5 more sample questions for each of the PTE Listening types

 

5 more sample questions for each of the PTE Listening types 

Type 2: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Sample 2.3 – Audio Script (Passage):

"The global coffee industry employs over 25 million people worldwide, mostly in developing countries. However, coffee farmers face significant challenges. Climate change is causing unpredictable weather patterns, which affect crop yields. Additionally, price volatility in the global market means farmers often receive less than the cost of production. Fair trade initiatives aim to address these issues by guaranteeing minimum prices and promoting sustainable farming practices. Consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for ethically sourced coffee, which helps support small-scale farmers."

Question: According to the speaker, what challenges do coffee farmers face?

A. High production costs

B. Climate change affecting weather patterns

C. Lack of consumer demand

D. Price volatility in the global market

E. Fair trade initiatives

Answers: B, D

Reasons:

B – Correct: Climate change and unpredictable weather are explicitly mentioned.

D – Correct: Price volatility is highlighted as a major challenge.

A – Incorrect: The audio says farmers receive less than production cost but doesn't cite high production costs as a challenge.

C – Incorrect: Consumer demand is increasing, not lacking.

E – Incorrect: Fair trade is a solution, not a challenge.

Sample 2.4 – Audio Script (Passage):

"Urban farming is gaining traction in cities around the world. Rooftop gardens, vertical farms, and community plots are transforming unused spaces into productive agricultural areas. These initiatives help reduce food miles, provide fresh produce, and create green jobs. They also improve air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect. However, urban farming faces obstacles, including high startup costs, limited space, and zoning regulations. Despite these challenges, many cities are investing in urban agriculture as part of their sustainability strategies."

Question: Which of the following are benefits of urban farming mentioned in the audio?

A. Reducing food miles

B. High startup costs

C. Creating green jobs

D. Improving air quality

E. Zoning regulations

Answers: A, C, D

Reasons:

A – Correct: Reducing food miles is mentioned as a benefit.

C – Correct: Creating green jobs is stated as a benefit.

D – Correct: Improving air quality is listed as a benefit.

B – Incorrect: High startup costs are an obstacle, not a benefit.

E – Incorrect: Zoning regulations are an obstacle, not a benefit.

Type 3: Fill in the Blanks

Sample 3.3 – Audio Script (Passage):

"The rise of e-commerce has dramatically changed the retail landscape. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores are struggling to compete with online giants like Amazon. Many retailers are now adopting an omnichannel approach, integrating their physical and digital presence. This strategy allows customers to (1)______ products online and pick them up in-store, or return online purchases at physical locations. However, this model requires significant investment in (2)______ and logistics. Small businesses, in particular, find it difficult to keep up with these (3). Despite these hurdles, experts believe that physical stores will not disappear entirely but will evolve to offer unique in-person (4) that online shopping cannot replicate."

Transcript with blanks:

"The rise of e-commerce has dramatically changed the retail landscape. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores are struggling to compete with online giants like Amazon. Many retailers are now adopting an omnichannel approach, integrating their physical and digital presence. This strategy allows customers to (1)______ products online and pick them up in-store, or return online purchases at physical locations. However, this model requires significant investment in (2)______ and logistics. Small businesses, in particular, find it difficult to keep up with these (3). Despite these hurdles, experts believe that physical stores will not disappear entirely but will evolve to offer unique in-person (4) that online shopping cannot replicate."

Answers:

order

technology

changes

experiences

Reasons:

The audio clearly says "order products online," "investment in technology," "keep up with these changes," and "in-person experiences."

Sample 3.4 – Audio Script (Passage):

"Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on Earth. Despite its harsh conditions, it is home to a surprising diversity of life, including penguins, seals, and microscopic organisms. The continent plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by reflecting sunlight and storing vast amounts of fresh water in its ice sheets. However, climate change is causing the ice to (1)______ at an alarming rate. Scientists have observed that the Antarctic Peninsula is warming faster than almost anywhere else on Earth. If current (2)______ continue, global sea levels could rise by several metres over the next centuries. International agreements, such as the Antarctic Treaty, aim to protect this fragile (3)______ from exploitation and preserve it for scientific (4)______."

Transcript with blanks:

"Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on Earth. Despite its harsh conditions, it is home to a surprising diversity of life, including penguins, seals, and microscopic organisms. The continent plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by reflecting sunlight and storing vast amounts of fresh water in its ice sheets. However, climate change is causing the ice to (1)______ at an alarming rate. Scientists have observed that the Antarctic Peninsula is warming faster than almost anywhere else on Earth. If current (2)______ continue, global sea levels could rise by several metres over the next centuries. International agreements, such as the Antarctic Treaty, aim to protect this fragile (3)______ from exploitation and preserve it for scientific (4)______."

Answers:

melt

trends

environment

research

Reasons:

Audio states "ice to melt," "current trends continue," "protect this fragile environment," and "scientific research."

Type 4: Highlight Correct Summary

Sample 4.3 – Audio Script (Passage):

"The concept of 'blue carbon' refers to the carbon captured by coastal ecosystems like mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds. These habitats are incredibly efficient at storing carbon—up to four times more than terrestrial forests. They also protect coastlines from erosion and provide critical nursery grounds for fish. However, blue carbon ecosystems are being lost at an alarming rate due to coastal development, aquaculture, and pollution. Protecting and restoring these habitats is now seen as a cost-effective solution for mitigating climate change, while also delivering biodiversity benefits."

Question: Which option best summarizes the audio?

Option A: Blue carbon ecosystems store less carbon than forests and are not worth protecting.

Option B: Coastal habitats like mangroves are highly efficient carbon stores, but they are being destroyed; restoration can help fight climate change.

Option C: Only seagrass beds capture blue carbon, and they are already fully protected.

Option D: Climate change is not affected by coastal ecosystems because they are too small.

Answer: B

Reason:

Option B correctly captures the main points: high carbon storage, destruction, and restoration as a solution.

A is false (they store more carbon than forests). C and D contradict the audio.

Sample 4.4 – Audio Script (Passage):

"Gamification—the use of game elements in non-game contexts—has become a popular tool in education and workplace training. By incorporating points, badges, and leaderboards, organisations aim to increase engagement and motivation. Studies show that gamification can improve learning outcomes, particularly for repetitive or boring tasks. However, critics argue that it can lead to superficial learning, where students focus on earning points rather than understanding concepts. The effectiveness of gamification ultimately depends on how it is designed and implemented."

Question: Which option best summarizes the audio?

Option A: Gamification is always effective in improving learning outcomes for all subjects.

Option B: While gamification uses game elements to boost engagement, its success depends on design, and it has both benefits and drawbacks.

Option C: Gamification only works for children, not adults in workplace settings.

Option D: Leaderboards are the most important part of gamification and should always be used.

Answer: B

Reason:

Option B balances the benefits (engagement, motivation) with the caveats (design-dependent, potential for superficial learning).

A is too absolute. C and D introduce claims not made in the audio.

Type 5: Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Sample 5.3 – Audio Script (Passage):

"The invention of the light bulb is often attributed to Thomas Edison, but historians now recognise that many inventors contributed to its development. Before Edison, Humphry Davy, Warren de la Rue, and Joseph Swan all created early versions. However, Edison's design was the first to be commercially practical because it used a carbon filament that lasted for over 1,200 hours. He also developed the first electrical distribution system, which made electric lighting accessible to the public."

Question: According to the speaker, why was Edison's light bulb considered commercially practical?

A. It was the first light bulb ever invented.

B. It used a carbon filament that lasted over 1,200 hours.

C. He invented it without any help from other scientists.

D. It was cheaper than gas lighting.

Answer: B

Reason:

The audio specifically states that Edison's design was commercially practical "because it used a carbon filament that lasted for over 1,200 hours."

A is false (others created early versions). C is false (others contributed). D is not mentioned.

Sample 5.4 – Audio Script (Passage):

"The gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria living in our digestive tract, plays a crucial role in overall health. It helps digest food, produces vitamins, and regulates the immune system. Recent research has also linked the microbiome to mental health through what is known as the gut-brain axis. An imbalance in gut bacteria, often caused by poor diet or antibiotics, has been associated with conditions like anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases."

Question: What is one function of the gut microbiome mentioned by the speaker?

A. It produces antibiotics.

B. It regulates the immune system.

C. It causes neurodegenerative diseases.

D. It increases appetite.

Answer: B

Reason:

The audio lists "regulates the immune system" as one of the functions.

A is not mentioned. C is incorrect (imbalance is associated with, not caused by). D is not mentioned.

Type 6: Select Missing Word

Sample 6.3 – Audio Script (Passage):

"Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are becoming more affordable and efficient. In many parts of the world, they are now cheaper than fossil fuels. However, one major challenge remains: energy storage. Solar panels only generate electricity during the day, and wind turbines depend on weather conditions. Without efficient storage solutions, the transition to renewable energy will be ______."

Question: What is the missing word/phrase?

A. unnecessary

B. delayed

C. immediate

D. affordable

Answer: B

Reason:

The context indicates that storage is a challenge, so the transition will be "delayed" without it.

A and D contradict the message; C is opposite.

Sample 6.4 – Audio Script (Passage):

"The housing crisis in major cities has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including population growth, limited land, and rising construction costs. Many young people are now priced out of the property market, forcing them to rent for longer periods. Some cities have introduced rent control policies to protect tenants, but experts argue that this only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause. To truly solve the crisis, governments must invest in affordable housing and ______."

Question: What is the missing word/phrase?

A. reduce immigration

B. increase property prices

C. simplify building regulations

D. eliminate rental properties

Answer: C

Reason:

The logical solution to building more housing is to "simplify building regulations" to speed up construction.

A and D are extreme and not implied; B would worsen the crisis.

Type 7: Highlight Incorrect Words

Sample 7.3 – Audio Script (Passage):

(Audio says:) "The human body is composed of approximately 60% water. This water is essential for digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. Health experts recommend drinking about eight glasses of water per day, although individual needs may vary based on activity levels and climate."

Transcript:

"The human body is composed of approximately 70% water. This water is optional for digestion, circulation, and temperature control. Dehydration can lead to energy, dizziness, and confusion. Health experts demand drinking about eight glasses of water per day, although individual needs may change based on activity levels and climate."

Incorrect words to click: 70%, optional, control, energy, demand, change

Reasons:

Audio says "60%" not "70%"

Audio says "essential" not "optional"

Audio says "regulation" not "control"

Audio says "fatigue" not "energy"

Audio says "recommend" not "demand"

Audio says "vary" not "change"

Sample 7.4 – Audio Script (Passage):

(Audio says:) "The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive architectural feats in history. Construction began over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty. The wall stretches approximately 21,000 kilometres across northern China. It was built primarily to protect against invasions from nomadic tribes. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist attraction."

Transcript:

"The Great Wall of China is one of the most ordinary architectural feats in history. Construction began over 1,000 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. The wall stretches approximately 13,000 kilometres across southern China. It was built primarily to protect against trade from nomadic tribes. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a minor tourist attraction."

Incorrect words to click: ordinary, 1,000, Ming, 13,000, southern, trade, minor

Reasons:

Audio says "impressive" not "ordinary"

Audio says "2,000" not "1,000"

Audio says "Qin" not "Ming"

Audio says "21,000" not "13,000"

Audio says "northern" not "southern"

Audio says "invasions" not "trade"

"UNESCO" is correct (do not click)

Audio says "major" not "minor"

Type 8: Write from Dictation

Sample 8.3 – Audio Script (Sentence):

"The deadline for the project has been extended by two weeks."

Answer: The deadline for the project has been extended by two weeks.

Reason: Exact spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Note "two" not "to" or "too."

Sample 8.4 – Audio Script (Sentence):

"All participants must complete the registration form before the workshop begins."

Answer: All participants must complete the registration form before the workshop begins.

Reason: Check plural "participants," spelling of "registration," and "begins" (not "begin").

Sample 8.5 – Audio Script (Sentence):

"The conference will be held at the convention centre next month."

Answer: The conference will be held at the convention centre next month.

Reason: Note British spelling "centre" if the audio uses it (or "center" if American). Listen carefully for such variations. Ensure full stop at the end.