The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic exam is a critical milestone for anyone aiming to study or work in English-speaking countries. The Reading section can be particularly tricky for many candidates, and even small mistakes can lead to a lower score.
1. Ignoring Instructions
One of the easiest ways to lose marks in the PTE Reading section is by not paying attention to the instructions. Each question type has specific instructions about how to answer it. Whether it is a multiple-choice question or fill-in-the-blanks, you should always read the instructions carefully before attempting an answer.
2. Rushing Through Questions
Time management is important in the exam. You should not rush through questions quickly because it can lower your score. You should take a few seconds to scan the question and passage before marking an answer.
3. Overlooking Keywords
Many candidates make the mistake of skimming the passage without focusing on the keywords in the question. You should focus on identifying keywords in both the passage and the question which are essential for accurate answers. You should pay attention to names, dates, and technical terms because it will help you to find the right answer.
4. Not Managing Time Effectively
The Reading section has a time limit, and each question type can vary in difficulty. If you spend too much time on one question, you may not finish all the questions. You should allocate time wisely but do not get stuck. If you are not sure about the answer, make an educated guess and move to the next question.
5. Focusing Too Much on Vocabulary
A good vocabulary is essential for understanding the passage, but you should not focus on individual words that can hinder your progress. Sometimes, it is more important to grasp the overall meaning of the passage rather than stress over unfamiliar words.
6. Misunderstanding Question Types
The PTE Reading section contains a variety of question types, including Multiple-choice, Re- order Paragraphs, and Fill in the Blanks. You should familiarize yourself with each question type during your preparation, so you do not waste valuable time figuring out what the question is asking.
7. Failing to Read the Entire Passage
Skimming the passage is fine for some question types, but for others, questions like Fill in the Blanks (Reading and Writing) are important to understand the whole passage and answer questions correctly.
8. Ignoring Punctuation and Sentence Structure
Punctuation and sentence structure are important clues in understanding the meaning of a passage. You should not misinterpret sentences or overlook punctuation marks that can lead to incorrect answers. You should pay attention to commas, periods, punctuation marks, and linking words that may indicate the structure or flow of the information.
9. Second-Guessing Answers
Once you have chosen an answer, try not to second-guess yourself. Doubting your initial choice can waste precious time and increase your stress levels. Trust your first instinct, especially if you have read the passage carefully and understand the context.
10. Overthinking Re-order Paragraph Questions
The Re-order Paragraphs task can be tricky, and many candidates overthink it. You should focus on the logical flow of the paragraph to solve this question type. You should look for clues like transition words such as therefore, in the conclusion, and ideas that naturally lead to one another.
11. Not Paying Attention to Similar but Different Options
Some questions have options that are similar but have subtle differences. It is easy to make a mistake here by picking the option that looks correct at first glance. Make sure to carefully evaluate all the options before making your final choice.
12. Neglecting to Practice Reading Comprehension
The Reading section is designed to assess your ability to understand written English. It is crucial to practice reading diverse texts, ranging from academic articles to news reports, so you can become used to different writing styles and contexts.
Test takers need to practice hard for the exam because the reading section is challenging and tough. They can use pte practice software like Sumlingo which not only provides free mock tests as well as sectional pte practice tests to achieve the desired score.
