
PTE REORDER PARAGRAPHS – TIPS & STRATEGIES FOR HIGH SCORES
The Reorder Paragraphs task in the PTE Reading section is designed to assess your ability to understand the logical sequence of ideas. You are presented with a set of jumbled sentences and must arrange them in the correct order to form a coherent passage. This requires strong comprehension skills, the ability to identify logical connections, and a clear understanding of sentence structures.
One of the most important strategies for tackling this task is identifying the topic sentence. The topic sentence is always the one that introduces the main idea of the passage. It usually does not contain pronouns such as “he,” “she,” “they,” or “it” unless the subject has already been introduced. Additionally, it avoids transitional phrases like “however” or “therefore,” which indicate a continuation of a previous idea. By recognizing the sentence that sets the stage for the rest of the passage, you can establish a solid starting point for arranging the remaining sentences.
PTE REORDER PARAGRAPHS
Once the topic sentence is identified, the next step is to look for logical connections between the remaining sentences. Sentences often follow a general-to-specific structure, where the main idea is introduced first, followed by supporting details or examples. Cause-and-effect relationships are also common, where one sentence presents an issue and another provides an explanation or consequence. Recognizing these patterns can help determine the correct order. Words like “because,” “due to,” and “as a result” often indicate cause-and-effect relationships, while chronological order may be signaled by words like “first,” “next,” “then,” and “finally.”
Pronouns and references are another crucial element to consider when arranging sentences. A sentence that begins with “this,” “these,” “that,” or “those” usually refers to something mentioned earlier. This means it cannot be the opening sentence. Similarly, definite articles like “the” indicate that something specific has already been introduced, whereas indefinite articles like “a” or “an” introduce a new idea. Identifying these grammatical clues can guide you in sequencing the sentences correctly.
PTE REORDER PARAGRAPHS
After arranging the sentences based on logical connections, it is essential to review the passage for coherence. Reading the sentences in order and checking if they form a logical flow will help identify any inconsistencies. If something feels out of place, reconsider the placement of certain sentences. Sometimes, reading the passage aloud can make it easier to detect unnatural transitions or abrupt shifts in ideas.
Since the PTE Reading section is not timed per question, managing your overall time effectively is crucial. Ideally, you should spend around 30 to 40 seconds identifying the topic sentence, another minute arranging the remaining sentences, and a few seconds reviewing your final sequence. If you are unsure about certain sentences, make an educated guess rather than spending too much time on a single question.
PTE REORDER PARAGRAPHS
To improve your performance in this task, regular practice is essential. Engaging with a variety of texts, including news articles, academic essays, and opinion pieces, can help develop a natural sense of logical sequencing. Additionally, practicing with PTE-style paragraph reordering exercises will familiarize you with common sentence structures and patterns.
By mastering the skill of identifying topic sentences, recognizing logical connections, and using grammatical clues, you can significantly improve your ability to reorder paragraphs accurately. Consistent practice and strategic time management will ensure that you approach this task with confidence and efficiency.
PTE REORDER PARAGRAPHS

PTE REORDER PARAGRAPHS