Solve Reorder Paragraph by finding a possible opener and then joining text boxes into evidence-based pairs. References such as “this result” and sequence signals such as “however” are stronger than arranging sentences by topic alone.
Current format
Several text boxes appear in random order. You move them into the correct sequence by dragging or using the interface arrows. Pearson lists prompts up to 110 words for both PTE Academic/UKVI and PTE Core. Reading is the assessed skill, and no separate answer time is listed.
What scoring rewards
Pearson says a completely correct order earns maximum points and partial credit applies when one or more boxes are misplaced. The response is judged on organisation and cohesion.
That supports a pair-building approach: when the entire order is uncertain, keep adjacent links you can justify. The current score guides specify one point for each correctly ordered adjacent pair, with a minimum of zero. This is not a mark for each sentence in its absolute position. There is no prescribed per-item timer, and raw pair points cannot be converted directly into a 10–90 Reading prediction.
Find the opening sentence
A strong opener usually introduces the topic without requiring earlier information. It is less likely to begin with a backward reference such as this, these, he, she, or such a change. It may define a concept, name a subject, or state the main claim.
These are evidence-based clues, not absolute bans on particular first words. A sentence beginning with “The” can introduce an identifiable subject without an earlier “a” sentence. Likewise, a connector must refer to a real logical relationship, not simply look like an opening or ending signal.
Do not automatically choose the broadest sentence. Test whether every noun and reference can be understood without another box.
Build adjacent pairs
Look for links that constrain order:
- noun first, then pronoun: “a new sensor” before “the device”;
- claim first, then example: “Several factors matter” before “For instance…”;
- event first, then consequence: cause before “as a result”;
- old position before contrast: statement before “however”;
- question before its answer.
Combine your strongest pairs, then check whether the resulting paragraph develops naturally.
Original practice example
Boxes:
A. “This finding led the team to repeat the trial in colder conditions.”
B. “Researchers tested a battery coating at room temperature.”
C. “The second trial showed that performance fell sharply below freezing.”
D. “Their first results suggested that the coating slowed energy loss.”
Order: B–D–A–C. “Their first results” needs the researchers and test in B. “This finding” refers to D, and “second trial” follows the decision to repeat in A. This example is original.
Count adjacent pairs correctly
For the original battery example, the complete sequence B–D–A–C contains three correct directed pairs: B→D, D→A and A→C. Four boxes have three adjacent boundaries, not four.
Suppose you submit B–D–C–A:
| Submitted pair | Matches the original sequence? |
|---|---|
| B→D | Yes |
| D→C | No |
| C→A | No |
That arrangement retains one correct adjacent pair. “C→A” does not earn the “A→C” point because direction matters. B being first is not an extra standalone point. Use the same boundary-by-boundary method when reviewing your own practice attempts.
This explains why random whole-paragraph reshuffling is unhelpful: it can destroy a pair you already justified. Keep strong links together while testing where the remaining box belongs. Do not assume that every plausible pair earns credit; it must match the source order.
A second original cohesion exercise
Arrange these three boxes before reading the explanation:
A. However, the frozen items could not be placed in this area.
B. The store created a separate collection area for online orders.
C. They required refrigerated storage until customers arrived.
The order is B–A–C. B introduces the collection area, which “this area” in A refers back to. A then introduces the frozen items that “They” in C explains. The contrast is between a general collection area and goods needing different storage.
Repeated topic words alone do not establish that chain. “Orders” and “customers” belong to the same setting, but the tighter reference is from “frozen items” to the need for refrigeration. This is fictional teaching material, not a recalled Pearson item.
A practical checking routine
Read the proposed order without pauses between boxes. Check that time moves sensibly, references have earlier nouns, and connectors express the relationship actually present. Then ask whether the final sentence closes or advances the topic rather than suddenly introducing an unexplained subject.
Review an error by writing the missing link: “this finding → first results” is more useful than “wrong order.” For clause-level grammar work, use Reading Fill in the Blanks; for broader idea selection, use Highlight Correct Summary.
Use official preparation resources for Academic or Core and watch the shared Reading timer. The time-management guide helps you review time use without presenting a practice allocation as an exam rule.
Common mistakes
- Ordering by repeated vocabulary while ignoring reference direction.
- Putting a sentence with an unexplained backward reference first.
- Treating however as a general transition without finding a real contrast.
- Repeatedly moving every box instead of locking strong pairs.
- Assuming time order when the text is organised by claim and evidence.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a Reorder Paragraph prompt be?
Pearson currently lists up to 110 words for both PTE Academic/UKVI and PTE Core.
Do I get partial credit if the whole order is not correct?
Yes. Pearson states that partial-credit scoring applies when one or more text boxes are in the wrong order.
Conclusion
Reorder Paragraph is a cohesion task. Start with a self-contained sentence, build adjacent pairs from linguistic evidence, and validate the paragraph as one continuous argument.
Useful Resources & References
- Pearson PTE Academic and UKVI Reading format — current Academic prompt length, interaction and partial-credit description (accessed 28 October 2026).
- Pearson PTE Core Reading format — current Core prompt length and task guidance (accessed 28 October 2026).
- Current Academic Score Guide
- 2026 Core Score Guide
