PTE
Reading

PTE Reorder Paragraphs

Master PTE Reorder Paragraphs. Learn discourse analysis techniques to quickly identify topic sentence, supporting points and conclusion. AI-scored practice.

⏱ 2–3 minutes per item 📊 High ⭐ Medium (Reading only)

What is PTE Reorder Paragraphs?

Reorder Paragraphs presents 4–6 text boxes in a random order. You drag them into the correct sequence. It tests your understanding of text structure: how ideas flow, how paragraphs link, and how arguments develop.

Strategy & Tips

  1. Find the topic sentence first — it introduces the main idea without referring to previous text.
  2. Look for pronouns (he, she, it, they, this, these) — they refer to something mentioned in a previous paragraph.
  3. Look for transition words — "However", "Furthermore", "In conclusion" signal relative position.
  4. Look for time markers — "First", "Then", "Finally" establish sequence.
  5. The concluding paragraph often summarises, draws an implication, or uses "In summary/conclusion".
  6. Confirm your order is correct by reading all boxes in sequence — does it flow logically?

How is it Scored?

  • Each adjacent pair in the correct order earns 1 point
  • Maximum: (n-1) points where n = number of text boxes
  • No negative marking — always attempt a sequence even if unsure

Frequently Asked Questions

How is PTE Reorder Paragraphs scored?
You earn 1 point for each correctly placed adjacent pair. For example, if there are 5 boxes, you can earn up to 4 points. There is no negative marking, so always arrange all boxes into a sequence.
How do I find the first paragraph in Reorder Paragraphs?
The first paragraph introduces the main topic without referring to anything previously mentioned. It will not contain pronouns like "this", "these", "they" or "such" referring to earlier text. Look for a broad introductory statement.
How many Reorder Paragraphs are in PTE?
PTE Academic typically includes 2–3 Reorder Paragraphs items. Each has 4–6 text boxes to arrange. The task is challenging but highly practisable — regular practice with a wide range of passages significantly improves performance.

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