While PTE Reading passages are shorter and seem ‘easier’ than in IELTS, you need to know what each test type tests you and adapt your strategies accordingly. Here’s how:

 

1. Fill in the Blanks (Reading)

This item tests you grammar, collocation and word forms. Reading ahead before filling out is highly recommended.

2. Fill in the Blanks (Reading with 4 options)

This item tests you grammar, collocation and linking words. Again reading ahead and knowing how much time you should spend will ensure you’ll still have time for tougher item types.

3. MCQ Single Answer

This type tests seven (7) skills in reading: Gist, purpose, details, organisation, inference, critical reasoning and tone. Recognising what skill each question asks you will give you a clue how and where to look.

4. MCQ Multiple Answer

This type tests you to match the options with the facts in the passage. Knowing which paragraph the facts lie (and what to do if there’s only one single paragraph) and how many options to pick will certainly maximise your reading score.

5. Reorder Paragraphs

This type tests your skill in singling out the topic sentence, pair up the remaining sentences and in deciding which pair follows the theme. This is the strategy to save you valuable time and still award you the marks you badly need.

 

Use these keys and you’ll go through the gate, and keep good time too, before the time is up!

 

30 May 2017

Telaga