Reorder Paragraphs: PTE Reading Practice Questions with Sample Answers (2026)

Reorder Paragraphs shows four or five sentences in the wrong order, and you drag them into a logical paragraph. The topic sentence and pronoun links give the game away. Practice with 15 real sets below, correct orders included.

15 Questions

Practice questions

Attempt each one, then open the sample answer to compare.

Question 1

The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.

Critics argue that without substantial investment and innovation, renewables alone cannot meet global demand.

Supporters claim that transitioning to clean energy sources is essential for environmental sustainability.

However, the debate continues over how quickly and efficiently this transition can occur.

Renewable energy, such as solar and wind, has seen exponential growth in recent years.

While progress is being made, significant challenges remain in areas like storage, cost, and grid infrastructure.

D,B,C,E,A

Question 2

The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.

Scientists often present data in technical terms, while the media tends to simplify messages for public consumption.

Despite the urgency of climate change, public engagement remains inconsistent and often limited by misunderstanding.

This contrast in communication styles can lead to confusion and reduce trust in scientific messages.

As a result, collaboration between scientists and skilled communicators is essential to ensure accurate and accessible messaging.

One key barrier is the gap between scientific language and public understanding.

B,E,A,C,D

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Question 3

The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.

It was not until later that researchers started realising that it was actually negative conditions in the economy that had forced unemployment on individuals.

Therefore, the general consensus was that unemployment was an issue for individuals to deal with, rather than society as a whole, as the unemployed were themselves to blame for their unfortunate position.

Poverty was believed to be the biggest threat to social stability until rising unemployment rates towards the end of the 19th century started to ring alarm bells.

It was initially thought that some workers' faulty character traits, such as a lack of drive or pure idleness, had led to this increase.

C,D,B,A

How to approach it

  1. Find the topic sentence. It introduces the subject and rarely points back with this, that or it.
  2. Track referents. Pronouns and this must point to something already mentioned.
  3. Follow linkers. However, as a result and finally signal position.
  4. Re-read the chain. The final order should flow as one paragraph.

FAQs

How is Reorder Paragraphs scored?

One mark for every adjacent pair in the right order. Even a partly correct order earns marks.

How do I find the first sentence?

It introduces the topic and stands alone: no this, that, it, or however pointing back at something earlier.

What links the middle sentences?

Pronouns and references. This mould or such policies must point to something in the previous sentence.

Where do linkers like however and finally go?

Words like however, as a result and finally almost never start the paragraph and often mark the middle or the end.

How much time should I take?

Around 2 minutes. Lock the first sentence, chain the references, then read the full order once before submitting.

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