PTE Re-order Paragraphs: PTE Reading Strategy
Re-ordering paragraphs in the PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic exam is a skill that can be honed with practice and understanding the structure of the text. In the “Re-order Paragraphs” section of the exam, you are given a set of jumbled sentences. Your task is to rearrange them in a logical, coherent order to form a well-structured paragraph.
Here are some key tips to help you effectively re-order paragraphs in the PTE exam:
1. Identify the Topic Sentence
– The topic sentence often introduces the main idea of the paragraph. It can be a general statement that the other sentences will support or elaborate on.
– Look for sentences that provide a broad idea or subject and seem to introduce the topic.
PTE Re-order Paragraphs
2. Look for Logical Connections
– The sentences in the paragraph will typically be linked by logical connectors or pronouns.
– Pay attention to transition words (e.g., “therefore,” “in addition,” “however,” “for example,” “in conclusion”) that indicate relationships between ideas.
– For instance, “however” often indicates a contrast, so a sentence following “however” will likely present a contrasting idea or example.
PTE Re-order Paragraphs
3. Check for Pronouns and References
– Pronouns (e.g., “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” “this,” “that”) often refer back to something mentioned in a previous sentence. So, when you spot a sentence with a pronoun, check if there is an earlier sentence where the noun it refers to is introduced.
– If a sentence starts with a pronoun like “this,” “these,” or “such,” try to find a sentence earlier that it is referring to.
4. Pay Attention to Sentence Types
– The sentences will generally follow a pattern of introduction, explanation, example, and conclusion.
– Look for sentences that provide an example or a detailed explanation after a general statement. For example:
General idea: “Climate change is affecting ecosystems worldwide.”
Supporting details: “For instance, rising temperatures are causing polar ice caps to melt.”
PTE Re-order Paragraphs
5. Start with the Opening Sentence
– Usually, one sentence will be the best to start the paragraph, and it often introduces the main point. Identify this sentence first, then build the rest of the paragraph around it.
– If you can’t find a strong candidate for the opening sentence, look for one that defines a concept or introduces a subject.
6. Use the Process of Elimination
– If you’re stuck on where to start, eliminate any sentences that are clearly dependent on others (for instance, sentences that start with “this” or “such”).
– Look for sentences that can logically stand alone, or are more general, as they are often the starting point.
7. Watch for Time or Cause-Effect Relationships
– Sentences with time markers (“first,” “next,” “finally,” “in the past”) or cause-effect relationships (“because,” “therefore,” “as a result”) often suggest a chronological or logical order.
– Make sure that the sequence follows a coherent timeline or logical progression.
PTE Re-order Paragraphs
8. Re-read the Whole Text
– Once you think you have the sentences in the correct order, re-read the whole paragraph to ensure that it flows naturally.
– Check if each sentence logically follows from the previous one and contributes to the overall idea.
9. Practice with PTE Sample Questions
– Familiarize yourself with the format and the types of questions you’ll encounter. Practice with sample re-order paragraph exercises to get better at recognizing common patterns and sentence structures.
– Online practice tests and PTE preparation books can be very useful.
PTE Re-order Paragraphs
10. Stay Calm and Manage Your Time
– You’ll have a limited amount of time to complete the task. Try not to dwell too long on one question. If you’re stuck, make a best guess and move on.
– Remember, you can always come back to the question if you have time left at the end.
PTE Re-order Paragraphs