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.
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
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
Question 4
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
The force of the wave’s impact travelled across every ocean range, from the Gulf of Mexico before spreading out to the Atlantic.
The study of human prehistory suggests the mass extinction of dinosaurs was a direct consequence of a giant asteroid crashing to Earth off the coast of Mexico.
Within minutes of this collision a giant tsunami was triggered, resulting in marine animals being swept far inland.
Models measuring the scale of destruction reveal catastrophic outcomes for the planet, with the sun blocked out by particles, and chemical reactions turning the oceans acidic.
B,C,A,D
Question 5
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
For instance, open-plan layouts are associated with collaboration and freedom, while more enclosed spaces evoke privacy and focus.
Far beyond aesthetics, interior design choices can significantly impact mood, productivity, and social interaction.
It is no surprise that many companies are now hiring specialists to craft environments that align with their brand identity and employee well-being.
Lighting, colors, and spatial arrangement all contribute to the way people behave and feel in a space.
These psychological effects are now being applied in settings ranging from hospitals to corporate offices.
B,D,A,E,C
Question 6
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
The introduction of design software has allowed carpenters to simulate projects before cutting a single piece of wood.
In the past, carpentry was passed down through apprenticeships, often with a strong emphasis on manual craftsmanship.
Yet, even as tools become more advanced, foundational knowledge of joints, angles, and measurements remains vital.
Today, the field blends tradition with innovation, as digital technologies are transforming how woodwork is planned and executed.
This fusion of old and new skills has made carpentry more versatile and increasingly aligned with architectural practices.
B,D,A,C,E
Question 7
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
Once this is planned out, invite new members to join, particularly early adopters of experimental ideas, who can instantly reflect a culture of originality and help differentiate your network.
Clearly mention your targets within the statement, and explain how you aim to achieve them in a network roadmap.
To build your network, begin by summarising what it aims to achieve in a clear and concise ‘mission statement’.
As your network progresses, check in regularly with your members to ensure they are working collaboratively and liaising with each other in the way you want.
Network building is a continual process which helps you find support from people in your industry.
E,C,B,A,D
Question 8
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
For instance, vibrant reds are often used to stimulate appetite, while blues are less common due to their association with spoilage.
This is not purely for visual appeal—color has a direct influence on how we perceive taste and freshness.
Today, food coloring is a strategic tool in both marketing and manufacturing.
With increasing scrutiny over synthetic dyes, many producers are shifting toward plant-based colorants.
Studies show that consumers are more likely to enjoy or reject food based on its visual characteristics, even before tasting it.
C,B,A,E,D
Question 9
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
Every day, individuals in society engage in a number of exchanges of information which may take the form of actual conversations, text messages, emails or chats on social media platforms.
The sender or source, receiver and message comprise the most basic elements of this, whilst the medium is the transmission mode.
When this exchange occurs between two or more people, it is called the ‘communication process’.
Once the message has been successfully conveyed, received and comprehended, direct feedback (a written or spoken reply) or indirect feedback (an action response) occurs.
A,C,B,D
Question 10
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
After all, research has shown that companies which are perceived to be socially responsible are more likely to attract more consumers, proving that companies can increase their profits while also helping society.
However, in the 1970s, the influential economist Milton Friedman had very different views about what companies should focus on.
Putting aside the obvious moral criticisms of this view, even from an economic perspective, ‘Shareholder Theory’ seems problematic.
For him, the only obligation companies needed to fulfil was to their shareholders, so companies were discouraged from doing anything which could prevent them from maximising their financial gains.
Most corporate websites have sections discussing the company’s ‘social responsibility and values’.
E,B,D,C,A
Question 11
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
Titles that promise transformation or insight often appeal to those seeking motivation or guidance.
In educational settings, recommended books are not just chosen for content but also for emotional and cognitive engagement.
This psychological approach to recommending books is increasingly used in therapy, education, and even marketing.
Readers tend to select titles that align with their identity, goals, or emotional needs at a given moment.
It’s not just about what’s popular—it’s about what resonates personally and intellectually.
B,D,A,E,C
Question 12
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
Natural dyes, once replaced by chemical alternatives for efficiency, are now making a comeback in sustainable fashion.
Consumers are also growing more curious about the origin of their clothing and its environmental footprint.
The shift is driven by both environmental awareness and a return to handcrafted authenticity.
Brands are responding by incorporating eco-friendly dyeing processes and emphasizing transparency in their production.
This movement not only reduces pollution but also revives traditional dyeing techniques that had been nearly lost.
A,C,B,D,E
Question 13
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
The surface area of one recently researched lake in Asia has decreased by over sixty percent and it might disappear altogether.
If the lake is to be saved, therefore, the authorities need to look at plans to reduce the amount of water used in the region.
Hopefully, a greater awareness of water management may help to achieve a better balance between water supply and demand.
In this case, the crisis is caused not just by climate change but by new farming projects which need increased quantities of water.
It is well-known that a number of the world’s major lakes are decreasing in size as a result of climate change.
E,A,D,B,C
Question 14
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
These wingless termites will then go on to become kings and queens of newly established colonies.
Once out in the open air, mating takes place as they fly in swarms, usually for about forty minutes.
After this, the termites will land and lose their wings.
As they mature beneath the soil, they develop wings in preparation for the time when they will emerge from their colony.
Like many insects, termites display a fixed life cycle in which they live underground, fly and lay eggs at different stages of their existence.
E,D,B,C,A
Question 15
The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct order.
From furniture restoration to home decor, people are choosing to build or personalize rather than buy.
Online platforms have fueled this trend by offering tutorials, tool reviews, and design inspiration.
The do-it-yourself (DIY) movement reflects a shift toward creativity, sustainability, and self-reliance.
This cultural shift has also given rise to small businesses that began as hobby projects.
Beyond cost-saving, DIY fosters a deeper emotional connection with objects and living spaces.
C,A,B,E,D
How to approach it
- Find the topic sentence. It introduces the subject and rarely points back with this, that or it.
- Track referents. Pronouns and this must point to something already mentioned.
- Follow linkers. However, as a result and finally signal position.
- 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.