Mistakes to Avoid in PTE Reading Section

The PTE Academic exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s English proficiency across four modules: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. Among these, the Reading section often challenges students the most. Unlike Speaking or Writing, where fluency and coherence matter, Reading tests your ability to process information quickly and accurately under time pressure.

The Reading section includes several question types such as Multiple Choice Questions (Single & Multiple Answers), Re-order Paragraphs, Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing), and Reading Fill in the Blanks. Each comes with its own scoring system, meaning mistakes in even one task can bring your overall score down.

Unfortunately, many test-takers repeat the same errors in strategy, time management, and comprehension. Knowing what not to do is just as important as learning the right techniques. In this blog, we’ll discuss the biggest mistakes to avoid in the PTE Reading section and how to overcome them.

1. Mismanaging Time Across Tasks

One of the most common problems in the Reading section is poor time management. Since all questions are interdependent (time is shared among them), spending too long on one task leaves little for others.

Mistake: Spending 5–6 minutes on a single Multiple Choice Question.
How to Avoid:

Divide time wisely: e.g., 2 minutes for MCQs, 2–3 minutes for Re-order Paragraphs, and 1–2 minutes for Fill in the Blanks.
Skip and return to difficult questions if time allows.
Keep an eye on the timer throughout the test.

2. Ignoring Context in Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the Blanks (both Reading and Reading & Writing) contribute heavily to your score. Many students choose words based only on grammar or vocabulary, without considering context.

Mistake: Picking a grammatically correct option that doesn’t fit the meaning of the sentence.
How to Avoid:

Read the entire sentence and paragraph before selecting.
Use collocations (words that naturally go together, e.g., “make a decision” not “do a decision”).
Eliminate options that distort meaning, even if grammatically correct.

3. Guessing Randomly in Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers) is negatively marked. Random guessing can lower your score.

Mistake: Selecting all options or guessing blindly without reading properly.
How to Avoid:

Read the question carefully to understand exactly what is asked.
Eliminate clearly wrong answers.
If unsure, select the option(s) most supported by the text instead of guessing.

4. Not Practicing Re-order Paragraphs

Re-order Paragraphs requires strong understanding of logical flow and coherence. Many students ignore practice for this task, assuming it’s easy, only to lose marks later.

Mistake: Arranging sentences based only on keywords instead of meaning.
How to Avoid:

Identify the topic sentence first (usually general, not specific).
Look for connectors like pronouns (he, she, it, they), articles (a, the), and sequence markers (however, therefore, meanwhile).
Practice arranging 4–5 sentence paragraphs daily.

5. Overlooking Skimming and Scanning Skills

The Reading section is time-bound, and reading every single word carefully is unrealistic.

Mistake: Trying to read passages word-for-word.
How to Avoid:

Use skimming (reading quickly for the main idea) and scanning (looking for specific details).
Focus on keywords like dates, names, numbers, or repeated terms.
Train yourself to identify the “gist” of a passage within seconds.

6. Ignoring Negative Marking Strategy

In Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers), every wrong option cancels a correct one.

Mistake: Selecting three answers when only one is right.
How to Avoid:

If confident about one answer, stick with it rather than risking more.
Do not assume there are always multiple correct answers—sometimes only one is correct.

7. Weak Vocabulary and Collocations

Vocabulary plays a central role in Fill in the Blanks. Without strong word knowledge, students often guess incorrectly.

Mistake: Not recognizing collocations or misusing synonyms.
How to Avoid:

Build vocabulary by reading academic articles, newspapers, and journals.
Focus on collocations lists commonly used in PTE.
Revise word forms (noun, verb, adjective, adverb).

8. Ignoring Grammar Rules

While the Reading test is more about comprehension, grammar cannot be ignored. Many blanks require the right tense, preposition, or subject-verb agreement.

Mistake: Choosing an option that looks right but breaks grammar rules.
How to Avoid:

Revise essential grammar topics: articles, prepositions, conjunctions, verb forms.
Practice identifying errors in sample sentences.

9. Spending Too Long on Re-order Paragraphs

This task is important, but it’s not worth wasting excessive time. Many students get stuck trying to find the perfect sequence.

Mistake: Overanalyzing and re-checking paragraphs repeatedly.
How to Avoid:

Aim to spend a maximum of 2–3 minutes.
Make the best logical arrangement and move on.
Remember: partial credit is given even if only some sentences are in order.

10. Not Reviewing Before Submitting

Unlike Speaking and Writing, the Reading section allows you to go back and review. Skipping this step means leaving avoidable errors unchecked.

Mistake: Rushing through and submitting without review.
How to Avoid:

Save the last 2–3 minutes for review.
Re-check Multiple Choice and Fill in the Blanks carefully.
Correct only if you’re sure—don’t second-guess unnecessarily.

11. Lack of Regular Practice

The Reading module requires speed and accuracy, which only come with practice. Many candidates focus more on Speaking and Writing, leaving Reading unpolished.

Mistake: Practicing only once or twice before the exam.
How to Avoid:

Dedicate at least 30–45 minutes daily to Reading practice.
Take regular PTE Practice Tests to get used to timing and question types.
Analyze mistakes and learn from them instead of repeating them.

12. Not Simulating Exam Conditions

Reading in a quiet room with unlimited time is very different from the actual PTE test center experience.

Mistake: Practicing casually without exam-like conditions.
How to Avoid:

Use a PTE Mock Test to simulate the real environment.
Practice under strict time limits.
Train your brain to stay focused for the full duration.

Final Thoughts

The PTE Reading section is not just about reading skills—it’s about strategy, time management, and accuracy. Avoiding mistakes like random guessing, ignoring context, poor time management, or neglecting practice can make the difference between an average score and a high one.

To perform your best, you need both knowledge and practice under exam-like conditions. That’s where Gurully comes in. With its AI-driven platform, real-time scoring, and exam-style environment, Gurully helps you strengthen your reading skills while tracking progress. Whether you want to sharpen vocabulary, improve speed, or refine strategies, Gurully provides the tools you need.

Start your journey today with a PTE Practice Test or a full-length PTE Mock Test on Gurully—because the key to success lies in practicing smart and avoiding costly mistakes.