PTE Reading Module

PTE Reading Module – Useful Tips for Each Question Type (With Samples)

The PTE Reading section includes:

1.      Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks (RW-FIB)

2.      Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (MC-MA)

3.      Re-order Paragraphs (ROP)

4.      Reading: Fill in the Blanks (R-FIB)

5.      Multiple Choice, Single Answer (MC-SA)

Let’s go one by one.

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1 Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks (RW–FIB)

This question type has high marks and affects both Reading and Writing scores.

USEFUL TIPS

• Read the whole sentence before selecting the blank.
• Focus on grammar, collocations, and word forms.
• Pay attention to:
• Noun/adjective/verb form
• Prepositions
• Subject–verb agreement
• Academic collocations (e.g., “highly recommended”, “widely accepted”)
• Use context clues: meaning of the sentence.

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Sample RW-FIB Question

Passage:
The rapid growth of online education has been widely ______ by universities around the world. Many institutions now offer full degree programs that are completely ______, allowing students to study from any location. However, some critics argue that virtual learning is not as ______ as traditional classroom teaching.

Options:

1.      supported

2.      effective

3.      accessible

4.      opposed

5.      accepted

Correct Answers:

• widely accepted
• completely accessible
• not as effective

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2 Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer (MC–MA)

This type has negative marking.

 USEFUL TIPS

• Do NOT guess. If unsure, select fewer options.
• Read the question first, then the passage.
• Identify:
• Main idea
• Supporting arguments
• Keywords (but avoid keyword traps)
• Eliminate clearly wrong options.

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Sample MC-MA Question

Question:
Which TWO statements are true according to the passage?

Passage
Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather events. While hurricanes and floods have become more common, some regions are also experiencing prolonged droughts. Scientists warn that if greenhouse gas emissions continue, these patterns will intensify in the coming decades.

Options:
A. Extreme weather events have decreased recently.
B. Droughts are affecting some regions.
C. Scientists believe emissions are unrelated.
D. Weather patterns may worsen in the future.

Correct Answers: B and D

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3 Re-order Paragraphs (ROP)

USEFUL TIPS

• Look for topic sentences (these come first).
• Identify pronouns (they refer back to earlier information).
• Look for connectors:
• However, Therefore, In addition, Instead
• Identify chronological order or cause–effect.
• Create pairs first (A → B).

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Sample ROP Question

Sentence Boxes:
A. As a result, many species struggle to adapt to the rapid changes.
B. Climate change affects natural ecosystems in several ways.
C. Rising temperatures disturb migration patterns and breeding cycles.
D. These disruptions often lead to population decline.

Correct Order:

B → C → A → D

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4 Reading: Fill in the Blanks (R–FIB)

These test vocabulary + collocations.

USEFUL TIPS

• Think of words that naturally “go together”.
• Read before and after the blank.
• Pay attention to:
• Tone (formal/academic)
• Meaning
• Grammar fit

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Sample R-FIB Question

Passage
Artificial intelligence has become a significant part of modern technology. It is used to ______ large amounts of data and to ______ patterns that humans may not easily recognize.

Options:
process | identify | reduce | divide

Correct Answers:

• used to process
• to identify patterns

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5 Multiple Choice, Single Answer (MC–SA)

USEFUL TIPS

• Read the question carefully.
• Find the main idea of the passage.
• Ignore minor details.
• Avoid keyword traps; focus on understanding.

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Sample MC-SA Question

Passage:
Studies show that children learn languages more effectively when they are exposed to diverse linguistic environments. However, the extent of exposure plays a crucial role.

Question:
What is the main idea of the passage?

Options:
A. Children learn all languages equally well.
B. Exposure is important for learning languages.
C. Children should avoid multilingual environments.
D. Language learning is impossible without teachers.

Correct Answer: B