Understanding the Re-order Paragraphs Task in PTE Academic, UKVI & Core

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Reading section's “Re-order Paragraphs” problem tests your comprehension of logical structure, coherence, and textual organization. This assignment requires reading comprehension and the ability to assess textual development and connection. Your exceptional performance in this assignment demonstrates your ability to comprehend and reassemble English concepts, a crucial skill for both academic and professional communication.

What is the Re-order Paragraphs Task?

You are given 4–5 text boxes with sentences or short paragraphs in this challenge. These boxes are chaotic and random. To make the passage reasonable, you must arrange the text boxes in the correct order.
This challenge assesses your ability to:
  • Identify the logical development of ideas.
  • Identify subject sentences, supporting facts, and conclusions.
  • Identify transitions, connections, and coherent devices.
  • Understand cause-effect linkages, contrasts, and sequencing.
There is no timeframe for each Re-order Paragraphs question, although it runs alongside the Reading part for 29–30 minutes. Time management is crucial to answering all questions in this section.

What are the Key Task Features of this task?

  • Please provide four to five scrambled sentences.
  • Arrange items in the correct format while dragging and dropping.
  • Correct pairings are awarded full marks, while incorrect pairings receive half credit.
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Types of Passages in the Re-order Paragraphs PTE Task

Understanding passage types helps uncover organizational trends and forecast information flow.
Explanatory or Informative Text
An explanatory or informative text explains a topic or method. Use definitions, illustrations, or cause-effect connections.
Examples: Environmental facts, technological breakthroughs, historical events
Texts expressing opinions or arguments
These provide their opinion with proof. Examine subject sentences, counterarguments, and conclusions.
Examples: Economic changes, ethics, and education policies
Describe or narrate sequences
These chronologically describe events or scenes. Follow time and progression terms.
Examples: These include biographies, scientific breakthroughs, and travel stories.

Re-order Paragraphs

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Sample Question 2:

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Sample Question 3:

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Tips for Acing the PTE Re-order Paragraphs Practice Task

Identify the sentence that begins with "First."
The opening line generally introduces the issue without referencing preceding thoughts. It frequently states broadly.
Locate Logical Connectors
Using “however,” “therefore,” “in contrast,” “furthermore,” and “such as” helps connect concepts.
Track pronoun and noun references.
After the noun or notion, pronouns like “this,” “these,” or “he/she/they” are used.
Ensure proper chronology and flow.
Make sure that events are ordered logically by looking for sequencing terms like “first,” “then,” “later,” and “finally.”
Practice often
Regular practice will help you understand paragraph structures.

How to Effectively Tackle Re-order Paragraphs in PTE

A structured approach helps you logically determine the correct sequence of ideas.

Step-by-Step Strategy

Carefully read all sentences:
Know each sentence's core theme and how they link.
Select the topic statement:
This would be the most generic statement, without referencing any earlier ideas.
Identify Logical Pairs or Groups:
Identify phrases that flow logically via context, examples, or transition words.
Structure from Known Connections:
Align two or three logical phrases and position others accordingly.
Review and adjust as needed:
Reread the section to ensure it makes sense and flows organically.
Carefully read all sentences:
Know each sentence's core theme and how they link.
Select the topic statement:
This would be the most generic statement, without referencing any earlier ideas.
Identify Logical Pairs or Groups:
Identify phrases that flow logically via context, examples, or transition words.
Structure from Known Connections:
Align two or three logical phrases and position others accordingly.
Review and adjust as needed:
Reread the section to ensure it makes sense and flows organically.
Practice with different passage types to acquire confidence in confronting Re-order Paragraphs and improve your PTE Academic, UKVI, or Core score
Download Rules for Solving Re-order Paragraphs

Use full video for Re-order Paragraphs

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Learn more about other questions

Your Guide to Every Section of the PTE Exam

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Speaking
Read AloudRepeat SentenceDescribe ImageRe-Tell Lecture (Academic / UKVI)Answer Short QuestionRespond to a Situation (Academic / UKVI)Summarize Group Discussion (Academic / UKVI)
Respond to a Situation (Core)
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Writing
Summarize Written TextWrite Essay
Write Email (Core)
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Reading
Fill in the Blanks (Drop Down)Multiple Choice, Multiple AnswersRe-order ParagraphsFill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop)Multiple Choice, Single Answer
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Listening
Summarize Spoken TextMultiple Choice, Multiple AnswersFill in the BlanksHighlight Correct SummaryMultiple Choice, Single AnswerSelect Missing WordHighlight Incorrect WordsWrite from Dictation

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.

Expect 2-3 reordered paragraphs in reading.

The task is located in the Reading section, but it does not have a timer.

Each right pair receives full points; each erroneous pair, half marks.

Yes, you may change answers until the timer runs out or you select Next.

This assignment boosts reading scores.