PTE Reading Tips and Tricks 2025: How to Improve PTE Reading Score

With over 1 million PTE tests taken each year, it’s clear that the PTE exam is a popular choice for students aiming to study abroad. 

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So, if you’re ready to ace the PTE reading section, it’s essential to understand the strategies for each section of the reading test. Whether you’re looking for PTE read aloud tips and tricks or PTE reading fill in the blanks tips and tricks, having a solid game plan will give you the edge you need.

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By mastering these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to tackle each question type confidently.  This blog has some excellent PTE reading tips and tricks that are golden keys to opening the doors to your study abroad dreams.  

Dive in!  

What is the PTE Reading Test? 

The PTE Reading test is a crucial part of the PTE exam, designed to assess your ability to understand written English. PTE academic scores are accepted by over 3,500 organisations worldwide, making them valuable certifications for your study abroad journey.  

The reading section evaluates your comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills through various question types. Whether filling in the blanks or rearranging paragraphs, each task challenges different aspects of your language ability. 

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the question types you’ll encounter and how many of each you can expect, all within a 29-30 minutes timeframe.

How is the PTE Reading Section Scored? 

The scoring for the PTE Reading section is automated and based on the accuracy of your responses. Each question type contributes differently to the overall score, with the final score based on the sum of individual question scores, ensuring a fair assessment of your reading ability.

The overall performance in the Reading section contributes to your final PTE Academic score, which ranges from 10 to 90. The scoring criteria include:

• Correct/Incorrect: Some questions, such as multiple-choice single-answer, are marked as either correct or incorrect.
• Partial Credit: Reorder paragraphs and multiple-choice, multiple-answer questions award partial credit for correct responses.
• Integrated Scoring: Fill-in-the-blank questions contribute to both the reading and writing scores.

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PTE Reading Section-Wise Strategies 

You will naturally want the best results after investing approximately INR 17K (USD 202) in the exam.

But the reading section can feel like a maze, and getting lost in the details is easy. That’s where these PTE reading tips and tricks come in handy.

Here are some of the top section-wise PTE reading tips to score 90.

Multiple-Choice, Single Answer 

• Read the question first to understand what information you need.
• Skim the passage to get the main idea before reading in detail.
• Pay attention to frequency words (such as always, sometimes, never, many, all, often, only); eliminating these may help you find the right answer.
• Since there is no negative marking, answer every question instead of skipping it.
• Focus on keywords and synonyms that match the question to locate relevant information quickly.
• Nearly 60% of the answers are found in the first or last two lines of the passage.
• Practise paraphrasing by expressing ideas using different words.
• Use the elimination method to narrow down choices and improve accuracy.

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Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answers 

• Read the passage carefully to grasp the overall message.
• Avoid selecting answers based on assumptions or prior knowledge, as incorrect choices can lead to negative marking.
• Look for any repeated words in options that can help you find the right answer quickly.

Reorder Paragraphs

• Identify the topic sentence, which usually introduces the main idea (often lacks pronouns like “it” or “they”)(. Start by finding this sentence.
• Check for linking words (e.g., however, therefore) and transitional phrases that connect sentences logically.
• Use the trial and error method by placing sentences in different orders until they make sense.

Fill in the Blanks

• Read the entire sentence before selecting a word to understand the context.
• Focus on grammatical structure and context to choose the correct word. 
• Identify the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) required for each blank.
• Look for collocations  (commonly used word combinations) to select the correct option.

Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

• Read the passage carefully to understand the overall meaning.
• Focus on contextual clues in the sentence to identify the missing word.
• Pay attention to words before and after the blank to choose the correct word form.
• Think about collocations and academic vocabulary commonly used in English.
• Ensure that your chosen word fits grammatically within the sentence.

Time Management Strategies for PTE Reading

Effective time management is crucial for excelling in the PTE Reading section. Here are some key strategies.

• Skim and Scan: Quickly go through the text to get the main idea and locate key information.
• Prioritise High Scoring Questions: Focus more on Fill in the Blanks and Reorder Paragraphs as they carry higher weightage.
• Set timer: Allocate your time wisely across all questions to ensure you don’t spend too much time on one section.
• Skip and Return: If stuck, move on and return later to save time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in PTE Reading

• Misunderstanding question types: Familiarize yourself with different question formats to avoid confusion.
• Skipping Instructions: Always read the instructions carefully to understand what is required.
• Reading Every Word: Instead, focus on keywords and main ideas to save time.
• Lack of Vocabulary: Improve your vocabulary to better understand complex passages.

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How to Improve Your PTE Reading Score

Before diving straight into the PTE exam, a little preparation can make all the difference.  Like warming up before a big game, getting your mind in gear with pre-exam PTE reading tips and tricks will set you up for success. 

Whether brushing up on vocabulary or practising time management, these strategies will help you enter the exam room feeling confident and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Ready to learn how to improve reading in PTE? Check out the pre-exam PTE reading tips and tricks. 

Best Books to Prepare for PTE 

When preparing for the PTE, having suitable study materials can make all the difference. 

Below is a list of some of the best books and their authors that can help you ace the exam.

PTE Practice Tests 

Practising tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the PTE. These tests simulate the exam environment, helping you become familiar with the question formats and time constraints. 

Below is a list of top PTE practice test resources and their developers.

PTE Apps

Preparing for the PTE on the go? Several apps are designed to help you study effectively wherever you are. 

Below is a list of some of the best PTE preparation apps and their developers.

PTE Preparation at Home

Preparing for the PTE exam from the comfort of your home can be as effective as attending traditional classes, especially with the right resources and strategies. With a wealth of online materials and tools, you can tailor your study plan to fit your schedule and learning style. 

Here are some essential steps to help you prepare for the PTE at home. 

If you’re taking the PTE, your dream of studying abroad is near! Need help with the next step? Leap Scholar’s guidance counsellors are just a chat or video call away to guide you through the application process.

We offer personalised guidance to help you shortlist colleges, plan finances, review SOPs, and get through the visa process.

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