PTE or the Pearson Test of English is an accepted proficiency criterion in 3500 universities worldwide. It means achieving high scores makes entry to your desired university a little easier. However, success in PTE is challenging, especially if there is not enough preparation.
There are 3 parts in this test namely, Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each of the section requires one to not only prepare but also strategise ways to quickly and accurately answer during the high-stress exam environment. With this detailed blog, we will help you with a few tips so that answering the “Reading” module is easier and you can confidently attempt it.
Understanding the PTE Reading Section
The reading section measures how well you can interpret written English in academic and everyday contexts. Here, there is a mix of 5 question types as outlined below:
- Fill in the blanks: Choose the right words/phrases to fill in a 300-word text from the dropdown menu
- Reorder paragraphs: Align sentences and paragraphs for them to make sense
- Multiple-choice questions with multiple answers: Each question will have multiple right answers, and you must choose all of them to receive complete credit
- Fill in the blanks: Find appropriate text to fill in an 80-word paragraph from a drag and drop menu
- Multiple choice questions with single answers: Identify the most suitable word or phrase from the choices provided
This part of the test usually takes 32–41 minutes. Most students feel juggling speed and accuracy to be a challenge since reading and comprehension consumes a lot of time.
Strategies to Boost Your Reading Speed for PTE
During preparations, you will come across multiple tips to ace the PTE Reading part. Here we bring all of these strategies together so you do not have to look at any other place.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Increasing the number of words you’re familiar with and their synonyms will not only help you expedite the completion of the “Reading” module but also help in answering the rest of the sections. With more knowledge of words, there is less chance of you pausing to think, thus saving time.
Though it’s a tedious process, you can steadily build your vocabulary by:
- Reading short articles or blogs daily
- Noting unfamiliar words
- Using flashcards or apps to revisit tricky terms
- Learning word families and common prefixes or suffixes
Engage With the Text Actively
When reading complex sentences and paragraphs its possible you read without understanding the meaning. This method makes the effort futile and requires re-reading. Thus, it’s critical to engage actively with each word and understand its meaning as you read. Initially, it may take a lot of time. However, in the long run, this approach will be beneficial and assist you in efficiently completing the PTE exam within the set time limit.
Try:
- Highlighting or underlining key points
- Summarising paragraphs in your own words
- Predicting what the writer might say next
Use Skimming and Scanning Together
Skimming gives you the overall idea of a passage, while scanning helps you find specific details.
For example:
- Skim first to understand the main theme
- Look for names, dates, or keywords when answering questions
- Let the question guide your scanning so you avoid unnecessary reading
Train With Timed Practice
Time awareness is a skill in itself. When you assimilate yourself with the time limit, completing the entire test becomes easy.
You can prepare yourself by:
- Using a stopwatch to see how long you spend on each task
- Adjusting your pace for different question types
- Reviewing where you lose the most time
- Focusing on improving weaker sections
Tackle Question Types One by One
As mentioned earlier, each question has a distinct format that requires you to change your thinking and answering strategies.
Here are a few tips based on each type:
- For gap-fills (drop-down and drag-and-drop), look at the surrounding words for clues
- For reorder tasks, find linking words and logical connectors
- For multiple-choice, match each answer to specific evidence in the text
Practice each section separately by implementing these tips. This will strengthen your preparation and be of great help during the exam.
Refine Your Eye Movement for Speed
You might’ve heard a lot about how one must increase the reading speed to reach a certain limit. In most cases, it is 220 words per minute. However, it isn’t easy unless you focus on reading in chunks rather than word by word.
Train yourself to:
- Take in 3–5 words at a time
- Focus on key nouns, verbs, and numbers
- Avoid going back unless absolutely necessary
Simulate Real Exam Conditions
It’s one of the most traditional and sure-shot ways of preparing for any examination. Use a timer and begin attempting as many mock tests as you can in a day. However, stopping there isn’t wise.
You must also:
- Analyse your mistakes
- Note which question types slow you down
- Track your progress over multiple attempts
Use Digital Tools to Sharpen Skills
AI-powered reading tools can help build pace by:
- Highlighting words in a timed sequence to push eye movement
- Tracking your words-per-minute speed
- Offering instant feedback and progress charts
These tools can complement, but not replace, your regular reading practice.
Read Widely and Often
Variety trains your brain to adapt to different styles.
Mix your reading materials:
- Science articles for technical terms
- Historical accounts for dates and sequences
- Opinion columns for tone and inference
- Fiction for storytelling flow and context clues
Conclusion
Improving your PTE reading speed is a gradual process. It’s about understanding the test format, building vocabulary, and practising in a way that challenges both your speed and comprehension. With consistent effort, you’ll not only read faster but also answer with greater confidence.
EnglishWise: Experienced Educators Ready to Assist You Achieve Your PTE Score Goals
At EnglishWise, we combine proven teaching methods with personalised coaching to help students excel in PTE and other English language exams. Our courses include scored mock tests, online coaching, and AI-powered practice tools designed to sharpen skills and build confidence. With centres in Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Vietnam, India, and Pakistan, support is always within reach.
