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PTE Negative Marking: Do Wrong Answers Get Penalized?

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If you’re preparing for the PTE, you have probably asked yourself: “Will I lose points for choosing the wrong answers?

The good news is that most questions on the PTE do not use negative marking. You simply don’t earn points for wrong answers. However, there are a few exceptions where incorrect choices can reduce your score. Understanding these question types is essential so you can avoid losing precious points.

Table of Contents

What is negative marking in the PTE?

Negative marking is when points are deducted for incorrect answers. This method is usually used in tests to avoid discouraging random guessing, especially for questions with multiple answers.

In the PTE, negative marking only applies to specific question types. Most importantly, your score can never go below zero for any individual task. So even if you get more answers wrong than right, you will be given a zero for that question — not a negative number.

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For example, if a question is worth 3 points and you get 1 correct and 2 wrong, your score will be 0, not -1!

Which PTE question types include negative marking?

Only two question types in the PTE use negative marking. Let’s take a look at them:

Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers

This type of question appears in both the Reading and Listening sections. You’ll be asked to select more than one correct option from a list.

You get:

✅ +1 for every correct answer

❌ -1 for every wrong answer

⚠️ Minimum score is zero (not negative)

So if you’re unsure about some option, it is better to select only the ones you are confident about. Blind guessing can cost you points.

Highlight Incorrect Words (Listening)

You read a transcript while listening to an audio clip. You must click on the words that don’t match what is being said.

✅ +1 for every correct answer

❌ –1 for every wrong answer

⚠️ Minimum score is zero (not negative)

Note: No other question types in the PTE have negative marking. Tasks like Single Answer MCQs, Fill in the Blanks, Write from Dictation, and others will never subtract points for a wrong response. (For a full list of question type click here)

Strategies to avoid penalties in the PTE?

Since only a few questions include negative marking, you don’t need to worry too much, but you should still prepare carefully for them. Here are some smart tips:

For Multiple Answer, Multiple Choice Questions

  • Be selective: Only choose options you're confident are correct.
  • Use elimination: Cross out obviously wrong choices first.
  • Skip guesses: If you're really unsure, it's better to leave an option unselected.

For Highlight Incorrect Words

  • Follow the audio closely: Train your ear to catch subtle changes in wording.
  • Practice with transcripts: Read along as you listen to audio clips.
  • Click carefully: Only select words that are clearly different from the spoken version.
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Practicing with these strategies can help you avoid losing points and build confidence for test day.

Conclusion

So, does the PTE do negative marking? Yes—but only for two question types. And even then, your score can’t go below zero. That means you won’t be “punished” harshly, but careless guessing can still drag your score down.

By understanding how these tasks work and preparing with smart strategies, you can approach them with confidence. Focus on accuracy over speed, and don’t let the fear of negative marking throw you off.

To make sure you arrive confident and boost your test-day performance, use Arno’s free Vocabulary Builder.