Effective Strategies and Tips for PTE Reorder Paragraphs

Understanding the Task

In this task, several text boxes appear on your screen, but they are jumbled. You have to put the text boxes in the correct order to form a logically coherent paragraph or passage. The length of the text is typically up to 150 words.

Skills Assessed

• Reading comprehension: This means being able to understand the text you read. In reorder paragraph tasks, it helps you figure out the main ideas in the text boxes and how they fit together.
• Logical organization of ideas: This means being able to understand the text you read. In reorder paragraph tasks, it helps you figure out the main ideas in the text boxes and how they fit together.
• Understanding the structure of a well-formed paragraph: A good paragraph usually starts with a topic sentence, gives some details, and ends with a summary or conclusion. Recognizing this helps you know where each sentence should go.

Prompt Length	Skill Assessed	Time to Answer
Text up to 150 words	Reading and Writing	Not Applicable

Scoring Criteria

• 1 Point: For each correct adjacent pair.
• 0 minimum score: Meaning your score can’t drop below zero.

How to Answer the Question

To reorder the paragraph correctly, follow these simple steps:

Read all the text boxes quickly

• This will help you get a general sense of what each box is talking about.
• Try to pick out keywords and ideas in each box to understand the main message of the paragraph.

Identify the main topic sentence

• The first paragraph should be related to the main idea of the passage.
• It introduces the main idea and is usually clear and direct.
• The topic sentence won’t refer back to anything else. Also, no pronouns like he or this, and it usually doesn’t have linking words like and or because.

Use key words to create a logical flow

• You should find the sentence that introduces the topic, then look for sentences that explain or expand on that idea.
• The sentences should flow in a way that makes sense logically and thematically.

Pay attention to transitions

• You should look for linking words or phrases, like in conclusion, for example, or moreover that can guide you on how sentences connect.
• Sentences with transitions often come after sentences introducing ideas or examples.

Move and rearrange the boxes

• You should select a text box and drag it into the correct position or use the arrow buttons to move it into place.
• You should try to make pairs to get a score because for each correct adjacent pair, you will get one mark.

Let’s understand the strategies with the help of examples

1. Find the Topic Sentence First

• The topic sentence is crucial because it usually introduces the main idea.
• Look for a sentence that doesn’t rely on other information to make sense, like:

2. Identify Supporting Details

• After the topic sentence, look for sentences that explain or add details to the main point.

For example, Solar power is one of the most effective forms of renewable energy.
This sentence is an example or explanation that supports the topic sentence.

3. Look for Concluding or Transition Sentences

• You should look for sentences that summarize or wrap up the paragraph or lead into a new idea.
• Example: In conclusion, using renewable energy sources is key to creating a sustainable future.

4. Use Logical Flow

The sentences should follow a logical order:

• Introduction: You should start with the topic sentence, which introduces the main idea.
• Details and explanations: Next, you should place sentences that explain or give more information about the topic
• Conclusion or transition to the next idea: You should end with a sentence that either wraps up the paragraph or connects to the next idea.

Practice Question 1

A. As evening falls, many people begin to wind down from their busy day and engage in more relaxing activities, such as reading, watching television, or spending time with family.

B. After finishing work or studies, some individuals prefer to go for a walk or exercise, helping them clear their mind and release any built-up stress.

C. The evening is also a time when social gatherings or dinners take place, providing an opportunity for people to connect and enjoy each other’s company.

D. By late evening, people are typically preparing for bed, with a routine that includes activities like brushing their teeth, changing into comfortable clothes, and reflecting on the day

E. As the sun sets, the atmosphere changes, and the world becomes quieter, signalling the transition from the hustle and bustle of the day to the more peaceful rhythm of the evening.

Correct Order: E, A, B, C, D

Explanation of Correct Answer:

E: The sequence begins with the transition from daytime to evening, setting the overall scene of a quieter and more peaceful time.
A: Following the transition to evening, this sentence introduces the typical activities people engage in to relax and unwind.
B: This sentence elaborates on a specific type of activity that people might engage in during the evening to relieve stress before fully winding down.
C: This sentence transitions to the social aspect of the evening, where people may come together for socializing and dining.
D: Finally, this sentence concludes with the late evening routine of winding down further and preparing for sleep.

Practice Question 2

A. However, it also presents challenges, including the potential for students to feel isolated or overwhelmed by the lack of direct interaction with instructors and peers.
B. Online learning offers numerous advantages, such as flexibility in scheduling and the ability to access materials from anywhere in the world.
C. Furthermore, technology issues like poor internet connectivity or compatibility problems with certain platforms can hinder the learning process.
D. Despite these challenges, online learning has become an essential part of modern education, especially as global circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated its adoption.
E. To make the most of online learning, students must be self-disciplined and able to manage their time effectively, as there is typically less structure compared to traditional classroom settings.

Correct Order: B, D, A, C, E

Explanation of Correct Answer:

B: This sentence introduces the topic of online learning by explaining its advantages. It sets the tone for the discussion.
D: After stating the advantages, this sentence acknowledges the growing importance of online learning in modern education, making it a logical progression from the previous one.
A: Following the recognition of online learning’s importance, this sentence introduces the challenges students may face, specifically emotional or social challenges.
C: Building on the challenges introduced in B, this sentence further elaborates on specific practical issues that can hinder the effectiveness of online learning.
E: The final sentence provides advice on how students can overcome the mentioned challenges, emphasizing the need for self-discipline and time management.

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