Negative Marking in PTE: Detailed Guide

Bhargavee Sisodia

18 Jul 2024

Hello Dear Friends!

We are thrilled to have you on our blog which explores the mechanics of the negative marking policy in the PTE exam. 

Regardless if the PTE is for academic or migration purposes, it is important to know how the examining body allocates its available scores. 

In this blog, we shall elaborate on the importance of knowing about negative marking in test preparation, which is often ignored by many students, thus to their surprise, there are deductions in their scores. 

By the conclusive end of this blog, you shall be able to appreciate how negative marking systems in the PTE works, which areas it incorporates, as well as how one can work such a system to one’s advantage. 

Do not skip any section of the blog because it contains tips and information that can play a major role in determining your overall PTE scores. 

Without further ado, let us proceed, and transform this roadblock into a chance to succeed!

What is the meaning of negative marking?

Negative marking is a scoring method adapted in certain sections of the PTE exam designed to help where your answers reflect your knowledge and skills accurately. 

This is the manner in which it operates and all the reasons as to why every student has to comprehend it.

Understanding The Mechanics Of Negative Marking

In the PTE examination, negative marking has three question types in which it is applicable. 

Here is a brief description of the way this impacts your achievement:

• Correct Answers: Each answer that you check and which is true increases your score.
• Incorrect Answers: Each answer that you check, which is false, decreases your score for that type of question.

Nonetheless, the negative marking does not remove points that contribute to your general score for the whole test. It also impacts only that particular question type score.

Example Scenarios

Let’s take a few examples to make this more clear:

1. Two Corrects and One Wrong Answer Respective:

• You answered two correct options and one wrong option.
• You scored 1 point (Two correct ones – One incorrect answer equals 1)

2. Two Right and Two Wrong:

• You answered two correct wrong and both wrong.
• You did not score (Two correct answers ‘Two wrong answers’ equals 0).

3. All Wrong:

• You gave all the wrong answers.
• You will not score anything i.e. 0. The least you can score is 0 and no scoring even further lower than this is allowed.

How Negative Marking Affects Specific Question Types in the PTE Exam 

It is important to learn how negative marking is applied to some question types in the PTE exam. 

Next, we will go into the three question types to which negative marking is applied and the importance of their careful handling. 

1. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (Reading Section)

In the reading section, there are questions which involve “Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers”. This is why negative marking is applicable by Pearson.

• Discourages Guesswork: Eliminating negative marks encourages students to make guesses where unnecessary. However, in this case, any random selection of an answer may result in a loss of marks. 

• Approach: Do not attempt the questions you do not wish to answer all the questions. That way, your score will be indicative of your knowledge rather than a gamble.

2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (Listening Section) 

Likewise, in the listening section, another ‘Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers ’ type of question is also found which imposes negative marking. This is because:

• Listening skills: This evaluates the skill of active listening and comprehending. Hence the negative marking persuades one to listen more attentively and not make arbitrary predictions. 

• Training: There is also the need to train by listening to different audios with varied accents. Because the guess work will be minimal if one is sure about the correct answer based on how the options have been presented.

3 Highlight Incorrect Words (Listening Section)

The ‘Highlight Incorrect Words’ question type in the listening section has a special significance wherein it has influence on both your listening score and reading also. This is how important it is:

• Dual Skills: This question requires two skills to be employed at once – easy listening and quick reading. You are to find out the appropriate words in the audio and highlight them in yellow within the transcript.
• Precision: Negative marking here means that all risks should be taken with a lot of consideration. If you underline the wrong word, you will be penalized. This is to avoid irrational behavior and appreciate the need to be sharp.
• Preparation: Devote all energy towards sharpening both listening skills as well as reading. This is aimed at enabling you to detect contradictions swiftly and correctly without hurriedly jumping into conclusions.

Purpose of the Above Mentioned

Negative marking in all forms of this type of question is important because:

• It allows you to answer the questions in a tactical manner and leads you to refrain from answering when in doubt.
• It informs what you need to work on so that you can be effective.
• It ensures that no points are wasted which serves towards improving the overall score.

Thus, you can take advantage of the PTE exam to the fullest that approach plus understand how negative marking works to your advantage rather than to your disadvantage.

Illustration of a set of transcripts related to a selected PTE question type

1. Reading multiple choice questions-Multiple Answer

Jupiter, the biggest of all the rogue planets in the solar system, is significantly recognized for its Great Red Storm which has lasted for dozens or maybe even hundreds of years. Currently, there are at least seventy-nine moons orbiting Jupiter with four major ones, namely, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Collectively, they are referred to as the Galilean moons, after the Italian scientist who discovered them in the year sixteen ten. The gaseous planet is made primarily of gas and fire, that is, helium and hydrogen, and it does not have a surface like that of earth. Jupiter's magnetic field is the strongest in the solar system and is about 20,000 times greater than the Earth's magnetic field. However, because of the fast rotation of the planet, approximately ten hours for a full revolution, the shape of the planet is also flattened from the poles.

Question: Select all that apply. 

• A. Like Earth, Jupiter has a solid surface. 
• B. Jupiter consists mainly of hydrogen and helium. 
• C. The great red spot on Jupiter is a huge storm. 
• D. Jupiter takes about twenty-four hours to rotate once. 
• E. There are more than seventy-nine satellites of Jupiter. 
• F. Moons Galilei were observed by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei. 

Correct Answers: 

• B. Jupiter consists mainly of hydrogen and helium. 
• C. The great red spot on Jupiter is a huge storm. E. There are more than seventy-nine satellites of Jupiter. 
• F. Moons Galilei were observed by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei. 

( You should pay attention when selecting the appropriate answers since incorrect answers would lead to automatic loss of points in the process. As stated earlier in the section, there will be a penalty for selecting incorrect answers.)

2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (Listening)

Switzerland, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, offers a diverse range of natural beauty. From the snow-capped Alps to the serene lakes, every corner of Switzerland is picturesque. The Swiss Alps are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with world-famous resorts such as Zermatt and St. Moritz. During the summer, the lush valleys and meadows are perfect for hiking and exploring. Switzerland is also home to several beautiful lakes, including Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne, which provide a tranquil setting for boating and relaxation. The country's charming villages, with their traditional wooden chalets, add to its appeal. Additionally, Switzerland's cities, such as Zurich and Geneva, offer a blend of modernity and history, with numerous museums, galleries, and cultural events.

Question: Select all that apply.

• A. Switzerland is known for its extensive desert landscapes.
• B. The Swiss Alps are famous for winter sports.
• C. Lake Geneva is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland.
• D. Switzerland's villages are known for traditional wooden chalets.
• E. Zurich and Geneva lack modern amenities and cultural events.
• F. Switzerland's lush valleys are ideal for hiking in summer.

Correct Answers:

• B. The Swiss Alps are famous for winter sports.
• C. Lake Geneva is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland.
• D. Switzerland's villages are known for traditional wooden chalets.
• F. Switzerland's lush valleys are ideal for hiking in summer.

(You need to select the correct answers carefully to avoid losing points due to negative marking. As previously explained, choosing the wrong answers will result in a deduction of scores.) 

3. Highlight Incorrect Words (Listening)

Text:

Wisdom teeth are the second set of molars located at the front of your mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21. Some people never grow wisdom teeth, while others may have up to four. When wisdom teeth come in properly, they can help you eat. However, often there isn't enough room in the mouth for these teeth to grow correctly. This can lead to infected wisdom teeth, which can cause pain, inflammation, and other oral issues. Dentists frequently suggest removing impacted wisdom teeth to avoid future problems.

Audio Transcript:

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people never grow wisdom teeth, while others may have up to four. When wisdom teeth come in properly, they can help you chew. However, often there isn't enough room in the mouth for these teeth to grow correctly. This can lead to infected wisdom teeth, which can cause pain, infection, and other dental issues. Dentists frequently recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth to prevent future problems.

(You need to select the correct answers carefully to avoid losing points due to negative marking. As previously explained, choosing the wrong answers will result in a deduction of scores.)

How to Beat Negative Marking in PTE Exam

When faced with negative marking in the PTE exam, one cannot simply attempt to answer all questions indiscriminately. 

Such are the effective measures that can assist you in coping with this type of scoring system:

1. Improve Your Listening Skills: Practice listening exercises that promote better understanding and high precision on the exam. Get used to hearing different types of accents and their respective pronunciations.

2. Look for Key Elements: Listen to the questions and read the passage and the questions carefully looking for keywords. It is these elements that will assist you in answering the questions with certainty.

3. Apply Elimination Technique: Cross out the obviously wrong answer choices so that you can reduce the number of answer options available. This technique lessens the chances of answering the wrong options and increases the probability of answering the correct options.

4. Engage in Authentic Materials: Practice on real PTE mock tests and materials that are based on examination standards. This enables you to adjust to the structure and the scheduled time of the exam, hence helping you overall.

5. Avoid Guessing Out of Frustration: Keep off from shooting random answers as incorrect responses come with deduction of marks. Rather, try to restrict yourself to those questions whose answers you know for sure in order to increase the scoring probability.

6. Begin with Accuracy: Do not hurry to answer questions, take your time and get the answers right. Getting it right also means less chances of losing marks because of negative marking.

7. Always Be At Peace: Maintain peace during the course of the exam and in the preparatory stage as well to be in a position to think clearly. This is because anxious moments can provoke quick decisions, which may be detrimental. Try to use breathing exercises more often to help cope with exam related anxiety.

Conclusion:

Negative marking can help you to reach your target assistance score within the PTE test. You should actively listen, highlight key points and be accurate to deal with negative marking and performance. These will help you to deal with the difficulty of the exam and improve on your performance as well.

Moreover, avoid losing heart as D Vivid Consultant values your success. Keep in touch with us for professional assistance and customized solutions for your preparation for the PTE test. We will make sure that you are prepared to take the test and will be free of anxiety and panic all in a bid to help you achieve your goals.