The PTE Reading section is where your ability to understand written English is truly tested. Whether you’re planning to study overseas, apply for a visa, or simply prove your English proficiency, this part of the exam plays a big role in your final score.
It’s not too long, but it packs in a lot of skill-testing material. Let’s break it all down clearly so you know exactly what to expect—and how to prepare for it.
How Long Is the Reading Section?
The Reading section usually takes around 29 to 30 minutes to complete. During this time, you’ll face a mix of five different question types. You won’t see a timer for each question—your total time is shared across all the tasks. That means time management is just as important as reading comprehension.
You’ll answer around 13 to 18 questions in total, depending on the test version you get on the day. The texts vary in length and difficulty. Some are quick reads, others need a bit more focus.
WATCH VIDEO: PTE Syllabus Breakdown Series – Reading Section
Question Types in the Reading Section
Let’s look at what each task involves:
1. Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer
You’ll read a passage that’s about 300 words long. Then you’ll be asked one question with several answer options. But only one of them is correct.
This task checks if you can understand the main idea, find key details, and make basic inferences. Sounds simple, but it can be tricky if the options are closely worded.
Tip: Read the question before the passage so you know what to look for.
2. Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers
This one’s similar to the last task, but you’ll need to pick more than one correct option. The text will again be around 300 words.
You need to spot all correct answers. If you miss one—or choose a wrong one—you won’t get full marks. So, take your time and read carefully.
Tip: Don’t rush. Even one wrong choice can pull down your score.
3. Re-order Paragraphs
This task gives you a bunch of sentences or paragraphs in a jumbled order. You’ll have to drag and drop them to create a clear, logical flow.
The content is usually around 150 words. You’ll need to understand how ideas connect and what a natural paragraph structure looks like.
Tip: Look for link words, pronouns, and cause-effect clues.
4. Fill in the Blanks (Reading)
You’ll get a short passage—about 80 words—with some missing words. Your job is to choose the correct words from a list and fill in the blanks.
This tests your vocabulary and how well you understand the grammar and meaning of the sentence.
Tip: Don’t just go by word meaning—check if it fits the sentence grammatically.
5. Fill in the Blanks (Reading and Writing)
This task is longer. The passage is usually 300 words, and the blanks are scattered throughout. You’ll drag and drop the correct word into each blank from a drop-down menu.
It tests more than just vocabulary. You’ll also be judged on grammar, sentence structure, and reading comprehension.
Tip: Read the entire sentence before picking the word. Context matters.
What Skills Are Tested?
The Reading section looks at much more than just how fast you can read. It checks how well you understand what you’ve read, how you process information, and how you apply grammar knowledge in context.
Here’s what you’re really being tested on:
- Reading comprehension – Can you understand what the text is saying?
- Vocabulary – Do you know the right words in the right context?
- Grammar – Can you spot what fits naturally into a sentence?
- Skimming and scanning – Can you find information quickly?
- Logical reasoning – Can you follow the structure of a passage?
- Text flow – Do you know how ideas link together?
Every question type is connected to one or more of these skills. That’s why practicing all types is important—not just the ones you find easiest.
Smart Preparation Tips
Reading often is the best way to get better. But it’s not just about reading anything and everything. Be strategic.
Start with academic articles, opinion columns, and editorials. These are the kinds of texts you’ll see in the exam.
Practice summarising what you’ve read in your own words. It’ll help you identify the main idea, which comes in handy in the multiple-choice tasks.
Also, work on spotting signal words like however, in contrast, because, and therefore. These words give clues about how paragraphs and ideas are connected.
And don’t forget timing. Try to complete practice questions within a set time to build speed and confidence.
Conclusion
The PTE Reading section might feel like a lot at first glance. But once you know what’s coming and practice smart, it becomes a lot easier to handle. Stay consistent with your preparation, focus on building your core English skills, and keep the timing in mind.
You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be prepared.
FAQs
Q: Which reading question is the hardest?
A: That depends on your strengths. Many test-takers find Re-order Paragraphs and Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers the most challenging due to their complexity.
Q: Do I lose marks for wrong answers in reading?
A: Some tasks like Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers may have negative marking. Choosing incorrect options can reduce your score.
Q: Can I skip questions and come back to them?
A: No. Once you move to the next question in the PTE test, you can’t go back. Make sure to answer carefully before moving on.
Q: What’s the best way to prepare for the reading section?
A: Practice regularly with real PTE-style material, improve your vocabulary, and read different types of English texts daily. Also, take timed mock tests to build confidence.