Like every other test, the PTE examination has its guidelines to be followed. And, you must be aware of all the important tips before you sit for the test.
Here are the PTE Academic Reading tips and through this, you will be able to identify the question types involved. This will make things easier to crack the questions. Also, it is important to learn about negative marking which you might tend to overlook. Surely, with the following expert tips, you will attain the best score in the PTE Reading section.
Recognizing Question types:
Remember, during the test, the test takers are not announced with the coming up questions. So, you should recognize the question by just a glance. For this, you need to practice a lot.
Factually, the question suddenly changes and takes a new form; for example, if you are working on MCQs (choose single answer), you cannot even realize that the question has been changed to MCQs (choose multiple answers). Note, both are wholly different.
Still, you can gain a knack through practice. To explain, consider the above example; MCQ choose the single answer will come up with a circle (radio button) whereas the MCQ choose multiple answers will present you with boxes to fill.
Every single question will come in a group, once you complete it, there will be no more.
Mock Test is a Great Asset:
The above recognition can be mastered only by taking regular mock tests. Never ignore mock tests as it can enhance your preparation with a tremendous change. We strongly recommend to take regular mock tests under the supervision of an expert trainer. Your trainer will provide you with instant feedback explaining your strengths and weaknesses. From that, you will be aware of your academic range and it allows you to plan your practice with respect to your target university abroad.
Be Aware of Negative Marking:
For your information, we bring to your knowledge that out of the entire PTE examination, there are 3 such question types which have negative marking. One of them prevails in the Reading section. It is Multiple Choices (choose multiple answers).
With the lowest mark ‘0’ for each single question, if you choose a correct answer, you get 1 mark and if you choose the incorrect one, you lose the mark awarded for the correct choice.
Five Assessment Areas:
To remind you, the PTE test makers focus on the following 5 important assessment areas while marking your performance. Therefore, you can expect tasks based on these areas. Fortunately, prior knowledge on these areas is definitely helpful to you.
Recognizing the Text Type:
“Practice makes man perfect”, a famous quote – through hard work and impressive practice, you will be able to recognize the text type given. Suppose, academic topics are probably abstract. If it is, read the opening and closing of the paragraph before searching for answers. Texts such as articles from newspapers and magazines are different and you should know the difference.
Topic and Gist (the central idea of a Topic):
In general, the last sentence of the introductory paragraph is a lead to the body paragraphs and of course a transition. Note that this will give a straight hint about the sub of interest of the passage given.
In addition, every paragraph’s last line with the first line of the following paragraph will convey the complete outline of the concept involved.
Purpose of the Text:
Focus on what the author is trying to say. Observe the style of explanation. Understand whether the passage is a story, a description, discussion, argument or is the author persuading you? Without fundamental knowledge on the text, you cannot respond.
Content Structure:
Structure of the content is the arrangement of the information. For example, the first part will give some background or ultimate information which is further explained through arguments, examples and reasons etc. Yet, don’t forget about vocabulary and traps.
Author’s Point of View:
Observe the way the argument is organized. Focus on the adverbs and adjectives that compel you to agree with the writer’s argument by describing it. Important, know on which side the writer positions himself and you. By understanding this, your response will be clear.
Time Management:
Do not underestimate the time management tips. Prepare yourself to know that no competitive test will provide you will an ample amount of time. You have to work in a limited and congested time frame. And, this is the truth.
Note, if your time frame in the PTE Reading Section is 32-41 minutes, you are going to get 15-20 questions to answer. You need to complete the given task in the provided time frame. And, this is the reason why experts suggest the test takers to guess the answers. Hence, be aware and work accordingly.