9 Must-Know PTE Reading Tricks To Score 90 In The Exam
Understanding The PTE Reading Section
The PTE Reading section assesses how well candidates can understand written English used in academic contexts. It appears after the Speaking and Writing section and before Listening. While it may seem less stressful than speaking, the Reading section requires sharp focus and disciplined time management.
There are several task types in PTE Reading. These include multiple choice questions, both single and multiple answers, re-order paragraphs, reading fill in the blanks and multiple choice reading with a single answer. Each task tests a different aspect of reading ability, such as comprehension, logic, vocabulary and grammar awareness.
Time pressure is a defining feature of this section. Candidates must complete all tasks within a fixed time, which varies slightly depending on the test version. Some questions also involve negative marking, meaning incorrect answers can reduce your score. This makes random guessing risky and strategy essential.
PTE Reading is scored based on correctness, but it also contributes to enabling skills. Vocabulary knowledge, grammatical understanding and comprehension accuracy all influence your overall score. Strong readers tend to perform better across the exam, which is why focused preparation using proven PTE reading techniques is so important.
Trick 1: Read The Question Before The Text
One of the most effective ways to save time in PTE Reading is to read the question before reading the text. Many candidates make the mistake of reading every word carefully, which is unnecessary and inefficient.
By reading the question first, you understand exactly what information you are looking for. This helps you identify keywords and the intent of the question. Whether the task is asking for a main idea, a specific detail or a logical connection, knowing this upfront guides your reading.
This approach helps you avoid unnecessary reading and reduces mental fatigue. Instead of processing the entire passage, you focus only on relevant sections. It is one of the best PTE exam reading tips for managing time and improving accuracy.
Trick 2: Master Skimming And Scanning Techniques
Skimming and scanning are essential skills for PTE Reading, but they serve different purposes. Skimming involves quickly reading through a text to understand the main idea and overall structure. Scanning is used to locate specific information such as names, dates or keywords.
Knowing when to use each technique is critical. Skimming works well for understanding paragraph order or identifying topic sentences. Scanning is more effective for multiple choice questions that require specific answers.
Practising these techniques under timed conditions helps build confidence. Over time, candidates learn to switch between skimming and scanning naturally, which significantly improves speed and comprehension.
Trick 3: Handle Negative Marking Questions Carefully
Negative marking is one of the biggest traps in the PTE Reading section. Tasks like multiple choice questions with multiple answers penalise incorrect choices, which means guessing can reduce your score.
Understanding which tasks involve negative marking allows you to manage risk more effectively. In these questions, it is often better to choose fewer options if you are unsure rather than selecting all possible answers.
Knowing when to skip or guess is also important. If a question seems unclear and time is limited, moving on may be the smarter choice. Strategic decision-making helps protect your score and reduce unnecessary losses.
Trick 4: Improve Vocabulary Through Context, Not Memorisation
Many candidates try to memorise long vocabulary lists, but this approach is rarely effective for PTE Reading. Instead, learning to understand words through context produces better results.
Context-based guessing involves looking at surrounding words, sentence structure and overall meaning to infer the correct answer. This skill is especially useful in reading fill in the blanks tasks, where options may look similar.
Avoid overthinking unfamiliar words. Often, you do not need to know the exact meaning to choose the correct answer. This strategy helps reduce stress and improves overall reading performance.
Trick 5: Use Grammar Clues To Fill In The Blanks
Grammar awareness is a powerful tool in PTE Reading, especially for fill in the blanks questions. Understanding sentence structure helps you predict what type of word is missing.
Identifying the part of speech, such as noun, verb, adjective or adverb, immediately narrows down options. Tense, subject verb agreement and prepositions also provide strong clues.
Eliminating incorrect options logically is often faster than searching for the perfect answer. This method is one of the most reliable PTE reading grammar tips and strategies for improving accuracy.
Trick 6: Re-Order Paragraphs Using Logical Flow
Re-order paragraphs is one of the most challenging tasks for many candidates, but it becomes manageable with the right approach. The key is to focus on logic rather than content details.
Identifying opening sentences is a good starting point. These sentences often introduce a topic without referring to previous information. Closing sentences may summarise or conclude ideas.
Pronouns, connectors and transitional words provide valuable clues. Words like however, therefore or this help establish relationships between sentences. Recognising these patterns helps you build coherent paragraph flow efficiently.
Trick 7: Manage Time Aggressively In Long Reading Tasks
Time management is critical in longer reading tasks. Spending too much time on one question can affect performance in the rest of the section.
Allocating a rough time limit per question helps maintain balance. If a question is taking too long, it may be better to move on and return later if time allows.
Avoiding time traps, such as rereading the same paragraph repeatedly, is essential. Balancing accuracy and speed requires practice, but it is a key skill for anyone aiming to improve PTE reading score significantly.
Trick 8: Practise Active Reading Instead Of Passive Reading
Active reading involves engaging with the text rather than reading passively. This means staying mentally alert and focused on the task objective.
Highlighting keywords mentally, predicting answers and questioning the logic of sentences keeps your mind engaged. This reduces the need to reread and improves retention.
Avoid reading on autopilot. Passive reading often leads to missed details and wasted time. Active reading helps you stay efficient and accurate under exam conditions.
Trick 9: Practise With Real PTE-Style Mock Tests
Mock tests that closely match real PTE exams are essential for high-level preparation. They help you experience actual time pressure and task sequencing.
Analysing mistakes after each mock test is where real improvement happens. Look for patterns, such as consistent errors in certain task types or timing issues.
Tracking score improvement across attempts builds confidence and shows whether strategies are working. Regular mock practice is one of the most effective ways to apply the best PTE reading tips in a real exam setting.
Common PTE Reading Mistakes That Lower Scores
Many candidates lose marks due to avoidable habits. Reading every word carefully wastes time and reduces efficiency. Ignoring negative marking leads to unnecessary score penalties.
Overthinking answers can be just as harmful as rushing. Often, the simplest option supported by the text is correct. Poor time control, especially in longer tasks, can prevent candidates from completing the section effectively.
Recognising these mistakes early and addressing them through targeted practice can lead to noticeable score improvements.
How PTE Reading Skills Support Other Sections
Strong reading skills have a direct impact on Writing. A wider vocabulary and better sentence comprehension lead to clearer, more accurate essays.
Reading also supports Listening and Speaking. Understanding structure and meaning helps with summarising spoken text and responding to integrated tasks. This is why integrated preparation is essential for achieving high overall scores.
At MELC Australia, students are guided to develop reading skills in a way that supports performance across all sections, not in isolation.
Key Takeaways
Scoring 90 in PTE Reading is achievable with the right strategies and consistent practice. Understanding the exam format, managing time effectively and applying targeted reading tricks can significantly improve performance. Strategy matters more than speed, and accuracy should always guide decision-making.
Candidates who practise regularly, analyse mistakes and stay focused on exam-specific techniques are more likely to succeed. For those seeking structured guidance, MELC Australia offers expert-led PTE coaching designed to build confidence and deliver results. With personalised support and proven methods, aspiring candidates can take confident steps towards achieving a 90 score for study, work or migration goals.