If you're preparing for the PTE Academic Exam, chances are you've already noticed that the Reading section is not just about reading. It’s a complex blend of comprehension, grammar, logic, and time management. Many test-takers fall into cleverly placed traps that can cost them crucial marks, even if their English is strong.

This guide will walk you through the most common PTE reading traps, provide helpful FAQs, share some fun facts, and help you steer clear of common mistakes that could sabotage your score.

🔍 Understanding the PTE Reading Section

The Reading section of the PTE Academic evaluates your ability to read, analyze, and understand academic English. It includes several item types:

**Multiple-choice, choose single answer

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**Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers

**
**Re-order paragraphs

**
**Reading: Fill in the blanks

**
**Reading & Writing: Fill in the blanks

**

You’ll have approximately 29–30 minutes to complete this section.

🎯 1. Trap: Focusing Too Much on Vocabulary

The mistake: Many candidates obsess over difficult vocabulary and assume that knowing fancy words is the key to scoring high.

The trap: PTE doesn't test obscure words — it tests your ability to interpret contextually appropriate words.

How to avoid it: Focus on collocations, academic phrases, and sentence structure. Instead of memorizing a dictionary, read academic articles or journals and practice word usage in context.

🔀 2. Trap: Getting Stuck on One Question

The mistake: Spending 3–5 minutes on a tricky multiple-choice question.

The trap: PTE is timed, and each section contributes to your overall score. One difficult question can rob you of time you could use elsewhere.

How to avoid it: Set a soft time limit. For example, don’t spend more than 90 seconds on a single question. Flag it mentally, make an educated guess, and move on.

🧩 3. Trap: Overthinking in Re-order Paragraphs

The mistake: Trying to “over-analyze” every sentence, which causes confusion.

The trap: Test-takers often forget that logical flow and cohesive devices are key.

How to avoid it: Identify topic sentences, look for linking words like however, therefore, or in addition, and pay attention to pronouns (he, she, it, they) that refer back to earlier ideas.

📝 4. Trap: Skipping Grammar in Fill in the Blanks

The mistake: Focusing only on vocabulary while ignoring grammatical structure.

The trap: Some options may seem correct semantically, but don’t fit grammatically.

How to avoid it: Ask yourself:

Does the tense match?
Is the subject-verb agreement correct?
Does it fit syntactically with the rest of the sentence?

Even if two options seem to work, grammar will help you narrow it down.

❌ 5. Trap: Choosing Multiple Answers Without Certainty

The mistake: Selecting 3–4 options in the "Multiple-choice, Choose Multiple Answers" section just in case.

The trap: You get negative marking for every incorrect option.

How to avoid it: Select only those options you're confident about. It's better to pick one correct answer than to lose points for three incorrect guesses.

🤯 Fun Fact:

The “Reading: Fill in the blanks” section not only tests reading skills but also secretly contributes to your writing score due to its integrated format. So yes — even when you're reading, you're being tested on writing!

📌 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Skimming or Scanning Reading every word wastes time. Learn to skim for structure and scan for details.
Relying Too Much on Intuition Sometimes, what “sounds” right might not be grammatically correct. Always double-check.
Ignoring Transition Words These are clues to paragraph structure and can help tremendously in re-order tasks.
Guessing Blindly Educated guessing is fine — blind guessing leads to negative marking in some questions.
Neglecting Practice Practice is the only way to get used to PTE’s trickiness. Use mock tests under timed conditions.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the PTE Reading section harder than IELTS?

Answer: Not necessarily. PTE Reading is more fast-paced and computer-scored. IELTS gives you more time but involves longer texts. It's about which format suits you better.

Q2: How many marks does the Reading section carry?

Answer: The reading section contributes approximately 25% of the total score, including marks that overlap with writing in the integrated tasks.

Q3: How can I improve quickly in PTE Reading?

Answer: Focus on:

Practicing mock tests regularly
Improving grammar and vocabulary in context
Timing yourself strictly while solving questions

Q4: Can I go back to previous questions in the PTE Reading section?

Answer: No. Once you click “Next,” you cannot go back. That’s why decision-making under time pressure is critical.

Q5: Is there any penalty for incorrect answers?

Answer: Yes, in “Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers,” incorrect options result in negative marking. In other question types, there's no penalty.

💡 Final Thoughts

The PTE Reading section is not about how fast you can read or how many words you know. It’s about how well you can process information, apply logic, and manage time under pressure. Avoiding common traps — like overanalyzing, ignoring grammar, or falling for negative marking pitfalls — can save you valuable points.

The key is strategy. With the right approach, even the toughest PTE reading tasks become manageable.

📚 Need More Guidance?

For more insights, practice materials, and detailed information about the PTE Academic Exam, visit 79score.com. It’s a dedicated platform offering expert resources and mock tests to help you prepare with confidence.

Also Read:

How to Use PTE Scores for Visa Applications
Top PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks Strategies to Boost Your Score

Common PTE Reading Traps to Avoid: Outsmart the Exam