PTE Academic Reading: Question Types, Format & Preparation Tips
The PTE Academic Reading section is the second part of the exam and is designed to evaluate a test taker’s reading abilities. These include pronunciation, reading comprehension, speech clarity, tone, vocabulary, and grammar. It measures how effectively one can understand and interpret academic texts.
As the scoring is powered by AI, the process remains completely unbiased. In this blog, we explore the details of the PTE Academic Reading section, including the types of questions, exam format, scoring system, and useful preparation strategies.
PTE Academic Reading Section: An Overview
- The PTE Academic exam features between 53 to 74 questions spread across 20 different question types within the speaking & writing, reading, and listening sections.
- The reading section is consistent in both the home and test centre versions, maintaining the same structure and level of difficulty.
- It lasts for approximately 29 to 30 minutes and includes five different question types.
- Below, we have provided a table outlining the key features of the PTE Academic Reading section.
| Features | PTE Academic Reading Section |
|---|---|
| Types of Questions | 5 |
| Total Questions | Varies depending on the difficulty level and progress of the test taker |
| Time Duration | 29-30 Minutes |
| Text Sources | Academic journals University level textbooks Research papers |
Pattern of PTE Academic Reading Section
- The reading section is the second part of the PTE Academic test and is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to understand different forms of academic texts.
- This section includes five distinct question types, each varying in complexity.
- It features language commonly found in academic settings, similar to what students might encounter in university reading materials.
- Test takers are given approximately 29–30 minutes to complete this section.
| Question/Task Type | Task | Skill Assessed | Prompt Length | Time Duration to Respond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks | Choose words to fill in the gaps | Reading & Writing | 300 words | Not applicable |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer | Select more than a response to answer MCQ | Reading | 300 words | Not Applicable |
| Re-order Paragraphs | Put the text boxes in the correct order | Reading | 150 words | Not Applicable |
| Fill in the blanks | Drag words from the box below to fill the gaps | Reading | 80 words | Not Applicable |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | Select one response to answer MCQ | Listening & Speaking | 300 words | Not Applicable |
How to Answer Questions in the PTE Academic Reading Section?
Below, we have discussed how PTE academic test takers can respond to various types of tasks in the reading section.
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
- A text with several gaps is provided
- Choose words from the dropdown menu to fill in the blanks.
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer
- For this, test takers will read a passage
- A fixed set of questions will be provided
- They need to select all the correct response options by mouse
Re-Order Paragraphs
- In this, test takers need to restore the original order of the text by selecting text boxes in the right way.
Fill in the Blanks
- A passage with some missing words is providing
- Test takers have a list of words to use them to fill the gaps
- They need to choose the word to fill in the blanks
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
- Test takers are required to read the passage and answer the multiple-choice question.
- There are multiple options, but only one is correct.
What Skills Are Evaluated in the PTE Academic Reading Section?
As outlined earlier, the PTE Academic Reading section measures how well a test taker can comprehend and interpret academic texts. It also assesses various related skills, such as:
- Grasping main ideas and identifying the central theme of a passage
- Recognising important supporting facts and details
- Making inferences and drawing logical conclusions
- Interpreting the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary
- Understanding the tone and purpose behind the author’s writing
- Connecting ideas across different sections of the passage
- Summarising key points effectively.
General Strategies to Answer PTE Academic Reading Questions
Here are some effective strategies to tackle the PTE Academic Reading section:
- Familiarise yourself with the structure, format, and question types included in the reading section.
- Carefully read and follow all instructions provided during the test.
- Build a habit of reading academic content and news articles regularly.
- Practice identifying key ideas, summarizing content, and responding to comprehension-style questions.
- Work on managing your time effectively to complete tasks within the allotted timeframe.
- Create personalized strategies to confidently approach every question.
- Continuously practice using official PTE mock tests to strengthen your preparation.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The reading section of the PTE Academic exam evaluates a test taker’s ability to understand and interpret written academic content. Since PTE Academic is an integrated skills test, this section simultaneously assesses all core communication skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. To improve their performance, test takers are encouraged to regularly read English-language newspapers, magazines, and long-form articles to build strong reading habits and comprehension skills.
FAQs
What types of questions are included in the PTE Academic Reading section?
The PTE Academic Reading section consists of five types of questions:
- Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks
- Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers
- Re-order Paragraphs
- Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice – Single Answer
How can I prepare for the reading section of the PTE Academic test?
You can prepare effectively using the official PTE test kit, which offers access to practice materials, personalised study plans, expert guidance, and mock tests to help you perform well.
How many questions are asked in the PTE Academic Reading section?
The number of questions in the reading section isn’t fixed and can vary depending on the test format and individual test taker. On average, you can expect around 15 to 20 questions.
How do I register for the PTE exam?
To register, visit the official PTE website. From there, you can create an account, make your payment, and select your preferred test centre, location, and date to schedule your exam.
What is the required PTE score for UK universities?
PTE score requirements vary by university and program. For undergraduate courses, a score of 50–60 is generally acceptable, while postgraduate programs usually require scores between 55 and 60.
