Introduction: Feeling Pressured by the PTE Reading Section?

If you’re an Indian student aiming to study or settle abroad, chances are the PTE (Pearson Test of English) is on your radar. And let’s be real—the Reading section often feels like a race against time. You’ve got just minutes to scan, process, and answer a mix of questions. Stressful? Definitely. But with the right strategy, you can save time, avoid silly mistakes, and even enjoy the process a bit.

In this guide, we’ll break down practical, easy-to-follow tips to ace the PTE Reading section and avoid the traps that many test-takers (especially first-timers from India) fall into. No fancy jargon, just real advice to help you read smart—not just fast.

What’s Inside the PTE Reading Section?

Before we jump into the tips, let’s quickly understand what you’re dealing with. The Reading section is designed to test how well you understand academic English.

Total Time: Around 29–30 minutes

Question Types:

• Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
• Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
• Re-order Paragraphs
• Fill in the Blanks (Reading only)
• Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Time isn’t divided per question—you manage it across all tasks.

Top Time-Saving Tips for PTE Reading

1. Start with Fill in the Blanks (High-Scoring First!)

These carry more weight in scoring. Begin with:

• Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
• Reading: Fill in the Blanks

Why? They’re grammar + vocab-based, and give more scoring bang for your buck.

Pro Tip: Practice collocations (word pairs like “make a decision” or “take responsibility”) using resources like the PTE Collocation List.

2. Don’t Spend More Than 2 Minutes per Question

Set an internal timer. If a question’s taking too long:

• Take your best guess
• Move on without regret

You can’t afford to lose time on one question and rush through the rest.

3. Skim First, Then Read Deeply

For passages:

• First, skim to get the gist
• Then read details only where needed (especially in multiple choice)

This trick saves mental energy and time.

4. Eliminate Clearly Wrong Options First

Especially useful in multiple choice:

• Knock out 2 obvious wrong answers
• Then choose between the remaining ones

This boosts accuracy and cuts time spent second-guessing.

5. Use Grammar Clues in Blanks

In Fill in the Blanks:

• Look at the words before/after the blank
• Use your gut feel for grammar (yes, your “Desi English instinct” works!)

For example:

"He ___ a book every night."

The answer isn’t readed or reading, right? Trust your ear!

Common Pitfalls Indian Students Must Avoid

1. Spending Too Much Time on Re-ordering Paragraphs

Yes, these can be tricky. But don’t fall into the trap of trying to make it perfect. Try this instead:

• Look for topic sentences (usually first)
• Watch for connecting words like however, moreover, etc.

Then move on! Trust your first order unless it seems obviously wrong.

2. Misreading Questions Due to Rushing

Sometimes we assume what the question is asking instead of reading it carefully.

Slow down just enough to read the question properly before answering.

3. Guessing Without Strategy

Guessing randomly can be worse than skipping in Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers, as wrong choices get penalized.

Instead:

• Choose only the ones you’re confident about
• If unsure, select fewer, not more

4. Not Reviewing Answers If Time Permits

If you finish early (rare, but possible), review high-weight questions like Fill in the Blanks—not the tricky multiple choice ones.

Bonus: Smart Practice Resources for Indian Learners

• Pearson Official PTE Practice App
• PTE Tutorials (Aussizz Group)
• Touchstone Educationals PTE – popular among Indian aspirants

Also, joining local coaching groups (even online WhatsApp or Telegram groups) can help you stay motivated and get quick doubt clarifications.

Conclusion: You Don’t Need to Read Faster—Just Smarter

Look, cracking the PTE Reading section isn’t about turning into a speed reader overnight. It’s about strategy, practice, and confidence. As an Indian student, you already juggle exam pressure like a pro. So take a deep breath, apply these tips, and go into that exam with a game plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much time should I spend on each PTE Reading question?

Aim for 1.5–2 minutes per question, but give priority to higher-scoring tasks like Fill in the Blanks.

2. Which PTE Reading question type is the hardest?

Most students find Re-order Paragraphs and Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers tricky. But with practice, they’re manageable.

3. Do wrong answers in multiple-choice affect my score?

Yes—for Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers, wrong options can reduce your score. So be cautious with guessing.

4. Is the PTE Reading section adaptive like IELTS?

No, PTE Reading has fixed question types and order. It’s not adaptive, but time is limited.

5. What’s the best way to improve my reading speed?

Don’t focus only on speed. Instead, practice skimming, scanning, and identifying key info quickly. Reading newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express' editorial pages daily helps.

6. Can I use my own knowledge to answer?

No, always base your answers only on the text provided—even if you think you know the topic.