How to Solve Hard PTE Reading Questions: Insights & Tips

by Moni Vuong

Published on 25/10/2024
Last Updated 25/10/2024

Many test-takers have complained that the PTE Reading section is hard and doesn’t give enough time.

This blog by PTE Magic will dive into the section’s format and teach you how to solve hard PTE Reading questions.

Scroll down to the end to master this PTE task!

Key Takeaways

Test-takers must show their solid knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and structure to score high in the PTE Reading section.
This section requires much commitment, planning, and practice if you’re aiming for high scores.
Applying the useful tips below is the perfect first step toward maximising your PTE score.

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What to Know About the PTE Reading Format

Test-takers must show their solid knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and structure – which are the key ingredients for effective communication – to score high in the PTE Reading section. This part requires candidates to solve 13 to 18 questions in around 29 to 30 minutes.

Let’s break down the test format below.

Task	Questions	Details
Fill in the blanks – reading & writing	5 – 6	You’ll get a 300-word passage, and you must pick the word that best fits the context.
Multiple choice, multiple answers	1 – 2	Same 300-word paragraph, but this time you must choose more than two answers that fit. Every correct choice earns you a point, and you lose one point if it’s wrong.
Re-order paragraph	2 – 3	You must read a 150-word passage and arrange the sentences in the right order.
Fill in the blanks – reading	4 – 5	You’ll encounter a short 80-word passage with blanks. Pick the words that fit best.
Multiple choice, single answer	1 – 2	You’ll read a 300-word passage and answer a straightforward multiple-choice question.

Common Difficulties In the PTE Reading Section

The PTE Reading section often challenges candidates. It demands more attention, and many test-takers find themselves losing points here. Let’s point out the difficulties:

Time management: Reading and answering under pressure can make you feel like you are racing against the clock.
Complex texts: Some texts come with hard vocabulary, vague ideas, or specialised terms that can leave you scratching your head.
Various question types: Each type of question in the PTE Reading section has its own strategy, and knowing how to solve them all isn’t straightforward.
Paraphrasing and synonyms: Many questions require you to spot these, which means you need a certain level of knowledge to pick up on the rewording and phrases.

How to Solve Hard PTE Reading Questions

The PTE Reading section requires much commitment, planning, and practice if you’re aiming for high scores. Here are the detailed steps to handle the harder reading questions:

Step 1. Manage your time properly: The biggest challenge for this task is not finishing within the time limit. You must be efficient. Practice tough questions and train yourself to answer them within the set time.
Step 2. Skimming: You don’t need to read every word. Skim the text quickly to get the general idea, then scan for the specific details. It’s crucial to spot answers fast without wasting precious time.
Step 3. Get the question first: You can’t answer what you don’t understand. Make sure you know what the task is asking before reading the passage. Get familiar with the different question types – multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, re-order – and practice each properly.
Step 4. Identify the text: Look for the main ideas, opinions, or arguments. Once you’ve skimmed the passage, identify deeper answers that match the questions.
Step 5. Use collocations: Collocations are common word pairings, which you can utilise in the fill-in-the-blank sections. Knowing them helps you spot the right answers faster. As we’ve suggested above, skim the questions before reading the passage to grasp the answers quickly.
Step 6. Don’t get stuck on one question: If a question is troubling you, don’t waste too much time on it. Move on and come back to it later if you’ve got time left.
Step 7. Practice regularly: You’ve got to read every day if you want to enhance your skills. Focus on texts similar to the PTE Reading section and keep expanding your vocabulary on synonyms, antonyms, phrases, and nouns. The more you know, the easier it’ll be to handle those tough reading questions.

Wrap Up

We hope this blog helps you learn how to solve hard PTE Reading questions. Understanding the task format and applying the useful tips above is the perfect first step toward maximising your PTE score.

Explore the PTE Magic platform and discover our study materials to conquer the rest of the test today!

Last updated on 25/10/2024

Moni PTE Magic

My name is Moni, and I am a seasoned PTE teacher with over 6 years of experience. I have helped thousands of students overcome their struggles and achieve their desired scores. My passion for teaching and dedication to my student’s success drives me to continually improve my teaching methods and provide the best possible support. Join me on this journey toward PTE success!