PTE Reading Strategies and Techniques for Success

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PTE exam is a challenging assessment, particularly Reading Module, which requires a strong command of language skills, strategy, and effective time management. While many candidates find this section tough, there are proven techniques to improve scores significantly. By following a structured approach to tasks like Fill-in-the-blanks, Reorder Paragraphs, candidates can enhance their performance in Reading section.

PTE Reading Module

PTE Reading module is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to read and comprehend academic English. It includes tasks like:

Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks

Reorder Paragraphs

Reading Fill in the Blanks

Multiple Choice Questions

Maximize Marks from Other Tasks

A important strategy often overlooked is capturing reading marks from other sections of PTE exam. Tasks from the speaking and writing modules also contribute significantly to the reading score. These tasks include:

  • Read Aloud: A speaking task that provides 30-32 marks toward the reading module.
  • Summarize Written Text: Another writing task that gives 2-4 marks for reading.
  • Highlight Correct Summary: A task contributing 1-2 marks.
  • Highlight Incorrect Words: Provides 10-12 marks to reading score.

By focusing on these tasks, candidates can secure almost half of the total reading marks (around 45 out of 90) without solely depending on the core reading tasks. This strategy reduces pressure on difficult tasks like reading blanks and Reorder Paragraph.

Strategy for Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks

In the Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks task, candidates are required to choose the correct words to complete a passage. The best approach to this task involves a blend of prediction and elimination techniques.

  • Read the Entire Sentence: Instead of focusing only on the blank, it is important to understand the context of the entire sentence. This helps in predicting the correct word even before opening the options.
  • Use the Process of Elimination: Once the context is clear, use the process of elimination to narrow down the choices. Eliminating grammatically incorrect or contextually irrelevant options helps in arriving at the right answer.

Consistent practice with these techniques will lead to greater accuracy in selecting the correct words.

Tactics for Reorder Paragraph

Reorder Paragraph task is one of the trickiest parts of Reading module. However, candidates do not need to aim for perfection. The goal should be to get 50-60% of the marks by identifying pairs of related sentences and placing them in the correct sequence.

To tackle Reorder paragraph effectively-

  • General to Specific Structure: Identify the more general sentences that introduce broad ideas or topics. These sentences often go at the beginning of the paragraph. 
    Specific sentences, which provide detailed information or examples, should come later.
  • Find Pairs: Look for pairs of sentences that logically follow one another. Connecting ideas is key to success in this task, and even identifying one correct pair can earn marks.
  • Chronological Order: For passages that discuss events or processes, chronological order can often guide the correct arrangement of sentences.
    By focusing on forming pairs and aiming for partial marks, candidates can solve Reorder Paragraph quickly and save time for more critical tasks.

Highlight Correct Summary and Incorrect Words

In tasks like Highlight Correct Summary and Highlight Incorrect Words, attention to detail and the ability to skim the passage are essential. Here are some tactics to approach these tasks:

For Highlight Correct Summary, take notes of key terms or meaningful words while listening. This will help in selecting the most accurate summary.

For Highlight Incorrect Words, read along with the speaker and pay attention to words that differ from the passage. Following the speaker closely will help identify the incorrect words quickly and accurately.

Practice with Mock Tests

Preparation plays a vital role in PTE success. Consistent practice using a Free PTE mock test can help candidates familiarize themselves with the format and timing of the exam. Additionally, enrolling in a PTE coaching program can provide expert guidance. Mock tests allow candidates to practice under timed conditions, helping to improve not only accuracy but also speed, which is critical for managing the reading section's time constraints.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vishal Kapoor -Author

Vishal Kapoor

(PTE & NAATI Expert)

Vishal Kapoor is having 6+ years of expertise in instructing PTE and NAATI, both in Australia and internationally, with an impressive 100% success rate among students. As a certified expert by Pearson in PTE and NAATI, Vishal Kapoor has developed a comprehensive teaching approach derived from extensive research and a wealth of teaching experience. Tailoring coaching techniques to individual skill levels and target scores, Vishal's guidance has proven instrumental in helping numerous aspirants attain their desired scores. With a commitment to personalized tips and solutions, Vishal Kapoor is dedicated to facilitating the success of those preparing for PTE and NAATI examinations.

Introducing the AI PTE Portal , meticulously designed to closely simulate the actual PTE exam experience. Crafted by Vishal Kapoor, this innovative AI portal ensures an authentic and immersive preparation environment for PTE aspirants

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