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1. PTE Academic Reading Practice: The Greenhouse Effect – Multiple Choice, Single Answer [Ultra-Interactive Tutorial & Exercises]
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August 1, 2025
![Master the PTE Academic Reading section with this ultra-interactive tutorial on “The Greenhouse Effect.” Practice real exam-level passages, detailed strategies, and instant-feedback multiple-choice questions. Includes expert vocabulary and phrase explanations, two challenging exercises, and step-by-step answer keys—all in a beautifully animated, mobile-friendly design. Boost your PTE score and learn with LingExam’s exclusive practice module! - PTE Academic Reading Practice: The Greenhouse Effect – Multiple Choice, Single Answer [Ultra-Interactive Tutorial & Exercises] - LingExam Language Academy - Lingexam.com](https://lingexam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Article-Thumbnail-1.jpg)
Multiple Choice, Single Answer Questions (PTE Academic Reading Tutorial – The Greenhouse Effect)
What are Multiple Choice, Single Answer Questions?
In this PTE Academic question type, you will read a passage and answer a question by selecting the single best answer from several options. There is only one correct choice for each question. Mastering this type will boost your accuracy, logic, and reading skills!
In this PTE Academic question type, you will read a passage and answer a question by selecting the single best answer from several options. There is only one correct choice for each question. Mastering this type will boost your accuracy, logic, and reading skills!
How to Answer Multiple Choice, Single Answer Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Carefully:
Before you look at the answer options, make sure you fully understand what the question is asking. Identify if it asks for a detail, a main idea, an inference, or a specific fact.
Example: “According to the passage, what is the main effect of the greenhouse effect?”
Before you look at the answer options, make sure you fully understand what the question is asking. Identify if it asks for a detail, a main idea, an inference, or a specific fact.
Example: “According to the passage, what is the main effect of the greenhouse effect?”
2
Scan the Passage for Key Words:
Look for key terms from the question in the passage. Underline or note any important phrases or dates. Skim for synonyms, paraphrases, and related ideas that connect the question to the passage.
Look for key terms from the question in the passage. Underline or note any important phrases or dates. Skim for synonyms, paraphrases, and related ideas that connect the question to the passage.
3
Read All Options Thoroughly:
Don’t choose the first answer that “looks right.” Read every option carefully. Sometimes the first or last option is a trap; be sure to analyze each for accuracy.
Don’t choose the first answer that “looks right.” Read every option carefully. Sometimes the first or last option is a trap; be sure to analyze each for accuracy.
4
Eliminate Clearly Incorrect Options:
Rule out answers that are contradicted by the passage, irrelevant, or too extreme. Use process of elimination to narrow your choices.
Rule out answers that are contradicted by the passage, irrelevant, or too extreme. Use process of elimination to narrow your choices.
5
Match Details with the Passage:
For each remaining answer, find direct evidence in the passage. Highlight or note where the supporting sentence is located. Only select an answer you can prove with text.
For each remaining answer, find direct evidence in the passage. Highlight or note where the supporting sentence is located. Only select an answer you can prove with text.
6
Be Wary of Distractors:
In PTE Academic, wrong answers may be almost true or use familiar words but change the meaning slightly. Watch out for choices that use information from the passage out of context.
In PTE Academic, wrong answers may be almost true or use familiar words but change the meaning slightly. Watch out for choices that use information from the passage out of context.
7
Watch for Extreme or Absolute Words:
Words like “always,” “never,” or “all” are often signs of incorrect answers, unless the passage itself is equally absolute.
Words like “always,” “never,” or “all” are often signs of incorrect answers, unless the passage itself is equally absolute.
8
Re-read the Question & Selected Option:
Double-check that your answer is exactly what the question asked for, not just related to the topic.
Double-check that your answer is exactly what the question asked for, not just related to the topic.
9
Trust Text, Not Background Knowledge:
Only choose what is stated or implied in the passage, not what you already know about the subject. The best answer is always text-based.
Only choose what is stated or implied in the passage, not what you already know about the subject. The best answer is always text-based.
10
Answer Confidently and Move On:
Once you’ve chosen your answer using these strategies, select it confidently. Don’t overthink or change your answer unless you find clear evidence.
Once you’ve chosen your answer using these strategies, select it confidently. Don’t overthink or change your answer unless you find clear evidence.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“What is the primary reason for the increase in global temperatures according to the passage?”
Choices:
(A) Increased volcanic activity
(B) Enhanced greenhouse effect from human emissions
(C) Changes in ocean currents
(D) Natural variation in solar energy
Correct Answer: (B) Enhanced greenhouse effect from human emissions
Explanation: The passage states that human activity, especially burning fossil fuels, enhances the greenhouse effect, which is the main cause of recent global temperature rises. The other choices are not presented as the primary reason.
“What is the primary reason for the increase in global temperatures according to the passage?”
Choices:
(A) Increased volcanic activity
(B) Enhanced greenhouse effect from human emissions
(C) Changes in ocean currents
(D) Natural variation in solar energy
Correct Answer: (B) Enhanced greenhouse effect from human emissions
Explanation: The passage states that human activity, especially burning fossil fuels, enhances the greenhouse effect, which is the main cause of recent global temperature rises. The other choices are not presented as the primary reason.
Reading Passage: The Greenhouse Effect
Paragraph 1:
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the planet, some of it is reflected back into space, but the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. These gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat within the atmosphere, helping maintain temperatures suitable for life. However, human activities like burning fossil fuels have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases. As a result, more heat is retained, causing global temperatures to rise. Scientists warn that if this enhanced greenhouse effect continues, it could lead to major climate changes and more extreme weather events worldwide.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the planet, some of it is reflected back into space, but the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. These gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat within the atmosphere, helping maintain temperatures suitable for life. However, human activities like burning fossil fuels have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases. As a result, more heat is retained, causing global temperatures to rise. Scientists warn that if this enhanced greenhouse effect continues, it could lead to major climate changes and more extreme weather events worldwide.
Multiple Choice, Single Answer Question
Read the passage carefully. Choose the single best answer to the question below. When you select an answer, you will instantly see a detailed explanation!
Answer Key & Step-by-Step Explanation
Review the complete answer below. This step-by-step explanation shows exactly how to use the reading strategies from the tutorial on a real PTE Academic question.
Correct Answer: (B)
What is the main consequence of the increased concentration of greenhouse gases caused by human activity, according to the passage?
Step 1: First, read the question carefully to find out what it is really asking. Here, you are looking for the main consequence of more greenhouse gases, as explained in the passage.
Step 2: Now, look at the passage and identify where greenhouse gases and their effects are discussed. The text explains that “greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat within the atmosphere.”
Step 3: It also states: “human activities like burning fossil fuels have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases. As a result, more heat is retained, causing global temperatures to rise.” This is a clear cause and effect relationship.
Step 4: Next, analyze each answer option. Option (A) mentions a “decrease in Earth’s surface temperature,” which is the opposite of what is stated. This is clearly incorrect.
Step 5: Option (C) claims “less sunlight reaches the planet’s surface,” but the passage does not mention a reduction in sunlight. Eliminate this as well.
Step 6: Option (D) says “oceans reflect more solar energy into space.” The passage does not discuss ocean reflection or this process as a result, so this is also incorrect.
Step 7: Option (B) states “more heat is trapped, leading to higher global temperatures.” This matches exactly what the passage describes as the main outcome of increased greenhouse gases.
Step 8: Review the main idea: The passage directly links human-caused increases in greenhouse gases with “more heat retained” and “global temperatures rising.”
Step 9: Check for trick words or distractors. None of the other options are supported by the text or context.
Step 10: Always choose the answer that can be proven with direct text evidence. Here, option (B) is the only correct, supported, and logical answer.
Step 11: As a final check, recall that the passage ends with a warning about further climate change and extreme weather, but these are potential future effects, not the main direct consequence stated in the passage. The immediate effect is higher global temperatures.
Step 12: For PTE Academic, use a clear process: read, eliminate, find textual evidence, and double-check for any subtle distractors before finalizing your answer.
Step 13: This systematic approach will help you avoid common mistakes and maximize your score on all Multiple Choice, Single Answer questions!
10 Hardest Words from the Passage & Question
Master these advanced words from the passage! Each entry includes phonetics, grammar, patterns, clear definition, example, synonyms, and learner mistakes.
(Hover over each card for a beautiful glow!)
(Hover over each card for a beautiful glow!)
greenhouse effect
/ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɪˌfɛkt/ (BrE) /ˈɡrinˌhaʊs ɪˈfɛkt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (singular)
Word Pattern:
the greenhouse effect
Definition:
The warming of the Earth’s atmosphere due to trapped heat by certain gases.
Example:
The greenhouse effect helps keep Earth warm enough for life.
Synonym: atmospheric warming
Common Mistake: Writing “green house effect” (incorrect spacing).
radiate
/ˈreɪdieɪt/ (BrE) /ˈreɪdiˌeɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
radiate + noun / radiate from
Definition:
To send out energy (such as heat or light) in the form of waves.
Example:
Heat is radiated by greenhouse gases back towards Earth.
Synonym: emit
Common Mistake: Using “radiate” only for light, not for heat or energy.
absorb
/əbˈzɔːb/ (BrE) /əbˈzɔrb/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
absorb + noun / absorb into
Definition:
To take in or soak up energy, liquid, or another substance.
Example:
Some energy is absorbed by the planet’s surface.
Synonym: take in
Common Mistake: Using “absorb” with “to” (“absorb to the surface”).
concentration
/ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən/ (BrE) /ˌkɑnsənˈtreɪʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable/uncountable)
Word Pattern:
concentration of + noun / high/low concentration
Definition:
The amount of a substance present in a certain space or mixture.
Example:
An increased concentration of greenhouse gases causes more warming.
Synonym: amount, density
Common Mistake: Using “concentration” only for mental focus.
retain
/rɪˈteɪn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
retain + noun
Definition:
To keep or hold something, not let it escape.
Example:
More heat is retained in the atmosphere due to greenhouse gases.
Synonym: keep, hold
Common Mistake: Confusing “retain” with “obtain.”
fossil fuels
/ˈfɒsəl ˈfjʊəlz/ (BrE) /ˈfɑsəl ˈfjulz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural, sometimes uncountable)
Word Pattern:
burn/use/extract fossil fuels
Definition:
Natural fuels such as coal, oil, and gas formed from the remains of living things.
Example:
Burning fossil fuels increases greenhouse gas levels.
Synonym: hydrocarbons (technical)
Common Mistake: Saying “fossil fuel” for all energy sources, including renewables (incorrect).
methane
/ˈmiːθeɪn/ (BrE) /ˈmiˌθeɪn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
methane emissions / levels of methane
Definition:
A powerful greenhouse gas produced by natural processes and human activity.
Example:
Methane is released from cattle and landfills.
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Pronouncing as “meth-an” (incorrect stress).
enhanced
/ɪnˈhɑːnst/ (BrE) /ɪnˈhæn(t)st/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective (also verb: enhance)
Word Pattern:
enhanced + noun / to enhance + noun
Definition:
Increased in strength, quality, or amount; made greater or more effective.
Example:
The enhanced greenhouse effect leads to global warming.
Synonym: intensified
Common Mistake: Using “enhanced” for anything positive, not just “increased.”
extreme
/ɪkˈstriːm/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Word Pattern:
extreme + noun / to an extreme degree
Definition:
Much greater than usual; very severe or intense.
Example:
Climate change may cause more extreme weather events.
Synonym: severe, intense
Common Mistake: Using “extreme” for only sports or fun activities.
consequence
/ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/ (BrE) /ˈkɑnsəˌkwɛns/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
consequence of + noun / as a consequence
Definition:
A result or effect, often one that is negative or important.
Example:
A main consequence of more greenhouse gases is global warming.
Synonym: result, outcome
Common Mistake: Writing “as consequence” instead of “as a consequence.”
10 Hardest Phrases & Expressions from the Passage & Question
Unlock challenging expressions from the text! See phonetics, grammar, patterns, definition, examples, synonyms, and common mistakes.
(Hover over each card for a soft blue glow!)
(Hover over each card for a soft blue glow!)
warm the Earth’s surface
/wɔːm ðiː ɜːθs ˈsɜːfɪs/ (BrE) /wɔrm ði ɜrθs ˈsɜrfɪs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
warm + object + (adjective/noun)
Definition:
To increase the temperature of the ground or outer part of the planet.
Example:
The greenhouse effect helps warm the Earth’s surface.
Synonym: heat up the planet
Common Mistake: Writing “make Earth warm surface.”
reflected back into space
/rɪˈflɛktɪd bæk ˈɪntuː speɪs/ (BrE) /rɪˈflɛktəd bæk ˈɪntu speɪs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
be/get reflected back into + noun
Definition:
To bounce off a surface and return toward outer space.
Example:
Some of the Sun’s energy is reflected back into space.
Synonym: sent away from Earth
Common Mistake: Using “to the space” instead of “into space.”
trap heat
/træp hiːt/ (BrE) /træp hit/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
trap + noun
Definition:
To catch and hold warmth or energy, not letting it escape.
Example:
Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
Synonym: hold warmth
Common Mistake: Writing “catch heat” (less natural in this context).
maintain temperatures suitable for life
/meɪnˈteɪn ˈtɛmpərətʃəz ˈsuːtəbl fə laɪf/ (BrE) /meɪnˈteɪn ˈtɛmp(ə)rətʃərz ˈsutəbl fər laɪf/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
maintain + noun + adjective/prep phrase
Definition:
To keep the level of heat just right for living things to survive.
Example:
Greenhouse gases help maintain temperatures suitable for life.
Synonym: keep temperatures livable
Common Mistake: Omitting “suitable for life.”
burning fossil fuels
/ˈbɜːnɪŋ ˈfɒsəl ˈfjʊəlz/ (BrE) /ˈbɝnɪŋ ˈfɑsəl ˈfjulz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase (present participle)
Word Pattern:
burning + noun (fossil fuels)
Definition:
The act of using coal, oil, or gas for energy, producing heat and gases.
Example:
Burning fossil fuels adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
Synonym: combusting fossil fuels
Common Mistake: Using “burn fossil fuels” for renewable energy sources.
lead to major climate changes
/liːd tuː ˈmeɪdʒə ˈklaɪmɪt ˈtʃeɪndʒɪz/ (BrE) /lid tu ˈmeɪdʒər ˈklaɪmət ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
lead to + noun phrase
Definition:
To cause or result in big or important changes in the world's weather patterns.
Example:
The enhanced greenhouse effect could lead to major climate changes.
Synonym: cause significant climate shifts
Common Mistake: Writing “lead major to climate changes.”
human activities
/ˈhjuːmən ækˈtɪvɪtiz/ (BrE) /ˈhjumən ækˈtɪvətiz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase (plural)
Word Pattern:
human activities + verb
Definition:
The things that people do, especially actions that affect the environment.
Example:
Human activities increase greenhouse gas emissions.
Synonym: people’s actions
Common Mistake: Using “human activity” only for exercise or sport.
cause global temperatures to rise
/kɔːz ˈɡləʊbəl ˈtɛmpərətʃəz tuː raɪz/ (BrE) /kɔz ˈɡloʊbəl ˈtɛmp(ə)rətʃərz tu raɪz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
cause + noun + to + verb
Definition:
To make the world’s average temperatures increase.
Example:
More greenhouse gases cause global temperatures to rise.
Synonym: make the world warmer
Common Mistake: Omitting “to rise.”
if this continues
/ɪf ðɪs kənˈtɪnjuːz/ (BrE) /ɪf ðɪs kənˈtɪn(j)uz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
subordinating conjunction + present tense verb
Word Pattern:
if + subject + present/simple tense
Definition:
Used to say what will happen in the future if the current situation stays the same.
Example:
Scientists warn that if this continues, climate changes may become severe.
Synonym: if this goes on
Common Mistake: Using “if this will continue.”
worldwide
/ˈwɜːldˈwaɪd/ (BrE) /ˈwɝldˈwaɪd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adverb, adjective
Word Pattern:
happen/spread/occur worldwide
Definition:
In every part of the world; everywhere on Earth.
Example:
Extreme weather events may happen worldwide.
Synonym: globally
Common Mistake: Writing as two words “world wide.”
Interactive Exercise 1: Vocabulary & Phrase Practice
Test your understanding! Choose the best answer for each question. After each choice, you'll get an instant, in-depth explanation.
(Covers all 10 hardest words and phrases from the passage!)
(Covers all 10 hardest words and phrases from the passage!)
Interactive Exercise 2: Words & Expressions in Context
Challenge yourself with new contexts! Each question practices a key word or phrase from the passage. Choose your answer and see a full explanation instantly.
(Covers the same 10 hardest items—now in new sentences!)
(Covers the same 10 hardest items—now in new sentences!)
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