Reading comprehension in PTE can be tricky, especially if you are facing unfamiliar topics or complex sentences. Many test-takers lose marks because they misunderstand the text or rush through the questions. With the right strategies, you can avoid common mistakes and improve your reading score. Here is how to avoid reading comprehension errors in PTE and approach each passage with confidence.

Read the Questions First

One of the most effective ways to tackle reading comprehension is to read the questions before reading the passage. This helps you understand what information you should focus on and what keywords to look for. By knowing the questions in advance, you’ll be able to find answers more quickly and accurately.

Skim for Main Ideas

Skimming is a valuable skill for reading comprehension. Start by quickly skimming the passage to understand the general topic and main points. Look at the first and last sentences of each paragraph, as these often contain key ideas. This will give you an overview of the content, which can make it easier to locate specific answers later.

Use Keywords to Locate Answers

Keywords are words or phrases in the questions that help you find the relevant part of the text. Once you identify the keywords in a question, go back to the passage and scan for these words or their synonyms. This will guide you directly to where you need to read in detail, saving time and reducing the risk of misinterpretation.

Do not Overthink the Answer Choices

Sometimes, answer choices can be confusing or seem similar. Avoid reading too much into them. Go back to the relevant sentence or paragraph and choose the answer that best matches the text. Trust what’s directly stated in the passage, as PTE reading comprehension questions are usually straightforward.

Practice Regularly with Reliable Materials

Using quality PTE preparation materials is essential for improving your reading comprehension skills. Regular practice will help you become familiar with the question types and build your speed and accuracy. Many students find that enrolling in PTE core coaching also helps them learn effective reading strategies and build their confidence in a structured way.