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4. PTE Academic Reading Practice: Evolution of the Internet – Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers [Full Interactive Tutorial + Exercises]
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August 5, 2025
![Master PTE Academic Reading with this ultra-interactive tutorial focused on the "Evolution of the Internet." Learn essential strategies for Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers questions, practice with real-level passages, detailed explanations, and advanced vocabulary exercises. Boost your reading score and confidence with step-by-step guidance, instant feedback, and professional tips—perfect for serious PTE test-takers aiming for top results. - PTE Academic Reading Practice: Evolution of the Internet – Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers [Full Interactive Tutorial + Exercises] - LingExam Language Academy - Lingexam.com](https://lingexam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Article-Thumbnail-18.jpg)
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Questions (PTE Academic Reading Tutorial – Evolution of the Internet)
What are Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Questions?
In this PTE Academic reading question type, you must read a passage and answer by selecting all correct answers from several options. There may be more than one correct answer—and there may be traps! Mastering this type builds your critical reading, attention to detail, and logic.
In this PTE Academic reading question type, you must read a passage and answer by selecting all correct answers from several options. There may be more than one correct answer—and there may be traps! Mastering this type builds your critical reading, attention to detail, and logic.
How to Answer Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Carefully:
Identify what is being asked—does the question want facts, opinions, causes, effects, or examples? Carefully reading the instructions helps you understand if you should look for specific details or more general ideas in the passage.
Example: "Which statements about the evolution of the Internet are supported by the passage?"
Identify what is being asked—does the question want facts, opinions, causes, effects, or examples? Carefully reading the instructions helps you understand if you should look for specific details or more general ideas in the passage.
Example: "Which statements about the evolution of the Internet are supported by the passage?"
2
Preview All Options:
Before reading the passage, glance over all answer choices. This allows you to form a mental checklist of key words, years, or issues that may appear in the text.
Before reading the passage, glance over all answer choices. This allows you to form a mental checklist of key words, years, or issues that may appear in the text.
3
Skim the Passage for Main Ideas:
Quickly read through the passage for general understanding. Notice the structure—introduction, development, conclusion—and the writer’s viewpoint. Try to grasp the overall progress and significance of the Internet’s evolution.
Quickly read through the passage for general understanding. Notice the structure—introduction, development, conclusion—and the writer’s viewpoint. Try to grasp the overall progress and significance of the Internet’s evolution.
4
Scan for Key Details:
Return to the passage and look for specific facts, dates, inventions, or shifts that relate to the answer choices. Underline or note them as you read.
Return to the passage and look for specific facts, dates, inventions, or shifts that relate to the answer choices. Underline or note them as you read.
5
Match Evidence to Each Option:
Check each answer choice against the passage. Is it fully supported by information in the text? Do not select answers that are only partially correct or require knowledge not in the passage.
Check each answer choice against the passage. Is it fully supported by information in the text? Do not select answers that are only partially correct or require knowledge not in the passage.
6
Eliminate Wrong Answers:
Rule out options contradicted by the passage, not mentioned, or that are too general or too specific. Elimination helps focus your choices.
Rule out options contradicted by the passage, not mentioned, or that are too general or too specific. Elimination helps focus your choices.
7
Beware of Partially Correct Options:
Some incorrect choices may sound almost right, but miss an important detail. Only pick those you can confirm 100% from the text.
Some incorrect choices may sound almost right, but miss an important detail. Only pick those you can confirm 100% from the text.
8
Watch for Extreme or Opposite Statements:
Be cautious of options using absolute words like “always” or “never,” or those stating the opposite of the passage. Double-check these carefully.
Be cautious of options using absolute words like “always” or “never,” or those stating the opposite of the passage. Double-check these carefully.
9
Select ALL Supported Answers:
Multiple answers may be correct. Double-check each one against the passage and select all that are 100% supported.
Multiple answers may be correct. Double-check each one against the passage and select all that are 100% supported.
10
Review Before Submitting:
Go over your choices and the passage one more time. Make sure you haven’t missed any supported answers or chosen any that are only partly true.
Go over your choices and the passage one more time. Make sure you haven’t missed any supported answers or chosen any that are only partly true.
11
Base Choices Only on the Passage:
Don’t use your background knowledge or opinions—stick to what the text says about the Internet’s history and development.
Don’t use your background knowledge or opinions—stick to what the text says about the Internet’s history and development.
12
Avoid Guessing Unnecessarily:
Because there is negative marking in PTE Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers, avoid guessing if you’re unsure. It’s better to leave an option unselected than to choose a wrong one.
Because there is negative marking in PTE Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers, avoid guessing if you’re unsure. It’s better to leave an option unselected than to choose a wrong one.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which of the following are mentioned as important phases in the evolution of the Internet?”
Choices:
(A) The creation of the World Wide Web
(B) The invention of smartphones
(C) The growth of social media platforms
(D) The first use of satellites for television
Correct Answers: (A) The creation of the World Wide Web, (C) The growth of social media platforms
Explanation: The passage supports options (A) and (C) as important phases, but does not mention smartphones or satellites for television as key stages in the Internet’s evolution.
“Which of the following are mentioned as important phases in the evolution of the Internet?”
Choices:
(A) The creation of the World Wide Web
(B) The invention of smartphones
(C) The growth of social media platforms
(D) The first use of satellites for television
Correct Answers: (A) The creation of the World Wide Web, (C) The growth of social media platforms
Explanation: The passage supports options (A) and (C) as important phases, but does not mention smartphones or satellites for television as key stages in the Internet’s evolution.
Reading Passage: Evolution of the Internet
Paragraph 1:
The Internet, once a modest network connecting a handful of computers, has become one of the most transformative inventions in human history. Originating in the late 1960s as ARPANET, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, its initial goal was to enable researchers at different locations to communicate and share data. Early connections relied on telephone lines and were slow and limited. Over time, the network grew as academic institutions, governments, and private organizations began to participate. The concept of linking computers in this way sparked ideas that would fundamentally change global communication.
The Internet, once a modest network connecting a handful of computers, has become one of the most transformative inventions in human history. Originating in the late 1960s as ARPANET, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, its initial goal was to enable researchers at different locations to communicate and share data. Early connections relied on telephone lines and were slow and limited. Over time, the network grew as academic institutions, governments, and private organizations began to participate. The concept of linking computers in this way sparked ideas that would fundamentally change global communication.
Paragraph 2:
The 1990s marked a pivotal era in the Internet’s evolution, most notably with the invention of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee. This breakthrough made it possible to organize and access vast amounts of information through websites and hyperlinks, revolutionizing how people learn, work, and interact. Commercialization followed rapidly, leading to the emergence of search engines, e-commerce, and the rise of email as a dominant form of communication. Soon, the Internet was woven into the fabric of daily life, affecting business, education, and social relationships on a global scale.
The 1990s marked a pivotal era in the Internet’s evolution, most notably with the invention of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee. This breakthrough made it possible to organize and access vast amounts of information through websites and hyperlinks, revolutionizing how people learn, work, and interact. Commercialization followed rapidly, leading to the emergence of search engines, e-commerce, and the rise of email as a dominant form of communication. Soon, the Internet was woven into the fabric of daily life, affecting business, education, and social relationships on a global scale.
Paragraph 3:
In the twenty-first century, the Internet continues to evolve through advancements such as broadband, wireless technology, and mobile devices. The explosion of social media platforms, cloud computing, and online collaboration tools has altered the way information is created and shared. Despite its many benefits, the Internet also poses challenges—including concerns over privacy, misinformation, and digital inequality. As societies grapple with these issues, the Internet remains a powerful tool for innovation, connection, and economic growth, shaping the present and the future in profound ways.
In the twenty-first century, the Internet continues to evolve through advancements such as broadband, wireless technology, and mobile devices. The explosion of social media platforms, cloud computing, and online collaboration tools has altered the way information is created and shared. Despite its many benefits, the Internet also poses challenges—including concerns over privacy, misinformation, and digital inequality. As societies grapple with these issues, the Internet remains a powerful tool for innovation, connection, and economic growth, shaping the present and the future in profound ways.
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Questions
Read the passage carefully. Select all correct answers to the question below. When you submit, you will instantly see a detailed step-by-step explanation for every choice!
Answer Key & Step-by-Step Explanation
See exactly how to answer this PTE Academic question type. Review the step-by-step explanation for each option below. Click “Submit Answers” above to reveal this feedback instantly.
Correct Answer: (A)
The Internet began as a government-funded research project in the United States.
Step 1: Carefully read the statement and pick out keywords: “government-funded,” “research project,” “United States.”
Step 2: The first paragraph says the Internet started as “ARPANET, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.”
Step 3: This matches the statement word-for-word: government-funded, research-based, and American.
Step 4: This information is fully and directly supported by the passage. (A) is correct and should be selected.
Step 5: Always look for explicit information. Never guess based on general knowledge; match the passage exactly.
Correct Answer: (B)
The World Wide Web made it possible to easily organize and access information online.
Step 1: Focus on “World Wide Web,” “organize and access information.”
Step 2: The second paragraph states: “the invention of the World Wide Web ... made it possible to organize and access vast amounts of information through websites and hyperlinks.”
Step 3: The wording and idea are almost identical to the answer choice.
Step 4: This statement is fully supported by the text. (B) is correct and should be selected.
Step 5: For “multiple answers” questions, always look for close matches between options and phrases in the passage.
Incorrect: (C)
Social media platforms were the primary reason for the creation of the Internet.
Step 1: Focus on “primary reason” and “creation of the Internet.”
Step 2: The passage says the Internet was originally created as ARPANET for communication and sharing data among researchers.
Step 3: Social media came much later, in the 21st century, and was not mentioned as a reason for the Internet’s creation.
Step 4: The answer is NOT supported and should not be selected.
Step 5: Avoid options that confuse causes and later effects. Always check the timeline in the passage.
Correct Answer: (D)
The Internet has created new challenges, such as privacy concerns and digital inequality.
Step 1: Check for references to “new challenges,” “privacy concerns,” “digital inequality.”
Step 2: The third paragraph states: “the Internet also poses challenges—including concerns over privacy, misinformation, and digital inequality.”
Step 3: This matches the option very closely.
Step 4: This is explicitly supported in the passage; (D) is correct and should be selected.
Step 5: Look for details (like “privacy,” “inequality”) that are directly listed in the text.
Incorrect: (E)
The Internet’s growth was slow and remained limited to academic institutions after the 1990s.
Step 1: Notice the phrase “remained limited … after the 1990s.”
Step 2: The passage says: “Commercialization followed rapidly … the Internet was woven into the fabric of daily life, affecting business, education, and social relationships on a global scale.”
Step 3: This means the Internet spread quickly and broadly, not slowly or only in academic settings.
Step 4: This answer contradicts the passage and should NOT be selected.
Step 5: Be careful with options that contain words like “remained” or “only”—they often signal incorrect extremes.
How to Use the Step-by-Step Strategy:
Step 1: Match keywords and ideas from each option with evidence in the passage—don’t rely on background knowledge.
Step 2: Avoid options with extreme or absolute wording unless it is stated explicitly in the passage.
Step 3: Select all statements that are 100% supported by the passage. In this question, the correct answers are (A), (B), and (D).
Step 4: Review before submitting to ensure all supported answers are chosen, and none are just “almost” correct.
Step 5: Remember: for PTE Academic, your task is to prove every answer using only information in the passage!
10 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Master these advanced words from the passage and questions! Each card includes phonetics, grammar, word patterns, clear definition, example, synonyms, and typical mistakes.
(Hover over each card for a beautiful blue glow!)
(Hover over each card for a beautiful blue glow!)
transformative
/trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ (BrE), /trænsˈfɔrmətɪv/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
transformative + noun (e.g., force, change)
Definition:
Causing a major or significant change in someone or something.
Example:
The Internet is described as a transformative invention in human history.
(= It changed the world in a big way.)
(= It changed the world in a big way.)
Synonym: revolutionary
Common Mistake: Using "transformative" for minor or everyday changes.
originate
/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/ (BrE), /əˈrɪdʒəˌneɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb (intransitive/transitive)
Word Pattern:
originate in/from/with sth
Definition:
To begin, start, or come into existence from a specific place, time, or source.
Example:
The Internet originated in the late 1960s as ARPANET.
(= It started as ARPANET.)
(= It started as ARPANET.)
Synonym: begin, arise
Common Mistake: Confusing "originate" with "original" (adjective) or "origin" (noun).
fundamentally
/ˌfʌndəˈmentəli/ (BrE), /ˌfʌndəˈmentəli/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adverb
Word Pattern:
fundamentally + different/change/alter
Definition:
In a way that is basic and important; at the most essential level.
Example:
Linking computers in this way sparked ideas that would fundamentally change global communication.
(= Change it at the most basic level.)
(= Change it at the most basic level.)
Synonym: essentially, basically
Common Mistake: Using "fundamentally" as a noun or verb.
pivotal
/ˈpɪvətl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
pivotal moment/era/role
Definition:
Extremely important and affecting how something develops.
Example:
The 1990s marked a pivotal era in the Internet’s evolution.
(= A very important era.)
(= A very important era.)
Synonym: crucial, key
Common Mistake: Using "pivotal" for any event, even if it is not critical.
commercialization
/kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (BrE), /kəˌmɜrʃələˈzeɪʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
commercialization of sth
Definition:
The process of managing or running something mainly to make a profit.
Example:
Commercialization led to the rise of e-commerce and search engines.
(= Turning the Internet into a business environment.)
(= Turning the Internet into a business environment.)
Synonym: monetization
Common Mistake: Using "commercial" (adjective) instead of "commercialization" (noun).
fabric
/ˈfæbrɪk/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable/uncountable)
Word Pattern:
fabric of society/daily life
Definition:
The basic structure or essential parts of something (often used metaphorically).
Example:
The Internet was woven into the fabric of daily life.
(= It became an essential part of life.)
(= It became an essential part of life.)
Synonym: structure, framework
Common Mistake: Thinking "fabric" only means material for clothes.
collaboration
/kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable/uncountable)
Word Pattern:
collaboration with/between/on
Definition:
The act of working together with someone to achieve a common goal.
Example:
Online collaboration tools have altered how information is shared.
(= Tools for working together online.)
(= Tools for working together online.)
Synonym: cooperation, teamwork
Common Mistake: Confusing "collaboration" with "competition."
inequality
/ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/ (BrE), /ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable, countable)
Word Pattern:
inequality in/of/between
Definition:
A situation where some people have more opportunities, resources, or rights than others.
Example:
The Internet poses challenges such as digital inequality.
(= Not everyone has equal access.)
(= Not everyone has equal access.)
Synonym: disparity, imbalance
Common Mistake: Using "inequality" to mean just "difference" (it means unfair difference).
profound
/prəˈfaʊnd/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
profound impact/effect/change
Definition:
Very great or intense; having a strong influence or effect.
Example:
The Internet has shaped the present and the future in profound ways.
(= Very deeply or strongly.)
(= Very deeply or strongly.)
Synonym: deep, significant
Common Mistake: Using "profound" for minor or simple things.
grapple
/ˈɡræpəl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb (intransitive)
Word Pattern:
grapple with sth
Definition:
To struggle to understand or deal with a difficult problem.
Example:
Societies grapple with challenges posed by the Internet.
(= They try hard to solve these problems.)
(= They try hard to solve these problems.)
Synonym: wrestle, struggle
Common Mistake: Using "grapple" without "with" or as a noun.
10 Hardest Phrases & Expressions from the Passage & Questions
Unlock challenging phrases and expressions from the passage and questions! 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!)
transformative invention
/trænsˈfɔːmətɪv ɪnˈvɛnʃən/ (BrE) /trænsˈfɔrmətɪv ɪnˈvɛnʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective + noun phrase
Word Pattern:
transformative + invention/discovery/idea
Definition:
An innovation that causes dramatic, wide-reaching change in society.
Example:
The Internet is one of the most transformative inventions in history.
(= It changed the world fundamentally.)
(= It changed the world fundamentally.)
Synonym: revolutionary creation
Common Mistake: Using "transformative" for something only slightly new.
woven into the fabric
/ˈwəʊvən ˈɪntuː ðə ˈfæbrɪk/ (BrE) /ˈwoʊvən ˈɪntu ðə ˈfæbrɪk/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase (past participle)
Word Pattern:
woven into the fabric of + noun
Definition:
Deeply integrated as an essential part of something.
Example:
The Internet was woven into the fabric of daily life.
(= Became part of everyone’s routine.)
(= Became part of everyone’s routine.)
Synonym: embedded, integrated
Common Mistake: Thinking "fabric" refers only to clothes, not structure.
pivotal era
/ˈpɪvətl ˈɪərə/ (BrE) /ˈpɪvətl ˈɪrə/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective + noun phrase
Word Pattern:
pivotal + era/moment/time
Definition:
A period of time that is very important and leads to major changes.
Example:
The 1990s marked a pivotal era in the Internet’s evolution.
(= A time when big changes happened.)
(= A time when big changes happened.)
Synonym: crucial period, turning point
Common Mistake: Using "pivotal" for regular or unimportant periods.
digital inequality
/ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/ (BrE) /ˈdɪdʒətl ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective + noun phrase
Word Pattern:
digital inequality in/of/between
Definition:
Unfair differences in access to technology and the Internet.
Example:
Digital inequality remains a challenge in many countries.
(= Not everyone can access the Internet.)
(= Not everyone can access the Internet.)
Synonym: technology gap, digital divide
Common Mistake: Using "digital inequality" for any small technology difference (it’s about access or opportunity, not small preferences).
profound ways
/prəˈfaʊnd weɪz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective + plural noun
Word Pattern:
in profound ways
Definition:
In very deep, significant, or far-reaching manners.
Example:
The Internet has shaped the present and future in profound ways.
(= Very deeply and significantly.)
(= Very deeply and significantly.)
Synonym: deeply, significantly
Common Mistake: Using "profound" for things that are simple or not important.
commercialization followed rapidly
/kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ˈræpɪdli/ (BrE) /kəˌmɜrʃələˈzeɪʃən ˈræpɪdli/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun + adverb phrase
Word Pattern:
commercialization (of sth) + followed rapidly
Definition:
Business activity or making profits started soon after an event or invention.
Example:
After the Web’s invention, commercialization followed rapidly.
(= Businesses quickly became involved.)
(= Businesses quickly became involved.)
Synonym: business growth happened quickly
Common Mistake: Using "commercialization" to mean only advertising.
sparked ideas
/spɑːkt aɪˈdiːəz/ (BrE) /spɑrkt aɪˈdiəz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb + noun phrase
Word Pattern:
spark/sparked ideas (about/that...)
Definition:
Caused people to start thinking about new possibilities.
Example:
The first network sparked ideas that changed communication.
(= Led people to think of new ways.)
(= Led people to think of new ways.)
Synonym: inspired thoughts, triggered creativity
Common Mistake: Using "spark" for physical fire instead of metaphorical inspiration.
global scale
/ˈɡləʊbəl skeɪl/ (BrE) /ˈɡloʊbəl skeɪl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective + noun phrase
Word Pattern:
on a global scale
Definition:
Happening or affecting people all around the world.
Example:
Social relationships changed on a global scale.
(= Everywhere in the world.)
(= Everywhere in the world.)
Synonym: worldwide
Common Mistake: Using "global scale" for local or national events.
pose challenges
/pəʊz ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/ (BrE) /poʊz ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb + noun phrase
Word Pattern:
pose challenges/problems/threats
Definition:
To create or present difficult situations or problems.
Example:
The Internet poses challenges such as misinformation.
(= It creates difficulties or risks.)
(= It creates difficulties or risks.)
Synonym: create difficulties
Common Mistake: Using "pose" for physical posture only, not for problems.
grapple with these issues
/ˈɡræpəl wɪð ðiːz ˈɪʃuːz/ (BrE) /ˈɡræpəl wɪð ðiz ˈɪʃuz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
grapple with + plural noun (issues/challenges/problems)
Definition:
To try hard to deal with or solve difficult problems.
Example:
Societies must grapple with these issues.
(= They have to face and try to solve them.)
(= They have to face and try to solve them.)
Synonym: wrestle with, struggle with
Common Mistake: Writing "grapple to" or "grapple about" instead of "grapple with."
Interactive Exercise 1: Vocabulary & Phrase Practice
Test your understanding! Choose the best answer for each question. After every choice, you'll see a deep explanation to help you learn.
(Covers the hardest words and phrases from the passage and questions.)
(Covers the hardest words and phrases from the passage and questions.)
Interactive Exercise 2: Advanced Vocabulary & Phrase Review
Ready for another challenge? Answer each question and see a detailed explanation right away.
(Mixes difficult words and phrases from the entire passage and questions.)
(Mixes difficult words and phrases from the entire passage and questions.)
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