PTE Reading: Format, Tasks, and Preparation Tips

PTE Reading is the second section of PTE test which evaluates the student's ability to read and write in English. It also assesses the candidate's independent and integrated skills. The section will approximately take 30 to 40 minutes to complete. The questions in the PTE reading section will be from humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences subjects. The reading module has 5 question types. 

A detailed overview of PTE Reading question types is given, along with tips and practice papers.

Overview of PTE Reading  

Items	Task	Number of Items	Prompt Length	Scoring	Skills assessed
Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks	Choose the correct option from the drop down of options given near the blank in a sentence.	5-6	Text upto 300 words	Partial credit for the correct completed blank.	Reading and Writing
Multiple-Choice,Choose Multiple Answers	After reading a passage, choose the more than one correct option from the multiple choice items.	2-3	Text upto 300 words	Partial credit for every correct option chosen and point reduced for incorrect option.	Reading
Re-order Paragraphs	Drag and Drop the jumbled sentences from the left hand side in a correct order to the right side panel.	2-3	Text upto 150 words	Partial Credit for correctly arranged adjacent pair.	Reading
Reading Fill in the Blanks	A passage will be given with gaps in between. Choose the correct options from the different words given below the passage.	4-5	Text upto 80 words	Partial Credit for correctly completed blank.	Reading
Multiple Choice Single Answer	You are required to choose a single answer from the multiple choice item.	1-2	Text upto 300 words	Partial Credit +1 for correct option.	Reading

PTE Reading Question Types

As discussed, PTE Reading test questions will be based on 5 types. In order to get a clear picture we have explained each section with an example below.

PTE Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks

Image credits: Pearson PTE

In the Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks section, there will be a paragraph of about 300 words or less,  with blank text boxes in between. When you click the blank box, a drop down menu will appear, presenting a list of words. You need to select one correct word from the dropdown to complete each sentence. Credits are allotted for each correct answer. It is not advisable to leave anything unanswered even if you are not sure about the answer. There is no time limit for question type. Better be conscious of using the time wisely to complete each task, as you will have to complete the entire reading section in 30-40 minutes. 

PTE Reading Multiple Choice Multiple Answers

Image credits: Pearson PTE

This is the second question type in the PTE Reading section. Here, there will be a passage up to 300 words, with a question and multiple choice answer. The key to cracking this task is to read the question carefully, understand it, and then read the statement. Then you have to find the statement in the passage. The statements might A) Say the same thing. B) Say something different. Select the answer which tells the same thing. You can also change the selected option. This question type is similar to MCQ with a single option task, but here you need to select more than one answer. Do not spend more than 3-4 minutes on each question. 

PTE Reading Re-order Paragraphs

Image credits: Pearson PTE

In this third question type, sentences are placed in a random order on the left hand side of the screen. You need to arrange the sentences in the correct order. You can either drag from the left pane and drop in the right side or you can use the arrows to arrange in the correct sequence. Please note that there will be only one correct order.  Please be aware of your whole time available and use it wisely for each task. 

PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks

Image credits: Pearson PTE

For this fourth question type, there will be a reading passage containing 80 words, with missing keywords in different places . There will be a set of words given at the bottom of the screen. You need to drag the correct answer, using the mouse, and drop in the blank space. If you want to remove that word option, you can drag it back to the blue box. Please note that there will be more word options than the blank spaces in the paragraph and you will not use all the options given. There is no negative marking and do not leave any blanks unanswered. Keep a watch of the time available and use wisely.

PTE Reading Multiple Choice Single Answer

Image credits: Pearson PTE

The fifth and the final part of the PTE reading section consists of 300 words of prompt length. A question will be asked with multiple choice answers. There will be only one correct answer for each question. Test takers should thoroughly read the question prompt, as it is the most crucial element of the question, and select one accurate answer from the choices given. Time management is very important and hence do not spend more than 2-4 minutes on each question. 

PTE Reading - Tips to Ace

Here we have shared 10 important tips to ace the PTE Reading section. 

1. Time management is the crucial part and practice spending only 2 minutes for each question.
2. Read materials online to improve your speed and skimming skill.
3. Attempt mock tests regularly to know where you are and to determine the areas of improvement.
4. Focus on grammar rules to improve your language skills.
5. Skim through the passage and understand the meaning or key idea.
6. Capture the Keywords and look for answers related to those words.
7. Rule out the incorrect options. This is an effective tip for multiple-choice questions.
8. Practice vocabulary using the PTE collocation list.
9. Always double check your answers before proceeding to the next question.
10. Attempt all the questions and do not leave any questions unanswered.

PTE Reading Practice Papers

The above mentioned tips helps you to perform well in the PTE reading section and improve your score. Along with the tips , it is important to note that Practice is the best key for success. Hence, Use the PTE Reading Practice pdf given below to boost your performance.

PTE Reading Practice Test 1

PTE Reading Practice Test 2

Need more practice papers? Click here- PTE Reading Practice Papers

FAQ’s

1. How can I practice for reading section in PTE?

You can practice by attending mock tests, attempting many practice papers and improving grammar and vocabulary.

2. How do you get a good score in PTE Reading?

To get a good score practice is the key. Find more PTE reading practice paper and work on each and every question type. You can crack it easily.

3. Is PTE Reading easy?

Yes, cracking the PTE Reading section is easy. All you need is to have a clear plan, understanding of the question types, and regular practice. If you need, you can also take help from established PTE Training centres like Kanan International.

4. How to prepare PTE from home?

If you are planning to prepare for PTE from home, then you need to collect the proper study material and have a clear plan on what to study and how to study. 

5. In which counties is PTE scores accepted?

The countries which accept PTE scores are: USA, UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Sweden.

6. How do you get 79 in reading PTE?

To get a perfect 79 score in PTE is easy but tricky. More practice is needed. Here are few tips to prepare.

• Write your answers simple and short
• Improve your vocabulary
• Keep an eye on time management
• Choose the best study materials
• Keep practising everyday