Multiple Choice, Single Answer Questions (PTE Academic Reading Tutorial – The Role of Robotics in Medicine)
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
Understand the Question’s Focus:
Carefully read the question before the passage. Notice whether it asks for the main idea, a specific fact, or something implied. Identify any keywords in the question.
Example: “What is the primary benefit of robotics in medical surgery?”
Carefully read the question before the passage. Notice whether it asks for the main idea, a specific fact, or something implied. Identify any keywords in the question.
Example: “What is the primary benefit of robotics in medical surgery?”
2
Skim the Passage Strategically:
Read the passage quickly, focusing on the first and last sentences of each paragraph for the main idea, but do not ignore important details. Highlight or mentally note terms related to the question.
Read the passage quickly, focusing on the first and last sentences of each paragraph for the main idea, but do not ignore important details. Highlight or mentally note terms related to the question.
3
Read All Answer Choices Before Deciding:
Don’t select the first answer that seems right. Carefully review each option, noting differences in meaning, and watch for answer choices that are similar but subtly different.
Don’t select the first answer that seems right. Carefully review each option, noting differences in meaning, and watch for answer choices that are similar but subtly different.
4
Eliminate the Obviously Wrong Answers:
Use logic and information from the passage to remove answers that are not supported, are too extreme, or contradict the text. This increases your chance of choosing the correct answer.
Use logic and information from the passage to remove answers that are not supported, are too extreme, or contradict the text. This increases your chance of choosing the correct answer.
5
Match Keywords and Paraphrases:
Locate keywords from the question and see how they appear in the passage or are paraphrased. This ensures you use the actual passage as evidence, not your background knowledge.
Locate keywords from the question and see how they appear in the passage or are paraphrased. This ensures you use the actual passage as evidence, not your background knowledge.
6
Beware of Distractors:
PTE options often include answers that are partially correct or mix up facts. Only select an answer fully supported by the text, not just partially.
PTE options often include answers that are partially correct or mix up facts. Only select an answer fully supported by the text, not just partially.
7
Check for Absolutes and Qualifiers:
Look out for options that use words like “always,” “only,” or “never.” These are rarely correct unless the passage says so. Prefer moderate, accurate statements over extreme ones.
Look out for options that use words like “always,” “only,” or “never.” These are rarely correct unless the passage says so. Prefer moderate, accurate statements over extreme ones.
8
Double-Check Your Choice:
Re-read the question and your chosen answer. Ask yourself, “Does this answer fully match the passage and the question’s focus?”
Re-read the question and your chosen answer. Ask yourself, “Does this answer fully match the passage and the question’s focus?”
9
Base Your Choice on the Text Only:
Ignore your own background knowledge and choose the answer based on what is clearly stated or implied in the passage.
Ignore your own background knowledge and choose the answer based on what is clearly stated or implied in the passage.
10
Answer with Confidence and Move Forward:
Once you have followed these steps, choose your answer. Do not change it unless you find strong evidence in the text. Move on quickly to maximize your exam time!
Once you have followed these steps, choose your answer. Do not change it unless you find strong evidence in the text. Move on quickly to maximize your exam time!
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“What is the key reason hospitals use surgical robots?”
Choices:
(A) They reduce the number of doctors needed.
(B) They allow for more precise and less invasive procedures.
(C) They are less expensive than traditional surgery.
(D) They can make decisions independently.
Correct Answer: (B) They allow for more precise and less invasive procedures.
Explanation: The passage says that robots enable doctors to perform delicate surgeries with greater accuracy and smaller incisions. There is no evidence that robots are always cheaper, work without doctors, or completely replace human decision-making.
“What is the key reason hospitals use surgical robots?”
Choices:
(A) They reduce the number of doctors needed.
(B) They allow for more precise and less invasive procedures.
(C) They are less expensive than traditional surgery.
(D) They can make decisions independently.
Correct Answer: (B) They allow for more precise and less invasive procedures.
Explanation: The passage says that robots enable doctors to perform delicate surgeries with greater accuracy and smaller incisions. There is no evidence that robots are always cheaper, work without doctors, or completely replace human decision-making.
Reading Passage: The Role of Robotics in Medicine
Paragraph 1:
Robotics has become increasingly important in the field of medicine. Surgical robots allow doctors to perform procedures with greater precision, flexibility, and control than traditional techniques. These systems can minimize patient trauma, reduce recovery time, and lower the risk of infection. Robotic technology is also used in diagnostics and rehabilitation, enabling more accurate analysis and personalized treatments. Although robotics cannot replace human expertise, it supports medical professionals in delivering safer, more efficient care. As technology advances, experts predict that robots will play an even larger role in improving patient outcomes and transforming healthcare worldwide.
Robotics has become increasingly important in the field of medicine. Surgical robots allow doctors to perform procedures with greater precision, flexibility, and control than traditional techniques. These systems can minimize patient trauma, reduce recovery time, and lower the risk of infection. Robotic technology is also used in diagnostics and rehabilitation, enabling more accurate analysis and personalized treatments. Although robotics cannot replace human expertise, it supports medical professionals in delivering safer, more efficient care. As technology advances, experts predict that robots will play an even larger role in improving patient outcomes and transforming healthcare 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)
According to the passage, what is one main advantage of using robotics in medicine?
Step 1: Begin by carefully reading the question to identify its focus. It asks for the main advantage of using robotics in medicine.
Step 2: Skim the passage for keywords: "advantage," "benefit," "main," or similar ideas.
Step 3: The first sentence mentions that robotics is "increasingly important in the field of medicine." This suggests significance but not a specific advantage yet.
Step 4: The next key line is, "Surgical robots allow doctors to perform procedures with greater precision, flexibility, and control than traditional techniques."
Step 5: The passage further explains, "These systems can minimize patient trauma, reduce recovery time, and lower the risk of infection." These are all clear, text-based benefits.
Step 6: Now, compare the answer choices with this information. Option (B) states that robotics allow for more precise procedures and faster recovery—matching exactly what the passage highlights.
Step 7: Option (A) says robots can completely replace doctors. The passage explicitly states, "Although robotics cannot replace human expertise..." so (A) is incorrect.
Step 8: Option (C) claims robots are used only for administrative hospital tasks. The passage clearly describes their use in surgery, diagnostics, and rehabilitation—so (C) is wrong.
Step 9: Option (D) says robotics eliminates the need for infection control. The text says robots can lower infection risk, not eliminate infection control, so (D) is also wrong.
Step 10: Go back to the passage and double-check. The words "greater precision," "minimize trauma," "reduce recovery time," and "lower the risk of infection" all directly support option (B).
Step 11: There are other benefits mentioned, such as better diagnostics and personalized treatments, but the main advantage given is improved surgical outcomes (precision and recovery).
Step 12: Always use process of elimination and evidence from the text, not your own ideas or assumptions about robots.
Step 13: Conclusion: The only fully supported answer is (B). Choosing (B) demonstrates accurate reading and test strategy, and matches the PTE scoring system.
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!)
precision
/prɪˈsɪʒ.ən/ (BrE) /prɪˈsɪʒ.ən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
with precision; precision of
Definition:
The quality of being exact, accurate, or careful in details or operation.
Example:
Robotic systems allow for greater precision during surgery. (Meaning: More exact movements)
Synonym: accuracy
Common Mistake: Using “precision” for something fast, not something accurate.
rehabilitation
/ˌriː.həˌbɪl.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/ (BrE) /ˌri.həˌbɪl.əˈteɪ.ʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
rehabilitation of; in rehabilitation
Definition:
The process of helping someone to recover skills or abilities after illness or injury.
Example:
Robotics is used in rehabilitation to assist patient recovery. (Meaning: Helping patients regain skills)
Synonym: recovery
Common Mistake: Confusing “rehabilitation” with just “rest” or “relaxation.”
diagnostics
/ˌdaɪ.əɡˈnɒs.tɪks/ (BrE) /ˌdaɪ.əɡˈnɑː.stɪks/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural, sometimes uncountable)
Word Pattern:
diagnostics for; in diagnostics
Definition:
Tests and procedures used to find out what is wrong with a patient’s health.
Example:
Robotic technology is applied in diagnostics for more accurate results. (Meaning: Used to discover health problems)
Synonym: medical testing
Common Mistake: Using “diagnostics” for any medical treatment, not just testing or analysis.
minimize
/ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
minimize + noun; minimize the risk of
Definition:
To make something as small as possible in amount or degree.
Example:
These systems can minimize patient trauma. (Meaning: Make trauma as small as possible)
Synonym: reduce
Common Mistake: Using “minimize” to mean “ignore” or “forget.”
flexibility
/ˌfleks.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ (BrE) /ˌfleks.əˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
flexibility in/of
Definition:
The quality of being able to change or adapt easily; the ability to move or bend easily.
Example:
Surgical robots offer greater flexibility for doctors. (Meaning: More adaptable and movable)
Synonym: adaptability
Common Mistake: Using “flexibility” only for physical exercise, not for adapting to situations.
trauma
/ˈtrɔː.mə/ (BrE) /ˈtrɑː.mə/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable/uncountable)
Word Pattern:
trauma to; suffer trauma
Definition:
Serious injury or shock to the body (or mind) caused by a physical event.
Example:
Minimally invasive surgery reduces patient trauma. (Meaning: Less injury or damage)
Synonym: injury
Common Mistake: Using “trauma” only for emotional stress, not for physical injury.
expertise
/ˌek.spɜːˈtiːz/ (BrE) /ˌek.spɝːˈtiːz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
expertise in; require expertise
Definition:
Special skill or knowledge in a particular field or subject.
Example:
Robotics cannot replace human expertise in medicine. (Meaning: Specialized professional skill)
Synonym: skill, proficiency
Common Mistake: Writing “expertise” as a verb (“I expertise in…”).
outcomes
/ˈaʊt.kʌmz/ (BrE) /ˈaʊtˌkʌmz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural of outcome)
Word Pattern:
outcomes of; lead to outcomes
Definition:
The results or effects of an action, event, or process.
Example:
Experts predict robots will improve patient outcomes. (Meaning: Patient health results)
Synonym: results
Common Mistake: Using “outcome” for process, not the result.
transforming
/trænsˈfɔː.mɪŋ/ (BrE) /trænsˈfɔːr.mɪŋ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb (present participle), adjective
Word Pattern:
transforming + noun; be transforming
Definition:
Changing something completely or significantly in form, nature, or function.
Example:
Robotics is transforming healthcare worldwide. (Meaning: Changing healthcare in a big way)
Synonym: changing, revolutionizing
Common Mistake: Using “transforming” only for small or minor changes.
personalized
/ˈpɜː.sən.ə.laɪzd/ (BrE) /ˈpɝː.sən.əl.aɪzd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
personalized + noun; be personalized for
Definition:
Designed or changed to suit the needs or wishes of a particular person.
Example:
Robotics enables personalized treatments. (Meaning: Treatments tailored to each patient)
Synonym: customized, tailored
Common Mistake: Using “personalized” to mean “friendly” or “personal” (incorrect in medical contexts).
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!)
greater precision
/ˈɡreɪ.tər prɪˈsɪʒ.ən/ (BrE) /ˈɡreɪ.t̬ɚ prɪˈsɪʒ.ən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
with greater precision; allow for greater precision
Definition:
Higher or more exact accuracy in doing something.
Example:
Surgical robots perform operations with greater precision. (Meaning: More exact and careful movements)
Synonym: higher accuracy
Common Mistake: Using “precision” for speed, not accuracy.
minimize patient trauma
/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz ˈpeɪʃnt ˈtrɔːmə/ (BrE) /ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz ˈpeɪʃənt ˈtrɑːmə/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
minimize + noun
Definition:
To reduce the amount of injury or harm to a patient as much as possible.
Example:
Advanced robots help minimize patient trauma. (Meaning: Reduce injuries during surgery)
Synonym: reduce injury
Common Mistake: Saying “minimize trauma” means ignore trauma (it means reduce, not ignore).
reduce recovery time
/rɪˈdjuːs rɪˈkʌvəri taɪm/ (BrE) /rɪˈduːs rɪˈkʌvəri taɪm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
reduce + noun
Definition:
To make the period a patient needs to heal shorter.
Example:
Robotic surgery can reduce recovery time. (Meaning: Patients get better more quickly)
Synonym: shorten healing period
Common Mistake: Using “reduce” for stopping something entirely, not just making it less.
lower the risk of infection
/ˈləʊər ðə rɪsk əv ɪnˈfɛkʃən/ (BrE) /ˈloʊər ðə rɪsk əv ɪnˈfɛkʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
lower the risk of + noun
Definition:
To make it less likely that someone will get an infection.
Example:
Minimally invasive techniques lower the risk of infection. (Meaning: Decrease the chance of getting sick)
Synonym: decrease chance of infection
Common Mistake: Using “lower” for removing risk completely (it means make less, not remove entirely).
cannot replace human expertise
/ˈkænɒt rɪˈpleɪs ˈhjuːmən ˌekspɜːˈtiːz/ (BrE) /ˈkænɑːt rɪˈpleɪs ˈhjuːmən ˌekspɝːˈtiːz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
cannot/can't replace + noun
Definition:
Not able to take the place of the special knowledge and skills of a person.
Example:
Even with technology, robots cannot replace human expertise. (Meaning: Machines cannot do everything a person can)
Synonym: cannot substitute for human skill
Common Mistake: Believing “replace” means “help” or “support.”
support medical professionals
/səˈpɔːt ˈmedɪkəl prəˈfɛʃənlz/ (BrE) /səˈpɔːrt ˈmedɪkəl prəˈfɛʃənəlz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
support + noun (person or group)
Definition:
To help doctors, nurses, or other healthcare workers do their job better.
Example:
Robotics can support medical professionals in surgery. (Meaning: Provide help or assistance)
Synonym: assist
Common Mistake: Using “support” only for financial help, not for practical or skill-based help.
delivering safer, more efficient care
/dɪˈlɪvərɪŋ ˈseɪfə mɔː ɪˈfɪʃənt keə/ (BrE) /dɪˈlɪvərɪŋ ˈseɪfər mɔːr ɪˈfɪʃənt ker/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
deliver + adjective + noun
Definition:
To provide medical treatment that is safer and works better or faster.
Example:
Technology helps in delivering safer, more efficient care. (Meaning: Giving better and safer treatment)
Synonym: provide better care
Common Mistake: Using “deliver” only for packages, not for services or actions.
play an even larger role
/pleɪ ən ˈiːvən ˈlɑːdʒə rəʊl/ (BrE) /pleɪ ən ˈivən ˈlɑːrdʒər roʊl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
play a/an + adjective + role
Definition:
To become more important or have a bigger effect in a situation.
Example:
Experts predict robots will play an even larger role in healthcare. (Meaning: Be more important in the future)
Synonym: become more influential
Common Mistake: Thinking “role” means acting in a movie, not importance in real life.
improving patient outcomes
/ɪmˈpruːvɪŋ ˈpeɪʃnt ˈaʊtkʌmz/ (BrE) /ɪmˈpruvɪŋ ˈpeɪʃənt ˈaʊtˌkʌmz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
improve + noun
Definition:
Making the results of medical treatment better for patients.
Example:
Robotic technology is focused on improving patient outcomes. (Meaning: Making health results better)
Synonym: enhancing results
Common Mistake: Using “outcomes” to mean plans, not results.
transforming healthcare worldwide
/trænsˈfɔːmɪŋ ˈhelθkeə ˈwɜːldwaɪd/ (BrE) /trænsˈfɔrmɪŋ ˈhelθker ˈwɝldwaɪd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
transforming + noun + adverb
Definition:
Changing medical care everywhere in the world in a big way.
Example:
Innovations are transforming healthcare worldwide. (Meaning: Changing medicine in every country)
Synonym: revolutionizing medicine
Common Mistake: Thinking “worldwide” means in one place only.
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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