Overview
The PTE Reading section tests your ability to understand written English in academic contexts.
You’ll have 29–30 minutes to answer 5 types of questions, some of which also affect your Writing score (integrated scoring).
Time Management
- There is no separate timing per question — the clock runs for the entire Reading section.
- You need to manage your own time, so don’t get stuck too long on one task.
Question Types & Strategies
1️⃣ Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
Task: A text with missing words; you choose the right option from dropdowns.
Skills Tested: Reading + Writing.
Scoring: Correct answer = 1 point; wrong answer = 0 (no negative marking).
Tips:
✅ Use collocation knowledge (words that often go together).
✅ Read the whole sentence before choosing an answer.
✅ Think about grammar and meaning.
2️⃣ Multiple-choice, Multiple Answers
Task: Read a passage and select all correct answers.
Scoring: Negative marking – wrong answers lose points.
Tips:
✅ Read the question first to know what to look for.
✅ Don’t guess — leave it blank if unsure.
✅ Use keywords in the passage to locate answers.
3️⃣ Re-order Paragraphs
Task: Put text boxes in the correct order to form a logical paragraph.
Scoring: Points for every correct pair of sentences in the right order.
Tips:
✅ Look for linking words (however, therefore, moreover).
✅ Identify the topic sentence — usually the introduction.
✅ Notice pronouns (he, it, they) — they often refer to something earlier.
4️⃣ Fill in the Blanks (Reading)
Task: Drag and drop words into the blanks in the passage.
Scoring: 1 point per correct word; no negative marking.
Tips:
✅ Think about context — does the word fit meaning & grammar?
✅ Check verb tense and singular/plural agreement.
5️⃣ Multiple-choice, Single Answer
Task: Read a passage and choose the single correct answer.
Scoring: 1 point for correct; no negative marking.
Tips:
Eliminate obviously wrong options.
Focus on understanding the main idea.
General Reading Tips
- Skim the passage first, then scan for details.
- Learn academic vocabulary to handle unfamiliar topics.
- Practice under real test timing to build speed.
- Remember integrated scoring — doing well in Reading can boost Writing too.
