Multiple Choice, Single Answer: PTE Listening Practice Questions with Sample Answers (2026)

You hear a short recording once and choose the single best answer, usually about the main idea, the speaker's purpose or a specific detail. Practice with 15 real recordings below, answers and explanations included.

15 Questions

Practice questions

Attempt each one, then open the sample answer to compare.

Question 1

You will hear a recording. Answer the question by selecting the correct option.

What was a key shift introduced by Impressionism?

C

Question 2

You will hear a recording. Answer the question by selecting the correct option.

What is a major benefit of AI in healthcare?

C

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Question 3

You will hear a recording. Answer the question by selecting the correct option.

What does the speaker say about Homo habilis?

D

How to approach it

  1. Pre-read the options. Know what to listen for.
  2. Identify the question type. Main idea, purpose or detail?
  3. Eliminate distractors. Remove options that were not said.
  4. Choose the best fit. One option answers the exact question.

FAQs

How many of these come in the exam?

Usually 1 to 2. One correct option out of three to five.

Is there negative marking?

No. Always choose something, a considered guess is free.

What is the most common question type?

Main idea and speaker purpose. Ask yourself what the speaker is trying to do: inform, argue, instruct or describe.

Should I read options before the audio?

Yes. Pre-reading tells you whether to listen for a fact, an opinion or the overall gist.

The audio mentioned words from a wrong option. Why?

Distractors reuse words from the recording out of context. Match the meaning of the whole option, not familiar words.

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