PTE 11: Avoid the PTE test trap! | Reorder Paragraphs

Summary

In this video, Pam from the PTE YouTube channel provides a detailed explanation of the 11th question type in the PTE test—reordering paragraphs. She outlines an effective three-step method for solving this question: identifying the first independent sentence, linking sentences through pronouns or linking words, and checking the flow for coherence. Pam emphasizes the importance of practice, reading non-fiction to understand paragraph structure, and using common sense to confirm answers. The video aims to help students improve their performance in this question type by applying these practical techniques.

Takeaways

• 😀 The PTE test has 21 question types, and today’s focus is on the 11th question type: Reordering Paragraphs.
• 😀 The reading section of the PTE test takes 30 to 40 minutes, with 15 to 20 questions, so aim to spend no more than two minutes per question.
• 😀 When reordering paragraphs, students often make the mistake of trying to follow typical essay structures, which can lead to errors.
• 😀 The reordering paragraphs technique has three steps: Step 1 – First Sentence, Step 2 – Linked Sentences, and Step 3 – Check.
• 😀 Step 1: The first sentence in a paragraph is independent and doesn’t need further explanation, such as 'Chocolate is sold all over the world.'
• 😀 Step 2: Use pronouns (e.g., it, they, this) to link sentences. If you find a pronoun, it indicates the sentence is not the first one.
• 😀 If you don’t find a pronoun, use linking words (e.g., however, moreover, therefore) to establish connections between sentences.
• 😀 Sometimes, after applying steps 1 and 2, you may still be unsure. In that case, use common sense (Step 3) to check the paragraph's logic.
• 😀 Reading widely and regularly helps improve your ability to intuitively understand paragraph structures and reorder sentences correctly.
• 😀 Pam suggests that self-study for reordering paragraphs should include reading non-fiction articles to improve understanding of paragraph patterns.
• 😀 Pam's program offers training tools and feedback opportunities to help students practice reading and reordering paragraphs effectively.

Q & A

What is the main topic of today's lesson?

The main topic of today's lesson is about the 11th question type in the PTE test, which is reordering paragraphs.

How many question types are there in the PTE test?

There are 21 question types in the PTE test, and today's lesson covers the 11th one.

How long does the reading section of the PTE test take?

The reading section of the PTE test takes between 30 to 40 minutes and includes 15 to 20 questions.

What is the recommended time limit for each question in the reading section?

You should aim to spend no more than two minutes on each question in the reading section.

What is the main challenge students face with the reordering paragraphs question?

Many students miss points because they try to reorder the paragraphs using typical essay structures, which is not the correct approach.

What are the three steps in the technique for reordering paragraphs?

The three steps are: Step 1 – identify the first sentence; Step 2 – link sentences using pronouns and linking words; Step 3 – check the paragraph for coherence.

What is the first step in reordering paragraphs?

The first step is to find the first sentence of the paragraph, which is independent and does not require any other sentence to explain it.

How do pronouns help in linking sentences when reordering paragraphs?

Pronouns help by referring to nouns in previous sentences. If a sentence includes a pronoun, it is linked to a previous sentence, which is important in finding the correct order.

What should you do if you cannot find a link using pronouns?

If you can't find a link using pronouns, you should use linking words like 'however,' 'furthermore,' or 'therefore' to connect the sentences.

What advice does the instructor give for self-study in reordering paragraphs?

The instructor advises reading non-fiction articles to improve the ability to recognize correct paragraph patterns, which helps answer reordering questions more easily.

Why is it helpful to read more for reordering paragraph questions?

Reading more helps develop a natural sense of correct paragraph structure, making it easier to identify the correct order of sentences without needing to analyze them in depth.