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2. PTE Academic Reading Practice: The Greenhouse Effect – Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers [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-4.jpg)
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Questions (PTE Academic Reading Tutorial – The Impacts of Genetically Modified Foods)
What are Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Questions?
In this PTE Academic Reading question type, you are presented with a passage and must select all correct answers from a list of options. There may be more than one correct answer—sometimes more than you expect! This question type tests your ability to read critically, notice detail, and distinguish between fully supported statements and distractors. Careful strategy is essential.
In this PTE Academic Reading question type, you are presented with a passage and must select all correct answers from a list of options. There may be more than one correct answer—sometimes more than you expect! This question type tests your ability to read critically, notice detail, and distinguish between fully supported statements and distractors. Careful strategy is essential.
How to Answer Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Instructions Carefully:
Always start by checking what the question is asking. Is it about facts, implications, opinions, or something else? Read the directions to know if you must select more than one answer.
Example: “Which of the following statements about genetically modified foods are supported by the passage?”
Always start by checking what the question is asking. Is it about facts, implications, opinions, or something else? Read the directions to know if you must select more than one answer.
Example: “Which of the following statements about genetically modified foods are supported by the passage?”
2
Preview the Answer Choices:
Glance through all options before reading the passage closely. This will help you anticipate what information or themes to look for.
Glance through all options before reading the passage closely. This will help you anticipate what information or themes to look for.
3
Skim the Passage for Main Ideas:
Quickly read the passage to grasp its overall structure, argument, and viewpoint. Don’t get lost in details yet—focus on the general topic and how the passage is organized.
Quickly read the passage to grasp its overall structure, argument, and viewpoint. Don’t get lost in details yet—focus on the general topic and how the passage is organized.
4
Scan for Supporting Evidence:
Go back and scan for specific information related to each option. Underline or mentally note where evidence for or against each statement appears.
Go back and scan for specific information related to each option. Underline or mentally note where evidence for or against each statement appears.
5
Check Each Option Against the Passage:
For every answer choice, ask: Is this fully supported by the passage? Can you find clear evidence, or is the answer only partially true, or not mentioned at all? Avoid answers based on outside knowledge.
For every answer choice, ask: Is this fully supported by the passage? Can you find clear evidence, or is the answer only partially true, or not mentioned at all? Avoid answers based on outside knowledge.
6
Eliminate Wrong and Partially True Options:
Rule out statements that contradict the passage, are too broad/narrow, or add outside assumptions. Distractors often include information that sounds correct but isn’t fully supported.
Rule out statements that contradict the passage, are too broad/narrow, or add outside assumptions. Distractors often include information that sounds correct but isn’t fully supported.
7
Watch for Extreme or Absolute Language:
Be cautious with options using words like “always,” “never,” or “all scientists agree.” These are rarely correct unless directly stated in the passage.
Be cautious with options using words like “always,” “never,” or “all scientists agree.” These are rarely correct unless directly stated in the passage.
8
Select ALL Answers that Are Fully Supported:
You may need to choose two, three, or even more options. If the passage provides complete evidence for a choice, select it.
You may need to choose two, three, or even more options. If the passage provides complete evidence for a choice, select it.
9
Double-Check Your Selections:
Before submitting, review both the passage and your choices. Make sure you haven’t missed an answer or selected one that is only partly supported.
Before submitting, review both the passage and your choices. Make sure you haven’t missed an answer or selected one that is only partly supported.
10
Use ONLY the Passage:
Your answers must be based on the text provided—not your own background knowledge or personal opinions about genetically modified foods.
Your answers must be based on the text provided—not your own background knowledge or personal opinions about genetically modified foods.
11
Beware of Negative Marking:
There is negative marking in this PTE question type. If you’re not certain, it’s safer to leave an option unselected than to guess.
There is negative marking in this PTE question type. If you’re not certain, it’s safer to leave an option unselected than to guess.
12
Practice for Speed and Accuracy:
Efficient strategy and attention to detail will help you maximize your score. The more you practice, the more easily you’ll recognize supported and unsupported statements.
Efficient strategy and attention to detail will help you maximize your score. The more you practice, the more easily you’ll recognize supported and unsupported statements.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which of the following are described as possible impacts of genetically modified crops in the passage?”
Choices:
(A) Reduced pesticide use
(B) Guaranteed increase in all food prices
(C) Concerns about biodiversity
(D) Higher profits for every farmer
Correct Answers: (A) Reduced pesticide use, (C) Concerns about biodiversity
Explanation: The passage supports (A) and (C) as true impacts, but does not state that all food prices will rise or that every farmer will profit. These are not fully supported.
“Which of the following are described as possible impacts of genetically modified crops in the passage?”
Choices:
(A) Reduced pesticide use
(B) Guaranteed increase in all food prices
(C) Concerns about biodiversity
(D) Higher profits for every farmer
Correct Answers: (A) Reduced pesticide use, (C) Concerns about biodiversity
Explanation: The passage supports (A) and (C) as true impacts, but does not state that all food prices will rise or that every farmer will profit. These are not fully supported.
Reading Passage: The Impacts of Genetically Modified Foods
Paragraph 1:
Genetically modified (GM) foods have become increasingly common in global food systems over the last three decades. By altering the DNA of crops, scientists can create plants with desirable traits, such as resistance to pests or tolerance to harsh climates. Supporters of GM technology argue that these innovations can help boost agricultural productivity and improve food security, especially in regions threatened by drought or poor soil quality. In addition, certain modifications have been shown to reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which can benefit both farmers and the environment.
Genetically modified (GM) foods have become increasingly common in global food systems over the last three decades. By altering the DNA of crops, scientists can create plants with desirable traits, such as resistance to pests or tolerance to harsh climates. Supporters of GM technology argue that these innovations can help boost agricultural productivity and improve food security, especially in regions threatened by drought or poor soil quality. In addition, certain modifications have been shown to reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which can benefit both farmers and the environment.
Paragraph 2:
Despite these advantages, the widespread adoption of genetically modified foods remains highly controversial. Critics express concerns about the long-term effects of consuming GM products, arguing that not enough research has been conducted on their safety for human health. Environmental groups warn that the introduction of genetically engineered crops may threaten biodiversity, as modified plants can potentially spread their genes to wild relatives and disrupt natural ecosystems. Moreover, some worry that reliance on patented GM seeds could increase corporate control over agriculture and make small-scale farmers more vulnerable to economic pressures.
Despite these advantages, the widespread adoption of genetically modified foods remains highly controversial. Critics express concerns about the long-term effects of consuming GM products, arguing that not enough research has been conducted on their safety for human health. Environmental groups warn that the introduction of genetically engineered crops may threaten biodiversity, as modified plants can potentially spread their genes to wild relatives and disrupt natural ecosystems. Moreover, some worry that reliance on patented GM seeds could increase corporate control over agriculture and make small-scale farmers more vulnerable to economic pressures.
Paragraph 3:
Governments and regulatory agencies worldwide have responded to these issues in varying ways. While some countries have embraced genetically modified foods and view them as an essential tool for meeting future food demands, others have imposed strict regulations or outright bans on their cultivation and sale. The debate continues as new studies emerge, but it is clear that the impacts of genetically modified foods are complex, multifaceted, and require careful, ongoing evaluation to balance innovation with environmental and social responsibility.
Governments and regulatory agencies worldwide have responded to these issues in varying ways. While some countries have embraced genetically modified foods and view them as an essential tool for meeting future food demands, others have imposed strict regulations or outright bans on their cultivation and sale. The debate continues as new studies emerge, but it is clear that the impacts of genetically modified foods are complex, multifaceted, and require careful, ongoing evaluation to balance innovation with environmental and social responsibility.
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)
Some genetically modified crops require fewer chemical pesticides.
Step 1: The statement claims that certain GM crops need fewer pesticides.
Step 2: Paragraph 1 of the passage states: "certain modifications have been shown to reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which can benefit both farmers and the environment."
Step 3: This is direct textual support, making (A) fully correct and supported.
Step 4: Notice that the passage says “certain modifications,” so this does not apply to all GM crops—just some.
Step 5: When you see language like “some,” it often matches the nuance in the passage.
Step 6: This option is not an overgeneralization and is not contradicted elsewhere in the passage.
Step 7: This answer is supported and should be selected.
Incorrect: (B)
All countries have banned genetically modified food cultivation.
Step 1: This option states that every country has imposed a ban on GM food cultivation.
Step 2: Paragraph 3 says: "some countries have embraced genetically modified foods... others have imposed strict regulations or outright bans."
Step 3: The passage clearly mentions that some countries accept GM foods and others restrict or ban them.
Step 4: "All countries" is an extreme and inaccurate statement.
Step 5: This answer is not supported and should NOT be selected.
Correct Answer: (C)
Genetically modified foods can help address food insecurity in certain regions.
Step 1: This statement discusses the benefit of GM foods in addressing food insecurity.
Step 2: Paragraph 1 says: "these innovations can help boost agricultural productivity and improve food security, especially in regions threatened by drought or poor soil quality."
Step 3: The reference to “regions threatened by drought or poor soil” directly matches the answer option.
Step 4: The passage clearly supports this, so it is a correct answer.
Step 5: This option does not overgeneralize and matches the passage’s cautious language (“can help,” “especially in…”).
Correct Answer: (D)
There are concerns that genetically modified crops could affect biodiversity.
Step 1: This answer is about the environmental risks of GM crops for biodiversity.
Step 2: Paragraph 2 states: “Environmental groups warn that the introduction of genetically engineered crops may threaten biodiversity, as modified plants can potentially spread their genes to wild relatives and disrupt natural ecosystems.”
Step 3: This is an explicit concern, not speculation, so this answer is correct.
Step 4: The word “concerns” in the answer matches the cautionary language of the passage.
Step 5: This answer is fully supported and should be selected.
Incorrect: (E)
There is unanimous scientific agreement on the safety of consuming genetically modified foods.
Step 1: This answer states that all scientists agree GM foods are safe.
Step 2: The passage says: “Critics express concerns about the long-term effects of consuming GM products, arguing that not enough research has been conducted on their safety for human health.”
Step 3: This means there is debate, not consensus, so “unanimous agreement” is not correct.
Step 4: Extreme statements like “unanimous agreement” are rarely correct unless the passage says so directly.
Step 5: This answer should NOT be selected.
How to Use the Step-by-Step Strategy:
Step 1: For each answer, carefully match the wording and nuance to the passage. Avoid extremes and generalizations unless directly supported.
Step 2: Check if the statement is supported, contradicted, or not mentioned.
Step 3: In this question, the correct answers are (A), (C), and (D).
Step 4: Remember: negative marking applies, so do not guess—choose only what you can prove!
Step 5: Use only the evidence from the passage, not your outside knowledge or opinions about GM foods.
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!)
controversial
/ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃəl/ (BrE) /ˌkɑːntrəˈvɝːʃəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
controversial issue/subject/decision
Definition:
Causing a lot of disagreement, discussion, or argument.
Example:
The use of genetically modified foods remains highly controversial.
Synonym: disputed, debated
Common Mistake: Saying “controversial” for something just unpopular or unusual—it specifically means something that sparks active debate.
biodiversity
/ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ (BrE) /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɝːsəti/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
biodiversity loss / protect biodiversity
Definition:
The variety of different types of plants and animals in a particular region or in the world.
Example:
Modified crops may threaten biodiversity in natural ecosystems.
Synonym: biological variety
Common Mistake: Treating biodiversity as a countable noun (“a biodiversity”).
vulnerable
/ˈvʌlnərəbl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
vulnerable to sth / vulnerable group/person
Definition:
Easily harmed or affected by something; at risk.
Example:
Small-scale farmers are vulnerable to economic pressures.
Synonym: exposed, at risk
Common Mistake: Using “vulnerable” for physical weakness only; it can also refer to social or economic risk.
cultivation
/ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
cultivation of sth / under cultivation
Definition:
The act of growing crops or preparing land for this purpose.
Example:
Some countries have banned the cultivation of genetically modified crops.
Synonym: farming, growing
Common Mistake: Confusing “cultivation” with “culture” (social customs).
patented
/ˈpeɪt(ə)ntɪd/ (BrE) /ˈpætəntɪd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective, (past participle of “patent” as a verb)
Word Pattern:
patented product/seed/technology
Definition:
Legally protected by a patent; only the patent holder can use or sell it.
Example:
Farmers may rely on patented GM seeds from corporations.
Synonym: licensed, exclusive (context)
Common Mistake: Pronouncing the ‘t’ as silent or using as a verb incorrectly.
regulatory
/ˈreɡjʊlətəri/ (BrE) /ˈreɡjələˌtɔːri/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
regulatory agency/authority/framework
Definition:
Relating to rules or laws that control an activity, usually set by governments or authorities.
Example:
Regulatory agencies have responded in various ways to GM foods.
Synonym: supervisory, administrative
Common Mistake: Mixing up with “regular” or “regulation” (noun).
ecosystem
/ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ (BrE) /ˈikoʊˌsɪstəm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
marine/forest/freshwater ecosystem / disrupt an ecosystem
Definition:
A community of living organisms and their environment interacting as a system.
Example:
Modified plants can disrupt natural ecosystems.
Synonym: biological system, environment
Common Mistake: Using “ecosystem” as uncountable; it is countable in English.
multifaceted
/ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
multifaceted problem/issue/impact
Definition:
Having many different parts or sides; complex.
Example:
The impacts of GM foods are complex and multifaceted.
Synonym: complex, many-sided
Common Mistake: Writing “multi-faces” or confusing with “multiple.”
innovation
/ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable, uncountable)
Word Pattern:
technological/medical innovation / foster innovation
Definition:
A new idea, method, or invention; the introduction of something new.
Example:
Balancing innovation with social responsibility is essential.
Synonym: advancement, novelty
Common Mistake: Using “innovation” for any change, even if it’s not new or original.
productivity
/ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ (BrE) /ˌproʊdʌkˈtɪvəti/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
increase/improve productivity / high productivity
Definition:
The rate at which work is done or goods are produced.
Example:
GM technology can help boost agricultural productivity.
Synonym: efficiency, output
Common Mistake: Using “productivity” as an adjective (it is 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!)
genetically modified (GM) foods
/dʒəˈnetɪkli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd fuːdz/ (BrE) /dʒəˈnetɪkli ˈmɑːdɪfaɪd fuːdz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective phrase + noun
Word Pattern:
genetically modified + noun
Definition:
Foods made from plants or animals whose DNA has been scientifically changed.
Example:
Genetically modified foods are now common in many countries.
Synonym: engineered foods
Common Mistake: Saying “genetic modified” (missing “-ally” ending).
food security
/fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ (BrE) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊrəti/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
improve food security / ensure food security
Definition:
A situation where people have reliable access to enough safe, nutritious food.
Example:
GM crops can help improve food security in poor regions.
Synonym: reliable food supply
Common Mistake: Using as countable (“a food security”).
reduce the need for
/rɪˈdjuːs ðə niːd fə/ (BrE) /rɪˈdus ðə nid fər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
reduce the need for + noun/gerund
Definition:
To make something less necessary or important.
Example:
Some GM crops reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Synonym: decrease demand for
Common Mistake: Forgetting to use “for” after “need.”
resistance to pests
/rɪˈzɪstəns tə pɛsts/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
resistance to + noun
Definition:
The ability to prevent harm from insects or other organisms that damage crops.
Example:
GM plants may have greater resistance to pests.
Synonym: pest tolerance
Common Mistake: Using “against” instead of “to” (“resistance to”).
threaten biodiversity
/ˈθrɛtn ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ (BrE) /ˈθrɛtn ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɝːsəti/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
threaten + noun
Definition:
To put the variety of living species at risk of harm or loss.
Example:
Environmental groups fear GM crops threaten biodiversity.
Synonym: endanger biological variety
Common Mistake: Saying “threaten for biodiversity” (incorrect preposition).
economic pressures
/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈprɛʃəz/ (BrE) /ˌekəˈnɑːmɪk ˈpreʃərz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase (plural)
Word Pattern:
under economic pressure(s)
Definition:
Financial difficulties or factors that make it hard to succeed or survive.
Example:
Small-scale farmers face economic pressures in global markets.
Synonym: financial stress
Common Mistake: Using “pressures” only for physical force, not for money problems.
long-term effects
/ˈlɒŋ tɜːm ɪˈfɛkts/ (BrE) /ˈlɔːŋ tɜːrm ɪˈfɛkts/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase (plural)
Word Pattern:
long-term/short-term effects of + noun
Definition:
Results or impacts that appear or continue over a long period of time.
Example:
There are concerns about the long-term effects of eating GM foods.
Synonym: lasting impacts
Common Mistake: Using “effect” instead of “effects” for multiple outcomes.
widespread adoption
/ˈwaɪdsprɛd əˈdɒpʃən/ (BrE) /ˈwaɪdspred əˈdɑːpʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective + noun phrase
Word Pattern:
widespread adoption of + noun
Definition:
The fact that something is used or accepted by many people or in many places.
Example:
The widespread adoption of GM foods is controversial.
Synonym: broad use
Common Mistake: Spelling as two words “wide spread” (incorrect).
patented GM seeds
/ˈpeɪtəntɪd dʒiː em siːdz/ (BrE) /ˈpætəntɪd dʒiː em siːdz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective phrase + noun
Word Pattern:
patented + noun
Definition:
Genetically modified seeds that are legally protected by a patent.
Example:
Many farmers depend on patented GM seeds owned by corporations.
Synonym: licensed seeds
Common Mistake: Treating “patented” as a noun or forgetting it refers to legal protection.
balance innovation with responsibility
/ˈbæləns ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən wɪð rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪti/ (BrE) /ˈbæl.əns ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən wɪð rɪˌspɑn.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
balance + noun + with + noun
Definition:
To find the right mix between creating new things and making sure actions are ethical or safe.
Example:
We must balance innovation with responsibility in GM food development.
Synonym: combine progress and caution
Common Mistake: Writing “balance between innovation with responsibility.”
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: 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.
(All 10 hardest items – now in new sentences and real-world examples!)
(All 10 hardest items – now in new sentences and real-world examples!)
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