PTE Reading Tips & Tricks 2024: How to Improve PTE Reading Test Score

PTE

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Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Jul 18, 2024 16:46 IST

PTE Preparation - Reading Tips: The trick to boosting your PTE Reading practice is to read the online resources available on the official website and the ones available to you offline as well with focus, and understanding. For difficult words and spellings, you may check their pronunciations online and then try to repeat them. You will be using these skills at once when attempting the exam, but while practising you will have to learn them step-wise.

pte exam preparation

The full form of PTE-A is the Pearson Test of English - Academic. It is one of the most sought-after English language tests for candidates wanting to study abroad. PTE-A is one of the fastest-growing standardised English tests that is accepted by over 3500+ universities worldwide. The exam assesses four key skills of communicating in English, i.e. reading, listening, speaking and writing and in this article, we are going to focus on the PTE Reading section of the exam. Read on as we talk about the most commonly followed PTE preparation tips and practices for its Reading section.

All About the PTE Reading Section

This section will give you a brief about the PTE Reading section to understand the preparation tips in a better way. Part 2 of the PTE exam is PTE Reading which is 29-30 minutes long. Since PTE is an integrated skills assessment test, in this section, test takers are also assessed for their writing skills along with their reading skills in one of the questions (fill in the blanks). The PTE Reading section consists of 5 different types of questions as given below:

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  1. Fill in the Blanks: Reading and Writing
  2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer
  3. Re-order Paragraphs
  4. Fill in the Blanks
  5. Multiple Choice. Single Answer

Top PTE Reading Practice Tips and Tricks

To ace your PTE reading test, we have provided some of the top PTE Reading preparation tips and tricks for the benefit of the PTE test taker. 

  1. Ability to read quickly while understanding the meaning of the text simultaneously. 
  2. Build on your Vocabulary
  3. Don't ignore technicalities
  4. Time management is crucial to ace the Reading section
  5. Grammar is extensively important in this section
  6. Opt for an elimination strategy

Related Reads

PTE Syllabus 2024

PTE Registration 2024

Check PTE Academic Score here

PTE Practice/Sample Test

PTE Reading Test Module

PTE Reading Practice: The table below shows us the current and new PTE Reading Section Question Topics and the number of questions per topic that would be tested during the PTE exam.








PTE Reading Section Question Topics

PTE Question Format

Fill in the blanks –reading & writing

5 - 6

Multiple choice, multiple answers

1 - 2

Re-order paragraph

2 - 3

Fill in the blanks –reading

4 - 5

Multiple choice, single answer

1 - 2

Total Questions

13 - 18

Time Allocation

29 - 30 minutes

PTE Reading Section Strategies from the Experts

PTE Reading Practice: As informed earlier, this article has been solely dedicated to understanding how to perform better in the PTE reading test. Read on as we take our PTE aspirants step-by-step to the best PTE test strategies that need to be followed for tackling the PTE reading test of the PTE exam.  







PTE Reading Tips: Multiple-choice, Choose Single Answer 

  • Understand the main message of the passage and focus on keywords to find the correct answer.
  • Focus on the frequency words (for example - always, sometimes, never many, alloften, never, only) eliminate those options and maybe you will find the correct answer. 
  • Since there is no negative marking for this question, answer the question and don’t leave it blank.  
  • Make use of the rule of elimination. Narrow down your options as much as possible. 
  • Read the question before you read the text to understand what kind of information to look for. 
  • 60% of the answers can be found in the first or last two lines of the passage. 
  • Remember the information in the passage as the questions will not be asked in chronological order and you will find the answer anywhere in the passage. 
  • Learn to paraphrase, which means conveying the meaning using different words. 

PTE Reading Tips: Multiple-choice, Choose Multiple Answers 

  • Since this question has negative marking, don’t select options if you are not entirely sure. If you are not sure, leave it.  

PTE Reading Tips: Re-order paragraphs 

  • First, search for a headline including a major idea from the paragraph. 
  • Sentences starting with pronouns like he, she, her, they, them, those, etc will never be the first sentence.  
  • Look for contradictory phrases with, however, but, although additional phrases like also, moreover, furthermore, besides. Find the sentence before it. 

PTE Reading Tips: Fill in the blanks 

  • There is no negative marking, so answer all the questions even if you are not sure. 
  • Concentrating on the parts of speech before and after the blank, it will help in finding the missing word. 
  • Most of the time, missing words will have a synonym in the text provided. 

Also, Read

PTE Reading Section Exam Pattern

In the PTE exam, Part 3 of the PTE test will assess your PTE Reading skills. The total time allotted for the PTE Reading section is between 32 - 41 minutes. Note: Part 3 contains a single timed section

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PTE Reading Section - Overview

PTE Reading Section Task / Skills assessed Word length
Multiple-choice, choose a single answer

After reading the text, answer a multiple-choice question on the tone or content of the text by selecting one response

(Reading)

text up to 110 words
Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers

After reading the text, answer a multiple-choice question on the tone or content of the text by selecting more than one response

(Reading)

text up to 300 words
Re-order paragraphs

Several text boxes appear on the screen in random order. Put the text boxes in the correct order

(Reading)

text up to 150 words
Reading: Fill in the blanks

A text appears on the screen with several gaps. Drag words from the box below to fill the gaps

(Reading)

text up to 80 words
Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks

A text appears on the screen with several gaps. Fill in each gap from a drop-down list of response options

(Reading and Writing)

text up to 300 words

PTE Exam Preparation Tips

PTE Study Material: Often students start the preparation by either joining a coaching centre or simply signing up for free practice tests. What a student forgets is that, like any exam, even language proficiency exams have to be dealt with a methodology. Here are the most important PTE study tips that would help you perform in the PTE Academic Exam. It is, however, important to note that no amount of tips, tricks or tools can outwit the dedication and efficiency of the practice. So, improve these skills and practice them over and over again to succeed.

PTE Study links 

PTE Preparation for Beginners

PTE prep tips: Writing section

PTE prep tips: Listening section

PTE Speaking Section - Tips and Tricks

What are the best PTE Books and Resources?

Candidates can prepare for their PTE Academic using a range of official course books. Candidates can choose from the below-mentioned study material to excel in their PTE test. For a list of the best books and resources, click here.

Best Books to Prepare for PTE Academic and PTE App

Books for PTE Reading Section: Candidates looking for the best PTE test material can refer to the Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B1 & B2. Often touted as one of the best books for PTE preparation, the Expert series is a great way to prepare for PTE Academic if you have more time to study. This follows a preparation course structure and takes you through lessons designed to prepare you for PTE Academic. Choose from level B1 or B2, depending on your language level. PTE Academic Expert contains access to MyEnglishLabs – digital practice for all students.

PTE Prep: Offline Practice Test

A lot of times candidates may opt out of buying books. They could simply refer to the official Pearson PTE Academic to download a full version of the PTE Academic test in pdf format. Candidates would be able to solve this exam in the offline mode allowing them to understand the exam much better.

PTE Exam Preparation: PTE Official Practice App

Candidates can now practice for their PTE Academic examination on the go. All they would be required to do is download the PTE Academic Official Practice App. The app is available on multiple platforms and this would allow students to practice for their PTE Exam on the go. The app provides students with a study planner, practice activities, and useful information about the test.

We would love to hear from you. Do get in touch with us in the comments below and for assistance with university admissions request a call back from our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors

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FAQs for PTE Exam 2024

Q:   Is the PTE Academic test easy to crack?

A:

For a candidate who is well versed with the PTE syllabus and who has prepared well for the exam with total sincerity and enthusiasm would be able to crack the PTE Academic test without hurdles.

Q:   Is PTE test hard to pass?

A:

No. Candidates should note that the exam has been designed to test the candidates’ English proficiency levels. Hence, a candidate who is well prepared would qualify for the PTE Academic exam with flying colours.

Q:   What is a good PTE Academic score?

A:

There is no such thing as a good PTE Academic score. Every university would have its own score cut-off and students are required to achieve scores equal or higher than the set grade. Candidates should note that higher scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front-runner for any scholarships being offered by the university.

Q:   Is 1 month enough for preparing for my PTE exam?

A:

Your PTE exam preparation depends upon how consistently you prepare for it. You need to practice daily to polish your English language skills, read articles, and immersive yourself thoroughly into the language to get a better preparation outcome before your exam.

Your total exam preparation time also depends upon your previous knowledge of the language and how good are your basics in English. Remember, good basics are the key to solving any English exam question. 

Candidates are advised to prepare for the PTE Academic exam before booking their test slot. Hence, candidates who have appeared for their PTE Academic exam before or who are well prepared for the exam can use the one month for revision and appear for the test. Others would definitely need a more substantial amount of time to be well-versed in the exam.

Q:   Is 75 a good PTE score?

A:

Yes. A 75 PTE score falls under the 'Very Good' category. A PTE 75 score is equivalent to IELTS 7.5 - 8.0 band score. However, candidates should note that the real determining factor is their preferred university PTE score requirements. If they are eligible to apply with their PTE scores, good or else they can always re-take the test.

Q:   How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?

A:

The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses: 

The Undergraduate Application Process:  

Step 1:  You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements. 

Check out:  tips to improve your SOP

Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS. 

Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.

Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.

The Postgraduate application process: 

Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\

Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.

Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course. 

To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application. 

Step 5:  If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester. 

Q:   Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?

A:

The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.

Q:   What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?

A:

University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.

  • Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
  1. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
  2. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
  3. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
  4. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
  5. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
  6. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
  7. #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
  • Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
  • Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD    is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
  • High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
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Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert

Priya Garg is a seasoned content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-date. H... Read Full Bio

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Hong

a year ago

Thank you for your post

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Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Hong. Thank you for writing in. I am glad you liked our post.

5 years ago

After Graduation ...before 12th

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Rahul Singha

2 years ago

Can you please elaborate on your query for me to be able to assist you better.