Mastering the PTE Reading: Strategies and Tips

The reading section is the toughest in the PTE exam due to the variety of question types and time constraints. You can score higher in this section with the right strategies. You should use the following tips and strategies to score higher in this section.

Understanding the PTE Reading Section

The PTE Reading section is divided into 5 question types and includes the following question types:

1. Fill in the blanks (Reading and writing )
2. Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers
3. Re-order paragraphs
4. Fill in the blanks (Reading)
5. Multiple-choice, choose single answer

You are given 29-30 minutes to complete the Reading section.

Strategies for each question type

Fill in the Blanks (Reading and Writing)

This is a combined task that tests both reading and writing skills. You will need to fill in the blanks in a passage, usually with the correct word in the drop-down list.

Strategy:

• You should look for grammatical clues such as articles, conjunctions, and prepositions to narrow down your choices.
• You should focus on the context of the passage to understand what kind of word fits best in the blank (e.g., noun, verb, adjective).

• You should review the sentence structure before filling in the blank to ensure that your choice is grammatically correct.

Multiple-Choice, Choose Multiple Answers

In this question type, you will read a passage and select more than one answer from the list of options.

Strategy:

• You should read all options carefully and select only the ones that are supported by the passage.You should be cautious not to choose answers that seem partially correct but lack full support in the text.

• You should avoid negative marks if you are not sure of the answer.

Re-order Paragraphs

In this task, you will be given jumbled paragraphs, and you have to rearrange them to form a coherent text.

Strategy:

• You should look for clues such as topic sentences, pronouns (like he, they, this), and transitional words (like therefore, in addition, for example).
• The paragraph that introduces the main topic is usually the first one, while the one that wraps up the argument or conclusion is often the last.
• You should practice with short texts to become quicker at spotting logical flow and organization.
• You should focus on making pairs instead of paying attention to entire correct sequence.

Fill in the Blanks (Reading)

In these questions, you will be asked to fill in the blank within a passage. You have to drag and drop the options from the list. The missing words may be related to vocabulary, grammar, or both.

Strategy:

• Focus on context: You should read the surrounding sentences to understand the passage’s meaning and tone.

• Consider grammar and vocabulary: You should pay attention to verb tense, word forms, and common collocations. For example, if a blank requires a noun, it should make sense grammatically and contextually.

• Use the process of elimination: If you are unsure, follow the elimination method to

avoid context or grammatical structure.

Multiple-Choice, Choose Single Answer

In this question type, you will read a passage and then choose the best possible answer from a list of options.

Strategy:

• You should skim the passage first to get a general sense of its topic.
• You should identify key phrases or keywords in both the passage and the options.
• You should eliminate obviously wrong answers to increase your chances of selecting the right one.

Time Management Tips

The PTE Reading section is time-sensitive, and effective time management is key to success. Here are some effective tips for PTE reading section:

1. Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you are stuck on a particular question, do not spend too much time on it.
2. Allocate your time wisely. You should try to spend 1-2 minutes per question, but be flexible based on the difficulty of the task.
3. Practice pacing yourself. You should use practice tests to develop an understanding of how long you should spend on each task and question type.

General Tips for the PTE Reading Section Improve Your Vocabulary

A strong vocabulary helps you understand complex texts and select the correct answers to fill-in-the-blank questions. Make a habit of learning new words and their meanings, and try to use them in context.

Practice Skimming and Scanning

Skimming and scanning are crucial skills for the PTE Reading section. Skim through the passage to get an overview, and then scan for specific details when answering questions. You should practice these techniques to increase your reading speed without sacrificing comprehension.

Pay Attention to Keywords

In every question, look for keywords that connect to the information in the passage. For example, if the question asks about the main idea, focus on the introduction or conclusion of the passage where the main point is usually summarized.

Take Regular Practice Tests

You should practice with PTE Reading sections practice tests on sumlingo to simulate exam conditions. This will help you to boost your score and provide explanation to correct answers.