PTERead the text and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. More than one response is correct.

To find it, you have to go digging in rainforests, and to the untrained eye, it does not seem special at all - just a thick layer of dark earth that would not look out of place in many gardens. But these fertile. dark soils are in fact very special. because despite the lushness of tropical rainforests, the soils beneath them are usually very poor and thin. Even more surprising is where this dark soil comes from. 'You might expect this precious fertile resource to be found in the deep jungle, far from human settlements or farmers,' says James Fraser, who has been hunting for it in Africa's rainforests, 'But I go looking for dark earth round the edge of villages and ancient towns, and in traditionally farmed areas. It's usually there. And the older and larger the settlement, the more dark earth there is.'

Such findings are overturning some long-held ideas. Jungle farmers are usually blamed not just for cutting down trees but also for exhausting the soils. And yet the discovery of these rich soils - first in South America and now in Africa, too - suggest that, whether by chance or design, many people living in rainforests farmed in a way that enhanced rather than destroyed soils. In fact, it is becoming clear that part of what we think of as lush pure rainforest is actually long-abandoned farmland, enriched by the waste created by ancient humans.

What is significant about the 'dark soil' that the writer is referring to?

PTE#4 - Dark Soil

Question 4 of

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    PTE Multiple Choice (multiple)

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    PTE Multiple Choice (multiple) Scoring Criteria

    Number of items: 1-2

    Communicative skills scored: Reading

    • 1 Each correct response

    • - 1 Each incorrect response

    • 0 Minimum score


    PTE Multiple Choice (Reading): Navigate This Task Efficiently

    The PTE Multiple Choice (Reading) task is a component of the PTE Academic reading section. While not the most critical part of the test, understanding how to approach it efficiently can help optimize your overall performance.

    Understanding the PTE Multiple Choice (Reading) Task

    In this task, you'll read a text and answer multiple-choice questions based on its content. This tests your reading comprehension and ability to identify specific information or infer meaning from the text.

    Key Features of PTE Multiple Choice (Reading):

    • Text passages of varying lengths
    • Single-answer or multiple-answer questions
    • 2-5 questions per passage
    • Tests reading comprehension skills
    • Various academic topics covered

    Strategies for Efficient Completion of PTE Multiple Choice (Reading)

    While this task is not crucial for your overall score, approaching it efficiently can save time for more important sections. Here are some strategies:

    1. Quickly skim the questions before reading the passage
    2. Read the passage actively, looking for key information
    3. Don't spend too much time on any single question
    4. Use the process of elimination for challenging questions
    5. If unsure, make your best guess and move on

    Important Note on Time Management

    Don't spend too much time on this task. If you know the answer, select it quickly and move on. If you're unsure, make your best guess and proceed to the next question. Remember, this task is not crucial to your overall score, so it's better to save time for more important sections of the test.

    Essential Tips for PTE Multiple Choice (Reading)

    NEVER leave any questions unanswered. ALWAYS make an educated guess if unsure. Remember, there's no penalty for incorrect answers, so it's better to choose an option than to leave it blank.

    Common Challenges in PTE Multiple Choice (Reading)

    Be aware of these common challenges, but don't let them slow you down:

    • Time management
    • Tricky or misleading answer options
    • Complex or unfamiliar passages
    • Inferential questions
    • Maintaining focus on longer texts

    How to Practice PTE Multiple Choice (Reading) Effectively

    While this task is not crucial, some practice can help you approach it more efficiently:

    1. Practice active reading techniques
    2. Improve your vocabulary through regular reading
    3. Practice with sample questions to get familiar with the format
    4. Time yourself during practice to improve speed
    5. Learn to identify distractors in answer options

    Scoring for PTE Multiple Choice (Reading)

    Understanding the scoring can help you prioritize your efforts:

    • Each correct answer receives one point
    • Incorrect answers receive zero points (no negative marking)
    • Partial credit may be given for multiple-answer questions
    • This task contributes less significantly to your overall score compared to other sections

    Conclusion: Efficiently Handling Multiple Choice (Reading) in PTE

    While the Multiple Choice (Reading) task is part of the PTE reading test, it's not crucial to your overall score. Focus on quick completion rather than perfection. Remember, don't spend too much time on this task. If you know the answer, select it quickly. If you're unsure, make your best guess and move on. Prioritizing more important sections of the test is key to maximizing your overall PTE score.