
- Invoice
Correct answer: Impasse
Impasse is correct because a point where neither side will compromise is a deadlock, which is what an impasse means. Agreement is the opposite, and audience or invoice are unrelated to stalled negotiations.
- PTE Reading: A passage explains that a study found a correlation between coffee drinking and longer life but warns it does not prove coffee causes longevity. The author cautions readers about
- Confusing correlation with causation
- The dangers of drinking coffee
- The high cost of long studies
- How to brew coffee properly
Correct answer: Confusing correlation with causation
Confusing correlation with causation is correct because the passage stresses that a link does not prove cause, the classic caution. Coffee's dangers, study costs, and brewing methods are not what the author warns about.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)': choose the best word: "Because resources were _____, the team had to prioritize the most urgent tasks."
- Scarce
- Abundant
- Colorful
- Permanent
Correct answer: Scarce
Scarce is correct because having to prioritize urgent tasks implies limited resources, and scarce means in short supply. Abundant is the opposite, and colorful or permanent do not explain the need to prioritize.
- PTE Reading: In the sentence "The author's prose is succinct yet rich in meaning," "succinct" most nearly means
- Expressed in few words
- Full of errors
- Extremely long
- Hard to translate
Correct answer: Expressed in few words
Expressed in few words is correct because succinct means brief and to the point, contrasted here with rich meaning. Full of errors and hard to translate are unrelated, and extremely long is the opposite of succinct.
- PTE Reading 'Re-order Paragraphs': which sentence should come LAST? (1) The committee reviewed dozens of applications. (2) After much deliberation, they selected three finalists. (3) Applications opened in January and closed in March. (4) The winner will be announced at next month's ceremony.
- Sentence 1
- Sentence 4
- Sentence 2
- Sentence 3
Correct answer: Sentence 4
Sentence 4 is correct because announcing the winner is the future event that follows opening, reviewing, and selecting. Sentence 3 begins the timeline, while sentences 1 and 2 are middle steps leading to the announcement.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks': choose the best word: "The instructions were _____, leaving no doubt about what to do next."
- Explicit
- Implicit
- Optional
- Decorative
Correct answer: Explicit
Explicit is correct because instructions that leave no doubt are clearly and fully stated, which is what explicit means. Implicit means unstated or implied, the opposite, while optional and decorative do not describe clarity.
- PTE Reading: A passage notes that early critics dismissed the painter, but later generations hailed him as a master. The passage mainly shows that
- Opinions of an artist can change over time
- The painter never sold any work
- Critics are always correct
- The painter stopped painting early
Correct answer: Opinions of an artist can change over time
Opinions of an artist can change over time is correct because the passage contrasts early dismissal with later acclaim. The other choices add details about sales or quitting and contradict the shift by claiming critics are always right.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)': choose the best word: "The CEO's _____ remarks reassured employees during the crisis."
- Composed
- Frantic
- Hostile
- Inaudible
Correct answer: Composed
Composed is correct because remarks that reassure people during a crisis are calm and steady, which is what composed means. Frantic and hostile would alarm rather than reassure, and inaudible remarks could not reassure anyone.
- PTE Reading: The sentence "Her thesis was novel, challenging assumptions the field had held for decades" uses "novel" to mean
- New and original
- A long fictional book
- Widely accepted
- Poorly written
Correct answer: New and original
New and original is correct because a thesis that challenges decades-old assumptions introduces fresh ideas, which is what novel means as an adjective. The book meaning is a different sense, and widely accepted or poorly written do not fit challenging old assumptions.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks': choose the best word: "The lecture was so _____ that several students struggled to stay awake."
- Tedious
- Riveting
- Brief
- Musical
Correct answer: Tedious
Tedious is correct because a lecture that makes students struggle to stay awake is dull and tiresome, which is what tedious means. Riveting is the opposite, and brief or musical do not explain the difficulty staying awake.
- PTE Reading: A passage describes a program that gave free meals to students and found that attendance and test scores rose. The most supported conclusion is that
- Free meals were associated with improved attendance and scores
- Free meals are the only reason students attend school
- Test scores have no link to nutrition
- The program was canceled for being too costly
Correct answer: Free meals were associated with improved attendance and scores
The association of free meals with improved attendance and scores is correct because it matches what the passage reports without overstating. Calling meals the only reason overstates the link, denying any nutrition link contradicts the data, and cancellation is not mentioned.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)': choose the best word: "The evidence was _____, pointing clearly to a single conclusion."
- Conclusive
- Inconclusive
- Irrelevant
- Hypothetical
Correct answer: Conclusive
Conclusive is correct because evidence pointing clearly to one conclusion settles the matter, which is what conclusive means. Inconclusive is the opposite, and irrelevant or hypothetical do not describe evidence that clearly decides an issue.
- PTE Reading: In context, "The manager delegated the routine tasks to her assistant" means she
- Assigned the tasks to someone else
- Completed all the tasks herself
- Canceled the tasks entirely
- Postponed the tasks indefinitely
Correct answer: Assigned the tasks to someone else
Assigned the tasks to someone else is correct because to delegate is to hand responsibility to another person, here the assistant. Doing them herself, canceling, or postponing all contradict the act of passing tasks on.
- PTE Reading 'Re-order Paragraphs': which sentence should come FIRST? (1) Over time, these small streams join to form a mighty river. (2) A river often begins as a trickle high in the mountains. (3) The river then winds across plains toward the sea. (4) Finally, it empties into the ocean, completing its journey.
- Sentence 1
- Sentence 2
- Sentence 3
- Sentence 4
Correct answer: Sentence 2
Sentence 2 is correct because it introduces the river's origin with no back-reference, the natural starting point. "Over time," "The river then," and "Finally" all describe later stages that depend on the river having begun.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks': choose the best word: "The author's claims are _____ by extensive data from three independent studies."
- Substantiated
- Contradicted
- Disguised
- Forgotten
Correct answer: Substantiated
Substantiated is correct because extensive supporting data backs up the claims, and substantiate means to support with evidence. Contradicted is the opposite, and disguised or forgotten do not describe data that confirms claims.
- PTE Reading: The sentence "Despite the setback, the team persevered and eventually succeeded" shows that the team
- Kept trying through difficulty
- Gave up immediately
- Never faced any problems
- Succeeded by luck alone
Correct answer: Kept trying through difficulty
Kept trying through difficulty is correct because to persevere is to continue despite obstacles, signaled here by "despite the setback." Giving up is the opposite, while "never faced problems" ignores the setback and "luck alone" ignores the effort.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)': choose the best word: "The new regulations aim to _____ pollution from factories near residential areas."
- Curb
- Encourage
- Celebrate
- Measure
Correct answer: Curb
Curb is correct because regulations protecting residential areas seek to limit pollution, and curb means to restrain or reduce. Encourage and celebrate would worsen the problem, and measuring alone would not be the aim of protective regulation.
- PTE Reading: A passage states that the policy reduced costs but lowered service quality, drawing mixed reactions. The passage's tone is best described as
- Balanced, noting both pros and cons
- Entirely enthusiastic
- Completely dismissive
- Purely humorous
Correct answer: Balanced, noting both pros and cons
Balanced, noting both pros and cons is correct because the passage reports a benefit and a drawback and the mixed reactions. Pure enthusiasm or dismissiveness would ignore one side, and nothing in the description is humorous.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks': choose the best word: "Scientists remain _____ about the theory, awaiting results from larger trials."
- Cautious
- Certain
- Furious
- Identical
Correct answer: Cautious
Cautious is correct because waiting for larger trials before committing shows careful reservation, which is what cautious means. Certain is the opposite of waiting for more data, and furious or identical do not describe a measured scientific stance.
- PTE Reading: In context, "The two accounts of the event were inconsistent" means the accounts
- Did not agree with each other
- Were identical word for word
- Were both very short
- Were written in verse
Correct answer: Did not agree with each other
Did not agree with each other is correct because inconsistent accounts conflict or fail to match. Being identical is the opposite, and length or verse form are not what inconsistency describes.
- PTE Reading 'Re-order Paragraphs': which sentence should come LAST? (1) The seeds are planted in early spring. (2) Within weeks, green shoots appear above the soil. (3) Farmers water and tend the growing plants through summer. (4) By autumn, the mature crop is ready for harvest.
- Sentence 1
- Sentence 4
- Sentence 2
- Sentence 3
Correct answer: Sentence 4
Sentence 4 is correct because "By autumn" and a mature crop ready for harvest mark the end of the growing cycle. Sentence 1 begins it in spring, while sentences 2 and 3 describe the intermediate growth stages.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)': choose the best word: "Her presentation was _____, holding the audience's interest from start to finish."
- Engaging
- Monotonous
- Incomplete
- Inaudible
Correct answer: Engaging
Engaging is correct because holding interest from start to finish describes a captivating presentation, which is what engaging means. Monotonous is the opposite, and incomplete or inaudible would lose, not hold, the audience.
- PTE Reading: A passage notes that ancient sailors used the stars to navigate before instruments existed. The main point is that
- Sailors found ways to navigate without modern tools
- The stars are no longer visible at sea
- Ancient sailors never left the coast
- Modern instruments are completely useless
Correct answer: Sailors found ways to navigate without modern tools
Sailors found ways to navigate without modern tools is correct because the passage highlights star-based navigation before instruments. The other choices contradict the passage by denying visibility, denying voyages, or dismissing modern instruments.
- PTE Reading 'Fill in the Blanks': choose the best word: "The contract contained a _____ clause allowing either party to cancel with notice."
- Termination
- Celebration
- Decoration
- Vacation
Correct answer: Termination
Termination is correct because a clause allowing cancellation with notice governs ending the contract, which is what a termination clause does. Celebration, decoration, and vacation have no relation to canceling a contract.
- PTE Reading: The sentence "The bridge underwent rigorous testing before opening to traffic" tells us the testing was
- Thorough and demanding
- Brief and casual
- Entirely skipped
- Done after it opened
Correct answer: Thorough and demanding
Thorough and demanding is correct because rigorous means strict and exacting. Brief and casual is the opposite, while "entirely skipped" and "done after it opened" contradict the sentence, which says testing happened before opening.
- PTE Listening 'Write from Dictation': you hear the sentence "The library extends its hours during exam week." Which written version reproduces it exactly?
- The library extends its hours during exam week.
- The library extends its hours during exam season.
- The library reduces its hours during exam week.
- A library extends its hours during exam week.
Correct answer: The library extends its hours during exam week.
The exact-match sentence is correct because Write from Dictation requires every word in order, including "its hours" and "exam week." Changing "week" to "season," "extends" to "reduces," or "The" to "A" each alters the dictated wording.
- PTE Listening 'Highlight Correct Summary': a lecture explains that volcanic ash can ground flights, harm engines, and reduce visibility, so airlines closely monitor eruptions. Which summary is correct?
- Volcanic ash threatens aviation, so airlines monitor eruptions closely.
- Airlines ignore volcanic eruptions entirely.
- Volcanic ash improves engine performance.
- Eruptions only affect ships, not planes.
Correct answer: Volcanic ash threatens aviation, so airlines monitor eruptions closely.
The summary linking ash threats to airline monitoring is correct because it captures the lecture's danger and response. The others contradict the lecture by claiming airlines ignore eruptions, that ash helps engines, or that only ships are affected.
- PTE Listening 'Select Missing Word': a recording ends with a beep replacing the last word: "To reduce traffic, the city encouraged cycling, expanded bus routes, and built more [beep]." The most logical missing word is
- Bike lanes
- Parking garages
- Airports
- Swimming pools
Correct answer: Bike lanes
Bike lanes is correct because encouraging cycling and reducing traffic logically pair with building lanes for bikes, completing the transit list. Parking garages and airports would encourage driving or flying, and swimming pools are unrelated to traffic reduction.
- PTE Listening 'Multiple Choice, Single Answer': a lecturer says, "While many assume bats are blind, they actually see quite well and also use echolocation." According to the speaker, bats
- Can see and also use echolocation
- Are completely blind
- Rely only on sight
- Cannot navigate in the dark
Correct answer: Can see and also use echolocation
Can see and also use echolocation is correct because the speaker corrects the blindness myth and adds echolocation. Being completely blind is the myth the speaker rejects, relying only on sight ignores echolocation, and the speaker does not say bats cannot navigate in the dark.
- PTE Listening 'Highlight Incorrect Words': the on-screen transcript reads "...the survey showed a sharp rise in unemployment..." but the speaker actually said "fall." Which transcript word should be marked incorrect?
- Rise
- Survey
- Sharp
- Unemployment
Correct answer: Rise
Rise is correct because it is the transcript word that differs from the spoken "fall," and the task is to mark text that does not match the audio. Survey, sharp, and unemployment match what was spoken, so they are not errors.
- PTE Listening 'Write from Dictation': you hear "Researchers presented their findings at the conference." Which version reproduces it exactly?
- Researchers presented their findings at the conference.
- Researchers presented their results at the conference.
- Researchers presented their findings at the seminar.
- The researchers presented findings at the conference.
Correct answer: Researchers presented their findings at the conference.
The exact-match sentence is correct because dictation demands every word, including "their findings" and "the conference." Swapping "findings" for "results," "conference" for "seminar," or dropping "their" while adding "The" all change the dictated wording.
- PTE Listening 'Summarize Spoken Text' (single-sentence): a talk explains that bees communicate the location of flowers through a 'waggle dance.' Which sentence best summarizes the main idea?
- Bees use a waggle dance to share where flowers are located.
- Flowers move to attract passing bees.
- Bees cannot communicate with one another.
- Dancing is unrelated to finding food.
Correct answer: Bees use a waggle dance to share where flowers are located.
Bees use a waggle dance to share where flowers are located is correct because it states the talk's central point. The other options reverse the roles, deny communication, or sever the dance from finding food, all contradicting the talk.
- PTE Listening 'Multiple Choice, Single Answer': a speaker notes, "The experiment was repeated five times, and each trial produced nearly identical results." This consistency suggests the results were
- Reliable
- Random
- Falsified
- Irrelevant
Correct answer: Reliable
Reliable is correct because repeated trials yielding nearly identical results indicate dependable, reproducible findings. Random contradicts the consistency, and nothing in the statement implies the results were falsified or irrelevant.
- PTE Listening 'Select Missing Word': the recording ends with a beep: "Because the patient showed no improvement, the doctor decided to change the [beep]." The most logical missing word is
- Treatment
- Weather
- Furniture
- Scenery
Correct answer: Treatment
Treatment is correct because a doctor responding to no improvement would adjust the medical plan, which is the treatment. Weather, furniture, and scenery have no logical link to a doctor reacting to a patient's lack of progress.
- PTE Listening 'Highlight Correct Summary': a lecture states that reading aloud to young children builds vocabulary, strengthens bonds, and fosters a love of books. Which summary is correct?
- Reading aloud to children supports language, bonding, and a love of books.
- Children should never be read to before school.
- Reading aloud harms a child's vocabulary.
- Books are only useful for adults.
Correct answer: Reading aloud to children supports language, bonding, and a love of books.
The summary covering language, bonding, and love of books is correct because it captures all three benefits the lecture names. The others contradict the lecture by advising against reading aloud, claiming harm, or restricting books to adults.
- PTE Listening 'Write from Dictation': you hear "The committee will review the budget next month." Which version reproduces it exactly?
- The committee will review the budget next month.
- The committee will revise the budget next month.
- The committee will review the budget this month.
- The committee reviewed the budget next month.
Correct answer: The committee will review the budget next month.
The exact-match sentence is correct because dictation requires precise wording, including "review," "next month," and the future "will." Substituting "revise," changing "next" to "this," or shifting to past tense "reviewed" all alter the dictated sentence.
- PTE Listening 'Multiple Choice, Single Answer': a lecturer explains, "Although the drug worked in mice, results in humans were far less promising." The speaker's main point is that
- Success in mice did not carry over to humans
- The drug cured all human patients
- Mice and humans always respond the same way
- The study was never conducted
Correct answer: Success in mice did not carry over to humans
Success in mice did not carry over to humans is correct because "although" contrasts the mouse success with weaker human results. Claiming a cure, identical responses, or that the study never happened all contradict the speaker.
- PTE Listening 'Select Missing Word': the recording ends with a beep: "To prepare for the storm, residents stocked up on water, batteries, and non-perishable [beep]." The most logical missing word is
- Food
- Jewelry
- Perfume
- Postcards
Correct answer: Food
Food is correct because "non-perishable" describes items that do not spoil, and food fits a storm-preparation list with water and batteries. Jewelry, perfume, and postcards are not storm supplies and do not pair with "non-perishable."
- PTE Listening 'Highlight Incorrect Words': the transcript reads "...the glacier has been expanding for decades..." but the speaker said "shrinking." Which transcript word should be marked incorrect?
- Expanding
- Glacier
- Decades
- Been
Correct answer: Expanding
Expanding is correct because it conflicts with the spoken "shrinking," and the task marks text that mismatches the audio. Glacier, decades, and been match what was spoken, so they are not the error.
- PTE Listening 'Summarize Spoken Text': a talk explains that planting trees in cities lowers temperatures and improves air quality, but the trees need regular watering to survive. Which sentence best summarizes it?
- City trees cool the air and clean it but require regular watering.
- Trees make cities hotter and dirtier.
- Cities should remove all their trees.
- Watering trees is impossible in cities.
Correct answer: City trees cool the air and clean it but require regular watering.
The summary noting cooling, cleaner air, and the watering need is correct because it captures both the benefit and the condition the talk states. The other options reverse the benefits, call for removing trees, or deny that watering is possible.
- PTE Listening 'Multiple Choice, Single Answer': a speaker says, "The author wrote the novel in just three weeks, a remarkable feat given its length." The speaker considers the writing speed
- Impressive
- Disappointing
- Unimportant
- Dishonest
Correct answer: Impressive
Impressive is correct because calling it "a remarkable feat" given the novel's length expresses admiration. Disappointing and dishonest carry the wrong tone, and "unimportant" contradicts the speaker singling the speed out as remarkable.
- PTE Listening 'Write from Dictation': you hear "Students must submit their assignments by Friday." Which version reproduces it exactly?
- Students must submit their assignments by Friday.
- Students must submit their assignments by Monday.
- Students should submit their assignments by Friday.
- Students must submit the assignments by Friday.
Correct answer: Students must submit their assignments by Friday.
The exact-match sentence is correct because dictation requires every word, including "must," "their assignments," and "Friday." Changing "Friday" to "Monday," "must" to "should," or "their" to "the" each alters the dictated wording.
- PTE Listening 'Select Missing Word': the recording ends with a beep: "Since the bridge was closed for repairs, commuters had to find an alternative [beep]." The most logical missing word is
Correct answer: Route
Route is correct because a closed bridge forces travelers to take a different way, which is an alternative route. Recipe, hobby, and password have no connection to commuting around a closed bridge.
- PTE Listening 'Highlight Correct Summary': a lecture explains that sleep helps the brain consolidate memories, clear waste products, and restore energy, so chronic sleep loss impairs learning. Which summary is correct?
- Sleep supports memory, brain cleaning, and energy, so losing it harms learning.
- Sleep has no effect on the brain.
- Staying awake improves memory.
- The brain works best without rest.
Correct answer: Sleep supports memory, brain cleaning, and energy, so losing it harms learning.
The summary linking sleep's brain functions to impaired learning is correct because it captures the lecture's points and consequence. The others deny sleep's effect, claim wakefulness aids memory, or say the brain needs no rest, all contradicting the lecture.
- PTE Listening 'Multiple Choice, Single Answer': a lecturer notes, "The factory cut emissions by half after installing new filters." The filters' main effect was to
- Reduce emissions
- Increase production speed
- Lower employee wages
- Expand the factory
Correct answer: Reduce emissions
Reduce emissions is correct because cutting emissions by half is exactly what the speaker attributes to the new filters. Production speed, wages, and expansion are not mentioned as effects of the filters.
- PTE Listening 'Write from Dictation': you hear "The conference attracted experts from around the world." Which version reproduces it exactly?
- The conference attracted experts from around the world.
- The conference attracted experts from across the country.
- The conference welcomed experts from around the world.
- The conference attracted students from around the world.
Correct answer: The conference attracted experts from around the world.
The exact-match sentence is correct because dictation needs every word, including "attracted," "experts," and "around the world." Swapping "around the world" for "across the country," "attracted" for "welcomed," or "experts" for "students" all change the dictated sentence.
- PTE Listening 'Summarize Spoken Text': a talk explains that coral reefs shelter many marine species but are dying from warming seas, so scientists are testing heat-resistant corals. Which sentence best summarizes it?
- Warming seas threaten coral reefs, so scientists test heat-resistant corals.
- Coral reefs are harmful to marine life.
- Warming seas have no effect on coral.
- Scientists have given up on saving reefs.
Correct answer: Warming seas threaten coral reefs, so scientists test heat-resistant corals.
The summary linking warming, reef decline, and the scientific response is correct because it states the talk's cause, problem, and reaction. The other options misstate reefs as harmful, deny warming's effect, or claim scientists have quit, all against the talk.
- PTE Listening 'Multiple Choice, Single Answer': a speaker says, "Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible to the naked eye from the Moon." The speaker is
- Correcting a common misconception
- Confirming a widely held belief
- Describing how to build a wall
- Praising space travel
Correct answer: Correcting a common misconception
Correcting a common misconception is correct because "contrary to popular belief" signals the speaker is debunking a myth. Confirming the belief is the opposite, and the speaker discusses neither wall construction nor praises space travel.
- PTE Listening 'Select Missing Word': the recording ends with a beep: "After years of practice, the violinist performed the difficult piece with remarkable [beep]." The most logical missing word is
- Skill
- Confusion
- Hunger
- Furniture
Correct answer: Skill
Skill is correct because years of practice leading to a remarkable performance imply great ability, which is skill. Confusion contradicts a successful performance, and hunger and furniture are unrelated to playing music well.
- PTE Listening 'Highlight Incorrect Words': the transcript reads "...the population of the city has decreased rapidly..." but the speaker said "increased." Which transcript word should be marked incorrect?
- Decreased
- Population
- Rapidly
- City
Correct answer: Decreased
Decreased is correct because it conflicts with the spoken "increased," and the task flags text that does not match the audio. Population, rapidly, and city match what was spoken, so they are not the error.
- PTE Listening 'Multiple Choice, Single Answer': a lecturer explains, "The vaccine was effective, but supply shortages slowed its distribution." The main obstacle the speaker identifies is
- Limited supply
- The vaccine's ineffectiveness
- Public refusal to use it
- High temperatures
Correct answer: Limited supply
Limited supply is correct because the speaker names supply shortages as what slowed distribution. The vaccine is called effective, so ineffectiveness is wrong, and public refusal and temperatures are not mentioned as obstacles.
- PTE Listening 'Write from Dictation': you hear "The museum offers free admission on Sundays." Which version reproduces it exactly?
- The museum offers free admission on Sundays.
- The museum offers free admission on Saturdays.
- The museum provides free admission on Sundays.
- The museum offers free entry on Sundays.
Correct answer: The museum offers free admission on Sundays.
The exact-match sentence is correct because dictation requires every word, including "offers," "admission," and "Sundays." Changing "Sundays" to "Saturdays," "offers" to "provides," or "admission" to "entry" each alters the dictated wording.
- PTE Listening 'Summarize Spoken Text': a talk explains that learning a second language can improve memory, delay cognitive decline, and open career opportunities. Which sentence best summarizes it?
- Learning a second language can boost memory, protect thinking skills, and aid careers.
- Learning a second language harms the brain.
- Only children can learn a second language.
- Careers are unaffected by language skills.
Correct answer: Learning a second language can boost memory, protect thinking skills, and aid careers.
The summary naming memory, cognitive protection, and career benefits is correct because it captures all three points the talk makes. The other options claim harm, restrict learning to children, or deny the career link, all contradicting the talk.
- PTE Listening 'Multiple Choice, Single Answer': a speaker notes, "The startup nearly failed in its first year but is now profitable." The speaker's account describes a
- Turnaround from near failure to success
- Steady decline into bankruptcy
- Business that never launched
- Company that stayed exactly the same
Correct answer: Turnaround from near failure to success
A turnaround from near failure to success is correct because the startup moved from nearly failing to being profitable. A steady decline is the opposite, while "never launched" and "stayed exactly the same" contradict the described change.
- PTE Listening 'Select Missing Word': the recording ends with a beep: "The chef explained that fresh herbs can greatly enhance a dish's [beep]." The most logical missing word is
- Flavor
- Price tag
- Weight limit
- Warranty
Correct answer: Flavor
Flavor is correct because fresh herbs are added to improve how a dish tastes, which is its flavor. A price tag, weight limit, and warranty are not qualities herbs enhance in cooking.
