What Is Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers?

You read a passage and choose more than one correct answer from a list of 5–7 options. This is one of the most challenging reading tasks because incorrect selections are penalised.

Negative Scoring

Each correct answer selected = +1 point. Each incorrect answer selected = −1 point. The minimum score per item is 0. This means random guessing is harmful.

Strategy

1. Read the question first to know what to look for in the passage.
2. Skim the passage to get the gist; then read more carefully around relevant sections.
3. Evaluate each option independently against what the passage actually states — not what is probably true or generally known.
4. Only select answers you are confident about. If you are unsure between two options, lean toward the one directly supported by the text.
5. Watch for distractor patterns: partly true (mentioned but distorted), too broad (not stated in the passage), and opposite meaning.

Common Mistakes

• Selecting answers based on general knowledge rather than the passage.
• Choosing too many options — “when in doubt, select all” loses points.
• Misreading negatives: “not all,” “rarely,” “unlikely” flip the meaning.

Quick Reference

Number of items	1–2 per test
Skills assessed	Reading only
Scoring	+1 correct, −1 incorrect (min 0)