Step-by-Step PTE Reading Practice Guide with Free Questions 

The PTE Academic Reading section is often considered one of the trickiest parts of the exam. It tests your ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written English. If you want to achieve a high score, mastering the reading section is crucial. In this guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step PTE reading practice approach, including tips, common mistakes to avoid, free questions for practice, and recommendations for reliable resources like PTE mock tests and PTE practice tests available on Gurully.com.

Understanding the PTE Reading Section

The PTE Reading section consists of three main types of questions:

1. Multiple-choice, choose single answer
   
   

2. Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers
   
   

3. Reorder paragraphs
   
   

4. Fill in the blanks (reading & writing)
   
   

The section lasts 32-41 minutes, depending on the version of the test, and contributes 30-32% of your overall score. You are tested on both your reading comprehension skills and your ability to understand vocabulary in context.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Level

Before you start practicing, it’s essential to know your current reading level. You can take a free PTE mock test on Gurully.com to get a baseline score. This helps identify which question types you struggle with the most. For instance, some test-takers find reorder paragraphs challenging, while others struggle with multiple-choice questions.

Tip: Track your scores over time. Record the date and time of each practice session to measure progress.

Step 2: Build Vocabulary

Vocabulary is the backbone of the reading section. The more words you know, the faster you can comprehend passages.

Tips for vocabulary building:

• Read academic articles, newspapers, and journals daily.
  
  

• Make a list of new words, their meanings, synonyms, and example sentences.
  
  

• Use flashcards to review words regularly.
  
  

• Focus on collocations—words that often appear together.
  
  

Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t just memorize random words. Contextual understanding is crucial. For example, the word “issue” could mean a problem or a topic depending on the context.

Step 3: Understand the Question Types

1. Multiple-choice Questions

Single answer: Focus on understanding the main idea of the paragraph.

Multiple answers: Carefully read all options; sometimes multiple statements may seem correct. Eliminate choices based on evidence from the text.

2. Reorder Paragraphs

• Look for logical connectors like “however,” “therefore,” “firstly,” and “in conclusion.”
  
  

• Identify the topic sentence of each paragraph. It usually introduces the main idea.
  
  

• Understand the flow of ideas. Ask yourself: “Which sentence naturally follows this one?”
  
  

3. Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)

• Use grammar and context clues.
  
  

• Pay attention to prepositions, articles, and tenses.
  
  

• Sometimes the blanks require exact words from the text; sometimes synonyms are acceptable.
  
  

Tip: Avoid spending too much time on a single question. If stuck, mark it and move on—you can return if time allows.

Step 4: Practice with Free PTE Questions

Using free questions helps simulate real test conditions. Gurully.com provides free PTE reading practice tests with real exam-like questions. Here’s a small sample question to try:

Passage Sample:
“Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century. Rising global temperatures have caused ice sheets to melt, resulting in rising sea levels…”

Question: Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
a) Ice sheets are growing due to climate change.
b) Rising sea levels are a consequence of melting ice sheets.
c) Climate change is not considered serious.
d) Global temperatures have remained stable.

Answer: b) Rising sea levels are a consequence of melting ice sheets.

Step 5: Time Management

Time management is critical in the PTE Reading section. Most test-takers spend too long on complex questions, leaving easier questions unanswered.

Tips:

• Practice timed reading exercises regularly.
  
  

• Allocate about 1 minute per question for multiple-choice questions and slightly more for reorder paragraphs.
  
  

• If a question seems too tricky, skip and come back later.
  
  

Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes

• Relying solely on your first impression: Always verify your answers with the text.
  
  

• Ignoring instructions: Some questions require selecting multiple options or typing exact words.
  
  

• Overreading the passage: Focus on the relevant section only.
  
  

• Neglecting vocabulary: Unfamiliar words can slow you down significantly.
  
  

Fact: According to Pearson, PTE Academic scores are calculated on the basis of correct answers, not speed, but managing time well ensures you attempt all questions.

Step 7: Review and Analyze

After completing a practice test or questions:

• Review all mistakes carefully.
  
  

• Identify patterns: Are you losing marks on vocabulary-heavy questions or paragraph reordering?
  
  

• Record your date and time of practice, score, and notes for improvement.
  
  

Tip: Regular review helps improve accuracy and confidence.

Step 8: Take Regular PTE Mock Tests

PTE mock tests are essential because they simulate real exam conditions. Gurully.com offers free mock tests and PTE practice tests, which allow you to:

• Track your score trends
  
  

• Identify weak areas
  
  

• Get accustomed to the exam interface
  
  

• Reduce exam-day anxiety
  
  

Step 9: Additional Tips

• Read English daily: Focus on newspapers, academic journals, and online articles.
  
  

• Highlight keywords: While practicing, underline names, dates, and figures.
  
  

• Paraphrasing practice: PTE often asks questions where the answer is synonymous with the passage.
  
  

• Set a study schedule: Dedicate at least 30-60 minutes daily to reading practice.
  
  

Step 10: Resources

1. Gurully.com – Free PTE practice tests and mock tests.
   
   

2. Official PTE Academic website – For practice tips and sample questions.
   
   

3. Online vocabulary tools – For building academic English vocabulary.
   
   

4. Reading journals – For enhancing comprehension skills.
   
   

FAQs

Q1. How long should I practice reading daily for PTE?
A: At least 30-60 minutes per day. Gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the passages.

Q2. Can I score high without improving vocabulary?
A: Vocabulary is crucial. Limited vocabulary can slow you down and lower accuracy.

Q3. Should I practice full-length tests or small question sets?
A: Both. Start with small sets for focused practice, then move to full-length mock tests to build stamina.

Q4. Are Gurully’s PTE practice tests free?
A: Yes, Gurully.com provides free PTE mock tests and reading practice tests to help students prepare effectively.

Q5. How do I avoid common mistakes in reorder paragraph questions?
A: Look for topic sentences, logical connectors, and understand the passage flow.

Conclusion

Achieving a high score in the PTE Reading section requires structured practice, strong vocabulary, effective time management, and consistent review. By following this step-by-step guide, using free PTE reading practice questions, and taking mock tests on Gurully.com, you can build confidence and maximize your score. Remember, practice is the key—track your progress, avoid common mistakes, and refine your strategy continuously.

Start your PTE reading practice today and see the improvement in your comprehension, speed, and accuracy.

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