PTE Reorder Paragraphs

PTE Reorder Paragraphs uses adjacent-pair partial credit: you earn 1 point for every two sentences correctly placed next to each other, no negative marking. With 2–3 questions per exam and roughly 9% of your Reading score, this task rewards strategic partial success over perfection. For a target of 50–60, your goal is to secure the opening sentence, lock in obvious pairs, and move on within 90–120 seconds—never chase a perfect sequence.

1. Exam Basics

Item	Details
Question count	2–3 per exam
Sentences per question	4–5 text boxes
Word limit	Up to ~150 words per set
Scoring	1 point per correct adjacent pair
Negative marking	None
Reading weight	~9% of Reading score
Recommended time	90 seconds – 2 minutes per question

Scoring example: A 5-sentence question has 4 possible pairs. If you arrange them as A-C-B-D-E instead of A-B-C-D-E, you still earn points for A-C? No—only correct adjacent pairs count. Here, B-D and D-E are correct, so you earn 2 points despite the global order being wrong .

2. Target 50–60 Score Strategy

Band 50–60 requires foundation accuracy, not perfection. Reorder Paragraphs is one of the most time-consuming Reading tasks—do not let it consume your clock.

Strategy	Reason
Time cap: 90–120 seconds	Reorder Paragraphs can easily eat 3–4 minutes if you chase perfection
Find the opening sentence first	It anchors the whole sequence and eliminates impossible options
Lock in confident pairs, not the full sequence	Adjacent-pair scoring means 2–3 secured pairs = 2–3 points regardless of global order
Never leave it blank	No negative marking; a partial arrangement still earns points

Time trade-off: Spending 4 minutes on one Reorder Paragraph means you lose time for Reading Fill in the Blanks, which carries far more weight. Reorder Paragraphs is worth ~9% of Reading; RWFIB alone can account for nearly half the section's raw points .

3. Five Core Tips

Tip 1: The Opening Sentence Is Independent

The first sentence introduces the topic without referring to anything before it. It will NOT start with:

• Pronouns: this, these, they, it, he, she
• Linking words: however, therefore, thus, another, for example
• Definite article referring to prior content: the theory, the method (unless it defines them)

Quick test: If a sentence can stand alone and make sense without a previous sentence, it is likely the opening .

Tip 2: Hunt for Cohesive Chains

Sentences connect through:

• Pronouns: "this method," "these findings," "they" → must follow the sentence introducing that noun
• Articles: "a researcher" (first mention) → "the researcher" (later reference)
• Linking words: "However" (contrast), "Therefore" (result), "For example" (example follows a general claim)

Tip 3: General Before Specific

Academic paragraphs typically move from broad concept to specific detail, example, or result . If one sentence defines a concept and another says "for example," the definition almost always comes first .

Tip 4: Work Through Confident Pairs

Instead of trying to solve the whole sequence at once, lock in pairs you are certain about:

• Definition sentence + Explanation sentence
• Cause sentence + Result sentence
• General claim + Example sentence

Once a pair is secure, the remaining boxes have fewer possible positions .

Tip 5: Read the Sequence Aloud (Quietly)

After arranging, quietly read the boxes in your chosen order. If the flow sounds abrupt or illogical, re-check. This "hearing" technique helps catch errors that silent skimming misses .

4. Practice Sample Sets (Target 50–60)

Sample Set 1

A. However, there is some debate about whether sugar-free soft drinks are actually healthy or not.
B. Other studies have shown that zero-calorie soft drinks are not worse for your health than regular soda.
C. Overall, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of diet cola.
D. Diet sodas are often consumed by people who are trying to lose weight or control their blood sugar levels.
E. Some studies have shown that beverages can actually lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Answer: D, A, E, B, C

Reason:

• D first: Introduces the topic (diet sodas and their consumers) without referring to prior content. No linking word, no pronoun reference.
• A second: "However" signals a contrast/debate following D's neutral introduction. "There is some debate" follows naturally.
• E third: "Some studies" provides evidence on one side of the debate introduced in A.
• B fourth: "Other studies" explicitly contrasts with "Some studies" in E—a clear pair. "Not worse" opposes E's negative findings.
• C last: "Overall" and "more research is needed" is a concluding statement, typical of final position .

Pairs secured: D-A, A-E, E-B, B-C. Even if you missed one, you still earn partial credit.

Sample Set 2

A. Aiming to reduce rising global temperatures, this cooperation addresses the unprecedented levels of ice melting in polar regions.
B. Climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate global attention and collaborative action.
C. Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change.
D. They face increased risks of coastal flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage.
E. As ice melts, sea levels rise, leading to increased coastal flooding and erosion.

Answer: B, A, E, C, D

Reason:

• B first: Broad topic introduction (climate change as a pressing issue). No prior reference, no linking word.
• A second: "This cooperation" refers back to "collaborative action" in B. "Aiming to reduce..." explains the purpose of that cooperation.
• E third: "As ice melts" connects to "ice melting in polar regions" from A. Cause (ice melt) → effect (sea level rise).
• C fourth: "Coastal communities" connects to "coastal flooding" in E. General statement about vulnerability.
• D last: "They" refers to "coastal communities" in C. Specific details about the risks they face.

Pair chain: B-A (cooperation reference), A-E (ice melt connection), E-C (coastal link), C-D (pronoun "they").

Sample Set 3

A. The two traditions eventually merged.
B. Another historical connection to Halloween comes from the 8th Century when Pope Gregory proclaimed November 1st to be All Saints day.
C. Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31.
D. Thus Halloween evolved into an event incorporating the saints as well as ghosts and involving dressing up in scary costumes.
E. It is related to an ancient Celtic festival where people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing Halloween. No linking word, no pronoun reference .
• E second: "It" refers to Halloween in C. Introduces the Celtic festival—the first historical connection.
• B third: "Another historical connection" signals a second point after the first (Celtic festival) in E.
• A fourth: "The two traditions" refers to the Celtic festival (E) and All Saints Day (B). "Eventually" signals sequence.
• D last: "Thus" signals a conclusion/result from the merging in A. Typical final sentence .

Why other options fail as first: A has "The two traditions" (definite article + number = prior reference). B has "Another" (implies a first). D has "Thus" (conclusion marker). E has "It" (pronoun referring to Halloween) .

Sample Set 4

A. Developing computational thinking helps students to better understand the world around them.
B. After all, some experts say coding is one of the human skills that will become obsolete as artificial intelligence grows.
C. So is it necessary for children to learn how to program computers?
D. Many of us happily drive a car without understanding what goes on under the bonnet.
E. Nevertheless, governments believe coding is an essential skill.

Answer: A, D, C, B, E

Reason:

• A first: Broad claim about computational thinking. No prior reference, no linking word.
• D second: "Many of us happily drive a car..." provides an analogy/example supporting A's point about understanding the world.
• C third: "So" signals a question arising from the analogy in D. "Is it necessary...?" follows the car analogy.
• B fourth: "After all" supports the skeptical side of the question in C. "Some experts say..." provides reasoning.
• E last: "Nevertheless" contrasts with B's skepticism. "Governments believe..." is the counter-position, typical final sentence.

Pair chain: A-D (claim + analogy), D-C (analogy + question), C-B (question + supporting reason), B-E (contrast).

Sample Set 5

A. The two traditions eventually merged.
B. Another historical connection to Halloween comes from the 8th Century when Pope Gregory proclaimed November 1st to be All Saints day.
C. Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31.
D. Thus Halloween evolved into an event incorporating the saints as well as ghosts and involving dressing up in scary costumes.
E. It is related to an ancient Celtic festival where people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason: Same structure as Sample Set 3. C first (independent topic), E second ("It" = Halloween), B third ("Another" = second connection), A fourth ("The two traditions" = Celtic + All Saints), D last ("Thus" = conclusion).

Set 1

A. This shift has also changed how companies recruit talent.
B. Remote work has transformed the modern workplace.
C. As a result, geographical boundaries no longer limit hiring.
D. It allows employees to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
E. However, this flexibility brings challenges in team cohesion.

Answer: B, D, A, C, E

Reason:

• B first: Independent topic sentence introducing remote work. No prior reference.
• D second: "It" refers to remote work in B. Explains what it allows.
• A third: "This shift" refers to the transformation described in B-D. Introduces a new effect (recruitment).
• C fourth: "As a result" signals consequence of A. Geographical boundaries no longer limit hiring.
• E last: "However" contrasts with the positive effects. Typical concluding caveat.

Pairs: B-D (pronoun), D-A (this shift), A-C (as a result), C-E (however).

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Set 2

A. The two approaches eventually converged.
B. Another method emerged from cognitive psychology in the 1950s.
C. Artificial intelligence research began in the 1940s.
D. Thus modern AI combines both symbolic reasoning and neural networks.
E. It initially focused on symbolic logic and rule-based systems.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing AI research. No prior reference.
• E second: "It" refers to AI research in C. "Initially focused" describes early work.
• B third: "Another method" signals a second approach after the first in E.
• A fourth: "The two approaches" refers to symbolic logic (E) and cognitive psychology method (B).
• D last: "Thus" signals conclusion from the convergence in A.

Pairs: C-E (pronoun), E-B (another), B-A (two approaches), A-D (thus).

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Set 3

A. This decline has been linked to habitat loss and pesticide use.
B. Bee populations have declined sharply in recent decades.
C. As a result, crop pollination has become less reliable.
D. Scientists warn that this trend threatens global food security.
E. However, some regions have seen stabilisation due to conservation efforts.

Answer: B, A, C, D, E

Reason:

• B first: Independent topic sentence introducing bee decline. No prior reference.
• A second: "This decline" refers to B. Explains causes.
• C third: "As a result" signals consequence of A. Crop pollination less reliable.
• D fourth: "This trend" refers to the cascade in A-C. Scientists warn about food security.
• E last: "However" contrasts with the negative trend. Positive note about conservation.

Pairs: B-A (this decline), A-C (as a result), C-D (this trend), D-E (however).

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Set 4

A. The two theories were eventually reconciled.
B. Another explanation came from evolutionary biology.
C. The origin of language has puzzled scholars for centuries.
D. Thus modern linguistics incorporates both social and biological factors.
E. One early theory proposed that language emerged from social interaction.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing the puzzle of language origin.
• E second: "One early theory" introduces the first explanation.
• B third: "Another explanation" signals a second theory after E.
• A fourth: "The two theories" refers to social interaction (E) and evolutionary biology (B).
• D last: "Thus" signals conclusion from reconciliation in A.

Pairs: C-E (one theory), E-B (another), B-A (two theories), A-D (thus).

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Set 5

A. This has led to increased demand for sustainable alternatives.
B. Plastic pollution has become a global environmental crisis.
C. As a result, many countries have banned single-use plastics.
D. Scientists estimate that millions of tonnes enter the oceans annually.
E. However, enforcement remains inconsistent across regions.

Answer: B, D, A, C, E

Reason:

• B first: Independent topic sentence introducing plastic pollution.
• D second: "Scientists estimate" provides supporting data for B.
• A third: "This" refers to the crisis and data in B-D. Introduces demand for alternatives.
• C fourth: "As a result" signals consequence of A. Countries ban plastics.
• E last: "However" contrasts with the positive action. Enforcement issues.

Pairs: B-D (supporting data), D-A (this), A-C (as a result), C-E (however).

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Set 6

A. The two perspectives are now seen as complementary.
B. Another view emphasises the role of environmental factors.
C. The nature versus nurture debate has a long history.
D. Thus modern psychology recognises both genetic and environmental influences.
E. One perspective argues that genetics determines most human traits.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing the debate.
• E second: "One perspective" introduces the first view (genetics).
• B third: "Another view" signals the second perspective (environment).
• A fourth: "The two perspectives" refers to genetics (E) and environment (B).
• D last: "Thus" signals conclusion from complementarity in A.

Pairs: C-E (one perspective), E-B (another), B-A (two perspectives), A-D (thus).

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Set 7

A. This warming has caused sea levels to rise.
B. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity.
C. As a result, coastal communities face increased flooding.
D. Rising temperatures are the most visible symptom.
E. However, some regions have adapted successfully.

Answer: B, D, A, C, E

Reason:

• B first: Independent topic sentence introducing climate change.
• D second: "Rising temperatures" provides the first specific symptom.
• A third: "This warming" refers to rising temperatures in D. Explains sea level rise.
• C fourth: "As a result" signals consequence of A. Coastal flooding.
• E last: "However" contrasts with the negative effects. Adaptation success.

Pairs: B-D (symptom), D-A (this warming), A-C (as a result), C-E (however).

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Set 8

A. The two approaches are often combined in modern practice.
B. Another technique involves cognitive restructuring.
C. Psychotherapy offers several methods for treating anxiety.
D. Thus therapists tailor treatment to individual needs.
E. One common approach is exposure therapy.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing psychotherapy methods.
• E second: "One common approach" introduces the first method (exposure therapy).
• B third: "Another technique" signals the second method (cognitive restructuring).
• A fourth: "The two approaches" refers to exposure (E) and cognitive restructuring (B).
• D last: "Thus" signals conclusion from combining approaches in A.

Pairs: C-E (one approach), E-B (another), B-A (two approaches), A-D (thus).

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Set 9

A. This loss has been linked to agricultural expansion.
B. Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change.
C. As a result, biodiversity in tropical regions has declined.
D. Forests absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide.
E. However, reforestation efforts have shown promising results.

Answer: B, D, A, C, E

Reason:

• B first: Independent topic sentence introducing deforestation.
• D second: "Forests absorb" explains why deforestation matters.
• A third: "This loss" refers to deforestation in B-D. Explains causes.
• C fourth: "As a result" signals consequence of A. Biodiversity decline.
• E last: "However" contrasts with the negative trend. Positive reforestation.

Pairs: B-D (explanation), D-A (this loss), A-C (as a result), C-E (however).

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Set 10

A. The two models were eventually integrated.
B. Another model focused on unconscious drives.
C. Early psychology proposed several models of the mind.
D. Thus modern psychology draws on both cognitive and psychodynamic insights.
E. One model emphasised conscious thought processes.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing models of the mind.
• E second: "One model" introduces the first model (conscious thought).
• B third: "Another model" signals the second model (unconscious drives).
• A fourth: "The two models" refers to conscious (E) and unconscious (B).
• D last: "Thus" signals conclusion from integration in A.

Pairs: C-E (one model), E-B (another), B-A (two models), A-D (thus).

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Set 11

A. This increase has been attributed to improved healthcare.
B. Life expectancy has risen dramatically over the past century.
C. As a result, many countries face ageing populations.
D. Vaccines and antibiotics played a major role.
E. However, this demographic shift brings economic challenges.

Answer: B, A, D, C, E

Reason:

• B first: Independent topic sentence introducing life expectancy.
• A second: "This increase" refers to rising life expectancy in B. Explains causes.
• D third: "Vaccines and antibiotics" provides specific examples of A.
• C fourth: "As a result" signals consequence of A-D. Ageing populations.
• E last: "However" contrasts with the positive trend. Economic challenges.

Pairs: B-A (this increase), A-D (example), D-C (as a result), C-E (however).

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Set 12

A. The two fields often overlap in practice.
B. Another discipline focuses on chemical processes.
C. Biochemistry emerged from the intersection of biology and chemistry.
D. Thus modern research frequently combines both approaches.
E. One discipline studies biological molecules.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing biochemistry.
• E second: "One discipline" introduces the first field (biology).
• B third: "Another discipline" signals the second field (chemistry).
• A fourth: "The two fields" refers to biology (E) and chemistry (B).
• D last: "Thus" signals conclusion from overlap in A.

Pairs: C-E (one discipline), E-B (another), B-A (two fields), A-D (thus).

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Set 13

A. This pollution has been linked to industrial emissions.
B. Air quality in major cities has deteriorated significantly.
C. As a result, respiratory illnesses have increased.
D. Vehicle exhaust is also a major contributor.
E. However, some cities have improved air quality through regulation.

Answer: B, A, D, C, E

Reason:

• B first: Independent topic sentence introducing air quality decline.
• A second: "This pollution" refers to deteriorated air quality in B. Explains causes.
• D third: "Vehicle exhaust" adds another contributor to A.
• C fourth: "As a result" signals consequence of A-D. Respiratory illnesses.
• E last: "However" contrasts with the negative trend. Positive regulation.

Pairs: B-A (this pollution), A-D (also), D-C (as a result), C-E (however).

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Set 14

A. The two hypotheses were tested experimentally.
B. Another hypothesis proposed a genetic basis.
C. Researchers have long debated the causes of the disorder.
D. Thus the condition is now understood as multifactorial.
E. One hypothesis suggested an environmental trigger.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing the debate.
• E second: "One hypothesis" introduces the first explanation (environmental).
• B third: "Another hypothesis" signals the second explanation (genetic).
• A fourth: "The two hypotheses" refers to environmental (E) and genetic (B).
• D last: "Thus" signals conclusion from testing in A.

Pairs: C-E (one hypothesis), E-B (another), B-A (two hypotheses), A-D (thus).

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Set 15

A. This warming has disrupted migratory patterns.
B. Arctic temperatures are rising faster than the global average.
C. As a result, some species face extinction.
D. Melting sea ice is the most visible consequence.
E. However, some animals have adapted to the changes.

Answer: B, D, A, C, E

Reason:

• B first: Independent topic sentence introducing Arctic warming.
• D second: "Melting sea ice" provides the first visible consequence.
• A third: "This warming" refers to B. Explains disruption of migration.
• C fourth: "As a result" signals consequence of A. Species extinction.
• E last: "However" contrasts with the negative effects. Adaptation.

Pairs: B-D (consequence), D-A (this warming), A-C (as a result), C-E (however).

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Set 16

A. The two theories were eventually combined.
B. Another theory emphasised social learning.
C. Developmental psychology has proposed several theories.
D. Thus modern approaches integrate both biological and social factors.
E. One theory focused on biological maturation.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing developmental theories.
• E second: "One theory" introduces the first (biological maturation).
• B third: "Another theory" signals the second (social learning).
• A fourth: "The two theories" refers to biological (E) and social (B).
• D last: "Thus" signals conclusion from combination in A.

Pairs: C-E (one theory), E-B (another), B-A (two theories), A-D (thus).

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Set 17

A. This reduction has been achieved through international agreements.
B. Ozone depletion was a major environmental concern in the 1980s.
C. As a result, ozone levels are slowly recovering.
D. The Montreal Protocol banned ozone-depleting substances.
E. However, full recovery will take decades.

Answer: B, A, D, C, E

Reason:

• B first: Independent topic sentence introducing ozone depletion.
• A second: "This reduction" refers to addressing depletion in B. Explains how.
• D third: "The Montreal Protocol" provides specific example of A.
• C fourth: "As a result" signals consequence of A-D. Ozone recovering.
• E last: "However" contrasts with the positive trend. Slow recovery.

Pairs: B-A (this reduction), A-D (example), D-C (as a result), C-E (however).

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Set 18

A. The two approaches are now used together.
B. Another method relies on statistical modelling.
C. Forecasting weather has always been challenging.
D. Thus modern forecasts are more accurate than ever.
E. One approach uses satellite data.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing weather forecasting.
• E second: "One approach" introduces the first method (satellite data).
• B third: "Another method" signals the second method (statistical modelling).
• A fourth: "The two approaches" refers to satellite (E) and statistical (B).
• D last: "Thus" signals conclusion from combining approaches in A.

Pairs: C-E (one approach), E-B (another), B-A (two approaches), A-D (thus).

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Set 19

A. This loss has been linked to urban development.
B. Wetlands provide critical ecosystem services.
C. As a result, flood protection has weakened in many regions.
D. They filter water and absorb floodwaters.
E. However, restoration projects have shown promise.

Answer: B, D, A, C, E

Reason:

• B first: Independent topic sentence introducing wetlands.
• D second: "They" refers to wetlands in B. Explains their services.
• A third: "This loss" refers to wetland degradation implied by B-D. Explains causes.
• C fourth: "As a result" signals consequence of A. Flood protection weakened.
• E last: "However" contrasts with the negative trend. Restoration promise.

Pairs: B-D (pronoun), D-A (this loss), A-C (as a result), C-E (however).

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Set 20

A. The two mechanisms were eventually unified.
B. Another mechanism involves plate subduction.
C. Geologists have proposed several mechanisms for mountain formation.
D. Thus modern geology recognises multiple converging processes.
E. One mechanism is continental collision.

Answer: C, E, B, A, D

Reason:

• C first: Independent topic sentence introducing mountain formation mechanisms.
• E second: "One mechanism" introduces the first (continental collision).
• B third: "Another mechanism" signals the second (plate subduction).
• A fourth: "The two mechanisms" refers to collision (E) and subduction (B).
• D last: "Thus" signals conclusion from unification in A.

Pairs: C-E (one mechanism), E-B (another), B-A (two mechanisms), A-D (thus).