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PTE Core · Reading · R3

PTE Core Reading: Reorder Paragraph

Reorder Paragraph gives you several text boxes in a jumbled order, and you drag them into the order that makes a logical, connected text. There are 2 to 3 of these in the Reading part of PTE Core. Pairs of boxes placed correctly next to each other earn credit.

Items per test
2–3
Response
Drag or move boxes into order
Answer
One best overall order
Timing
Shares the Part 2 Reading time

How it works

  1. 1Read all the boxes once to understand the topic.
  2. 2Find the sentence that can stand alone as the opening.
  3. 3Link the remaining boxes using pronouns, time words and connectors.
  4. 4Read the finished order from top to bottom to check it flows.

Sample task

Original sample · not from an official test

A: After that, they receive a staff ID card from reception. B: New employees first complete an online safety course. C: Finally, their manager shows them around the building. D: Once the course is finished, they can book an ID photo.

Show a strong response

Outline: B, D, A, C

B introduces "new employees" and has no reference back to anything earlier. D refers to "the course" from B, A continues with "after that" and C closes with "finally".

Tips that work

  • The opening box usually names the topic in full and has no "this", "they" or "however" pointing back.
  • Pair boxes first. If one box explains a word introduced in another, they almost certainly sit together.
  • Use sequence words such as "first", "then", "once" and "finally" as anchors.
  • Check that each "it" or "they" has something clear to refer to in the box above.

Common mistakes

  • Starting with a box that begins with "This" or "However".
  • Ordering by topic similarity rather than by logical connection.

Questions candidates ask

Do I get partial marks in Reorder Paragraph?

Yes. Credit is given for adjacent pairs in the correct order, so getting most of the sequence right still counts.

Can I use the keyboard instead of dragging?

On EnglishHub you can move boxes with the keyboard or by dragging, so the task works on a phone too.

What kind of texts appear?

Short everyday and workplace texts such as procedures, notices and simple explanations.

Other PTE Core Reading tasks

PTE Core overviewPTE Core Reading: all partsPTE Core full mock testsPTE Core articles on the blog