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3. PTE Academic Reading Practice: The Future of Artificial Intelligence – Multiple Choice, Single Answer [Ultra-Interactive Tutorial]
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August 4, 2025
![Boost your PTE Academic Reading score with this comprehensive tutorial on Multiple Choice, Single Answer questions! Practice with an authentic passage about the Human Genome Project, step-by-step strategies, detailed answer explanations, vocabulary and phrase analysis, and two interactive exercises. Perfect for real PTE exam preparation—improve your comprehension, expand your academic vocabulary, and build confidence with LingExam’s expert-designed practice module. - PTE Academic Reading Practice: The Human Genome Project – Multiple Choice, Single Answer [Complete Tutorial + Interactive Exercises] - LingExam Language Academy - Lingexam.com](https://lingexam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Article-Thumbnail-15.jpg)
Multiple Choice, Single Answer Questions (PTE Academic Reading Tutorial – The Future of Artificial Intelligence)
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 Thoroughly:
Begin by carefully reading the question prompt. Identify whether it asks about a main idea, specific fact, inference, or author’s opinion. PTE Academic often tests your ability to spot what the question really wants. For example, a question may focus on the "main implication" or "key benefit" in a passage about technology. Never rush—missing a keyword could lead you to the wrong answer.
Example: "According to the passage, what is the primary challenge facing the future of artificial intelligence?"
Begin by carefully reading the question prompt. Identify whether it asks about a main idea, specific fact, inference, or author’s opinion. PTE Academic often tests your ability to spot what the question really wants. For example, a question may focus on the "main implication" or "key benefit" in a passage about technology. Never rush—missing a keyword could lead you to the wrong answer.
Example: "According to the passage, what is the primary challenge facing the future of artificial intelligence?"
2
Preview the Answer Options:
Skim all the answer choices before you read the passage in detail. This allows you to know what kinds of information you’ll need to find. Sometimes, options contain paraphrased ideas, numbers, or specific terms. Underline any keywords or phrases that repeat or stand out. This makes it easier to eliminate options later.
Skim all the answer choices before you read the passage in detail. This allows you to know what kinds of information you’ll need to find. Sometimes, options contain paraphrased ideas, numbers, or specific terms. Underline any keywords or phrases that repeat or stand out. This makes it easier to eliminate options later.
3
Read the Passage Strategically:
Don’t read word for word—instead, scan for main ideas, topic sentences, and details related to the question. Highlight or note key information that matches the options. Focus especially on sentences with signal words such as "however," "for example," or "in contrast." These often contain crucial facts.
Don’t read word for word—instead, scan for main ideas, topic sentences, and details related to the question. Highlight or note key information that matches the options. Focus especially on sentences with signal words such as "however," "for example," or "in contrast." These often contain crucial facts.
4
Identify Distractors and Extreme Words:
Wrong choices may use extreme language ("always," "never," "the only"), or they may look correct but include small errors or out-of-context details. Watch for words that exaggerate the passage’s meaning, as they are rarely correct unless the passage itself is equally absolute.
Wrong choices may use extreme language ("always," "never," "the only"), or they may look correct but include small errors or out-of-context details. Watch for words that exaggerate the passage’s meaning, as they are rarely correct unless the passage itself is equally absolute.
5
Process of Elimination:
Start by removing answers that directly contradict the passage or add information not mentioned. Even if two options seem possible, eliminate those you can prove are incorrect. This increases your chance of choosing the correct answer from the remaining choices.
Start by removing answers that directly contradict the passage or add information not mentioned. Even if two options seem possible, eliminate those you can prove are incorrect. This increases your chance of choosing the correct answer from the remaining choices.
6
Look for Direct Text Evidence:
The correct answer is always supported by the passage. Find the exact sentence or phrase that matches your choice. Underline or note this part. If you can’t find evidence, reconsider your answer.
The correct answer is always supported by the passage. Find the exact sentence or phrase that matches your choice. Underline or note this part. If you can’t find evidence, reconsider your answer.
7
Watch for Paraphrasing:
Sometimes the passage and the answer choices use different words for the same idea. Practice identifying synonyms, paraphrased facts, or similar phrases. For example, "rapid progress" may be paraphrased as "accelerated development."
Sometimes the passage and the answer choices use different words for the same idea. Practice identifying synonyms, paraphrased facts, or similar phrases. For example, "rapid progress" may be paraphrased as "accelerated development."
8
Double-Check the Question’s Focus:
After choosing an answer, re-read the question and your selected option. Make sure your answer fully matches what the question asks, not just what you personally know about the topic.
After choosing an answer, re-read the question and your selected option. Make sure your answer fully matches what the question asks, not just what you personally know about the topic.
9
Don’t Overthink—Go with Clear Evidence:
Once you find a choice that is clearly supported by the passage, trust it. Don’t second-guess yourself based on outside knowledge. In PTE Academic, the best answer is always found in the text.
Once you find a choice that is clearly supported by the passage, trust it. Don’t second-guess yourself based on outside knowledge. In PTE Academic, the best answer is always found in the text.
10
Answer Confidently and Move On:
Select your answer and continue. Spending too much time on one question can hurt your performance on the rest of the test. Practise these steps regularly to build speed and accuracy!
Select your answer and continue. Spending too much time on one question can hurt your performance on the rest of the test. Practise these steps regularly to build speed and accuracy!
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“What is one potential benefit of artificial intelligence discussed in the passage?”
Choices:
(A) It will replace all human jobs
(B) It can improve healthcare diagnosis
(C) It reduces access to information
(D) It makes education more expensive
Correct Answer: (B) It can improve healthcare diagnosis
Explanation: The passage mentions AI’s potential to transform fields such as healthcare, particularly through improved accuracy and speed in diagnosis. The other options are either not mentioned or are incorrect.
“What is one potential benefit of artificial intelligence discussed in the passage?”
Choices:
(A) It will replace all human jobs
(B) It can improve healthcare diagnosis
(C) It reduces access to information
(D) It makes education more expensive
Correct Answer: (B) It can improve healthcare diagnosis
Explanation: The passage mentions AI’s potential to transform fields such as healthcare, particularly through improved accuracy and speed in diagnosis. The other options are either not mentioned or are incorrect.
Reading Passage: The Future of Artificial Intelligence
Paragraph 1:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping the way people live and work. Experts believe that in the coming years, AI systems will become more advanced and play a central role in areas such as healthcare, transportation, and education. However, as machines become more capable, important questions arise about ethics, decision-making, and job security. While AI promises greater efficiency and innovation, some worry about its potential impact on employment and privacy. To ensure a positive future, it is vital for governments, companies, and society to develop clear rules and work together to address both the opportunities and the risks of artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping the way people live and work. Experts believe that in the coming years, AI systems will become more advanced and play a central role in areas such as healthcare, transportation, and education. However, as machines become more capable, important questions arise about ethics, decision-making, and job security. While AI promises greater efficiency and innovation, some worry about its potential impact on employment and privacy. To ensure a positive future, it is vital for governments, companies, and society to develop clear rules and work together to address both the opportunities and the risks of artificial intelligence.
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 considered essential for ensuring a positive future with artificial intelligence?
Step 1: First, read the question carefully. The phrase “considered essential” and “ensuring a positive future” guide you to look for the main recommendation or solution in the passage, not a problem or detail.
Step 2: Skim the answer options before searching for keywords in the passage. Notice that the options include actions by governments, unrestricted AI growth, less innovation, or stopping research.
Step 3: Scan the passage for key words like “ensure,” “vital,” “future,” “governments,” “companies,” or “rules.” This helps focus your reading on the main solution suggested by the author.
Step 4: In the last two sentences, the passage says, “To ensure a positive future, it is vital for governments, companies, and society to develop clear rules and work together…”
Step 5: Compare this information to each answer choice. (B) specifically mentions “governments, companies, and society working together to create clear rules”—this matches perfectly.
Step 6: Eliminate options with no support in the text. (A) says “Allowing AI to develop without restrictions,” but the passage calls for rules and cooperation, not freedom without limits.
Step 7: (C) claims “Reducing innovation,” but the passage presents innovation as positive, not something to reduce.
Step 8: (D) says “Eliminating all risks by stopping AI research,” which the passage does not suggest. It promotes managing risks, not ending progress.
Step 9: Double-check that the answer is supported word-for-word by the passage. “Vital” means essential, and “work together…to address both the opportunities and the risks” is central to the main idea.
Step 10: Remember, the correct answer should never add extra ideas or go beyond the passage. (B) is the only answer that repeats the author’s solution.
Step 11: If you are unsure, look for paraphrasing. “Develop clear rules and work together” = “create clear rules and cooperate,” a direct match for option (B).
Step 12: For PTE Academic questions, always prioritize text evidence over your own knowledge or assumptions about the topic.
Step 13: Use process of elimination for maximum confidence. All other choices are either not mentioned or directly contradict the author’s recommendation.
Step 14: The final answer is (B) because it alone reflects the main advice and solution offered in the passage, using the author’s exact logic and language.
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!)
artificial intelligence
/ˌɑː.tɪˈfɪʃ.əl ɪnˈtel.ɪ.dʒəns/ (BrE) /ˌɑːr.t̬əˈfɪʃ.əl ɪnˈtel.ə.dʒəns/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
artificial intelligence (AI)
Definition:
The ability of computers or machines to perform tasks usually requiring human intelligence, such as learning or problem solving.
Example:
Artificial intelligence is transforming many industries.
Synonym: machine intelligence
Common Mistake: Writing "artificial intelligent" (incorrect form).
advanced
/ədˈvɑːnst/ (BrE) /ədˈvænst/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb (advance)
Word Pattern:
advanced + noun (e.g., advanced system)
Definition:
Highly developed or complex; ahead in progress or technology.
Example:
Advanced AI systems can analyze large amounts of data quickly.
Synonym: sophisticated
Common Mistake: Confusing "advanced" (high-level) with "advancing" (in progress).
efficiency
/ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ (BrE) /ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
efficiency in/at + noun/verb
Definition:
The ability to do tasks well and without wasting time, effort, or resources.
Example:
AI promises greater efficiency in the workplace.
Synonym: productivity
Common Mistake: Using "efficient" (adjective) instead of "efficiency" (noun).
innovation
/ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable/uncountable)
Word Pattern:
innovation in + noun / technological innovation
Definition:
A new idea, device, or method; the act of introducing something new.
Example:
Innovation in AI is driving rapid change across sectors.
Synonym: invention, novelty
Common Mistake: Saying "an innovation" for every small change, instead of something truly new or creative.
ethics
/ˈeθ.ɪks/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural, but used as singular)
Word Pattern:
ethics of/in + noun/verb
Definition:
Moral principles that govern behavior or guide how decisions should be made.
Example:
The ethics of using AI in decision-making are debated.
Synonym: moral code
Common Mistake: Using "ethic" as a countable noun.
capable
/ˈkeɪ.pə.bəl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
capable of + verb-ing
Definition:
Having the ability, skill, or power to do something.
Example:
Modern machines are capable of learning from data.
Synonym: able, competent
Common Mistake: Saying "capable to do" instead of "capable of doing."
privacy
/ˈprɪv.ə.si/ (BrE) /ˈpraɪ.və.si/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
privacy of/in + noun / personal privacy
Definition:
The right to keep one’s personal information or life secret and not observed by others.
Example:
People are concerned about privacy in the age of AI.
Synonym: confidentiality
Common Mistake: Confusing "privacy" (noun) with "private" (adjective).
impact
/ˈɪm.pækt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable/uncountable), verb
Word Pattern:
impact on/upon + noun
Definition:
The strong effect or influence that something has on a situation or person.
Example:
AI has a significant impact on job security.
Synonym: effect, influence
Common Mistake: Using "impact" only as a verb ("to impact") in formal writing.
opportunity
/ˌɒp.əˈtjuː.nə.ti/ (BrE) /ˌɑː.pɚˈtuː.nə.t̬i/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
opportunity for/to + verb
Definition:
A situation in which it is possible to do something you want or achieve a goal.
Example:
AI offers new opportunities for innovation.
Synonym: chance, prospect
Common Mistake: Using "opportunity" when "possibility" is correct (they have different meanings).
vital
/ˈvaɪ.təl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
vital to/for + noun/verb
Definition:
Extremely important or necessary for something to succeed or exist.
Example:
It is vital to set clear rules for AI development.
Synonym: essential, crucial
Common Mistake: Using "vital" only for medical/health situations.
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!)
shaping the way people live and work
/ˈʃeɪ.pɪŋ ðə weɪ ˈpiː.pəl lɪv ənd wɜːk/ (BrE) /ˈʃeɪ.pɪŋ ðə weɪ ˈpi.pəl lɪv ənd wɝːk/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
shape (the) way (subject) + verb
Definition:
To influence or determine how people live and do their jobs.
Example:
Artificial intelligence is shaping the way people live and work.
Synonym: affecting lifestyles
Common Mistake: Using "shape the way of people live."
play a central role
/pleɪ ə ˈsɛn.trəl rəʊl/ (BrE) /pleɪ ə ˈsɛn.trəl roʊl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
play a central/major/key role in + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
To be very important or have a main influence in something.
Example:
AI will play a central role in healthcare and education.
Synonym: be crucial, be essential
Common Mistake: Saying "make a central role."
questions arise about
/ˈkwɛs.tʃənz əˈraɪz əˈbaʊt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
questions arise about + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
Concerns or doubts appear about a topic or issue.
Example:
As AI advances, questions arise about ethics and privacy.
Synonym: concerns emerge
Common Mistake: Saying "questions raise about."
job security
/dʒɒb sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti/ (BrE) /dʒɑːb sɪˈkjʊr.ə.t̬i/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
job security (no article)
Definition:
The feeling or state of being safe in your job and unlikely to lose it.
Example:
Some worry about job security as AI becomes more common.
Synonym: employment stability
Common Mistake: Saying "a job security" or "job securities."
promises greater efficiency
/ˈprɒm.ɪsɪz ˈɡreɪ.tər ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ (BrE) /ˈprɑː.mɪsɪz ˈɡreɪ.t̬ɚ ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
(subject) promises + greater/better + noun
Definition:
To suggest that something will lead to more effective results in the future.
Example:
AI promises greater efficiency and innovation.
Synonym: offers better productivity
Common Mistake: Using "promise for" instead of "promise + noun."
potential impact on employment
/pəˈtɛn.ʃəl ˈɪm.pækt ɒn ɪmˈplɔɪ.mənt/ (BrE) /poʊˈtɛn.ʃəl ˈɪm.pækt ɑːn ɛmˈplɔɪ.mənt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
potential/possible/likely impact on + noun
Definition:
The possible effect something may have on jobs or work opportunities.
Example:
Some fear AI’s potential impact on employment.
Synonym: possible effect on jobs
Common Mistake: Saying "impact to" instead of "impact on."
address both the opportunities and the risks
/əˈdrɛs bəʊθ ði ˌɒp.əˈtjuː.nɪ.tiz ənd ðə rɪsks/ (BrE) /əˈdrɛs boʊθ ði ˌɑː.pɚˈtuː.nə.tiz ənd ðə rɪsks/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
address + both + noun1 + and + noun2
Definition:
To take action to consider and manage both positive and negative aspects.
Example:
It is important to address both the opportunities and the risks of AI.
Synonym: deal with positives and negatives
Common Mistake: Omitting "both" or "and" from the phrase.
develop clear rules
/dɪˈvɛl.əp klɪə ruːlz/ (BrE) /dɪˈvɛl.əp klɪr ruːlz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
develop + adjective + noun
Definition:
To create or establish specific and understandable guidelines.
Example:
Society must develop clear rules for AI.
Synonym: establish definite policies
Common Mistake: Saying "develop clearly rules."
work together
/wɜːk təˈɡɛð.ər/ (BrE) /wɝːk təˈɡɛð.ɚ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
work together (to do something)
Definition:
To cooperate or join efforts with others to achieve a common goal.
Example:
Governments and companies should work together to regulate AI.
Synonym: collaborate
Common Mistake: Using "work in together" or "work with together."
ensure a positive future
/ɪnˈʃʊə(r) ə ˈpɒz.ɪ.tɪv ˈfjuː.tʃər/ (BrE) /ɪnˈʃʊr ə ˈpɑː.zə.tɪv ˈfjuː.tʃɚ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
ensure + adjective + noun
Definition:
To make certain that a good outcome or result happens in the time ahead.
Example:
It is vital to ensure a positive future for artificial intelligence.
Synonym: guarantee success
Common Mistake: Using "ensure for a positive future."
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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