A Detective’s Guide to Solving PTE Re-order Paragraphs

In the middle of the PTE Reading section, you’ll encounter a question that feels less like a language test and more like a logic puzzle: Re-order Paragraphs. You are given a set of jumbled text boxes and asked to put them back into their correct, logical sequence. For many, this task can be a frustrating and time-consuming roadblock.

But what if you approached it not as a test, but as a case to be solved?

This guide will turn you into a textual detective. We’re going to put away the complicated theories and give you a simple, powerful toolkit for finding clues, identifying connections, and piecing the story back together. By the end, you’ll have a clear method to solve any Re-order Paragraph puzzle that comes your way.

Re-order Paragraphs Overview and Scoring

First, let’s understand your objective and how you’re scored.

The Goal of the Task

You will see two columns. On the left are 4-5 text boxes in a random order. On the right is an empty area. Your job is to drag the boxes from the left to the right, arranging them in the original, coherent paragraph order.

The “Correct Pairs” Scoring System

The scoring is unique and crucial to understand. You do not get points for putting one box in the right position. You only get points for correctly connected pairs.

• For example, if the correct order is A-B-C-D, you get one point for the A-B pair, one for the B-C pair, and one for the C-D pair. A perfect answer yields 3 points.
• If you answer A-C-B-D, you get zero points, because no two adjacent boxes are correct.
• The takeaway: Your primary goal is to find the links between sentences.

Your Toolkit: Finding Clues in PTE Re-order Paragraphs

Every jumbled paragraph contains a set of clues. Your job is to find and use them. Here are the three most important types of clues to look for.

Clue #1: How to Find the Topic Sentence

Every good paragraph has one sentence that can stand on its own without needing any prior context. This is your topic sentence, and it is almost always the first sentence of the paragraph. Your first and most important job is to find it.

An independent sentence:

• Introduces the main subject of the paragraph.
• Does not start with a connecting word like “But,” “However,” “Therefore,” or “Additionally.”
• Does not contain pronouns like “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” or “this” that refer to something not yet mentioned.

Example:

• Sentence A: Furthermore, this approach has been criticized. (Not independent – starts with “Furthermore” and has “this approach”)
• Sentence B: The concept of renewable energy has gained significant traction in recent years. (A perfect independent sentence. It introduces the main topic.)

Clue #2: Using Pronouns and Transition Words

Once you have your topic sentence, the other sentences will connect to it and to each other using specific words. You need to follow this trail.

• Pronouns: Look for words like it, they, he, this, that. A sentence containing one of these words must come after the sentence that introduces the noun it’s referring to.
  • Example: If one sentence mentions “solar panels,” a later sentence might refer to them as “they.” You’ve found a pair.
• Transition Words: These words show the relationship between ideas.
  • Contrast: However, But, On the other hand (signals a change in direction).
  • Continuation: Furthermore, Additionally, Moreover (adds a similar point).
  • Result: Therefore, Consequently, As a result (shows a cause and effect).

Clue #3: Following Logical and Chronological Order

Sometimes, the connection is based on simple, real-world logic, often related to time or a process.

• Chronology: Look for dates (1990 must come before 2020), historical periods, or words that signal a sequence (first, then, next, finally).
• Cause and Effect: An event that causes something must be mentioned before the effect it has.

A Worked Example: Solving a Re-order Paragraphs Question

Let’s use our detective’s toolkit to solve a case.

Jumbled Sentences:

• A. However, this growth has not been without its challenges, including issues of intermittency and grid integration.
• B. The primary drivers for this shift have been environmental concerns and falling technology costs.
• C. Consequently, significant research is now focused on developing better energy storage solutions.
• D. The adoption of renewable energy sources like wind and solar has expanded rapidly over the past decade.

The Solution Process:

1. Find the Independent Sentence:
   • A starts with “However” and has “this growth” – not independent.
   • B mentions “this shift” – not independent.
   • C starts with “Consequently” – not independent.
   • D introduces the main topic (“adoption of renewable energy”) and can stand alone. D is our topic sentence.
     
2. Find the Next Clue: Our paragraph starts with D. D talks about “expanded rapidly” (growth).
   • Sentence A mentions “this growth.” This is a direct link to D. So, the order is likely D-A.
   • Sentence B mentions “this shift.” The “shift” is the expansion of renewable energy mentioned in D. B could also follow D.
     
3. Compare the Links: Which is a better fit after D, A or B?
   • D -> A: “…expanded rapidly… However, this growth has not been without its challenges…” This is a perfect logical connection.
   • D -> B: “…expanded rapidly… The primary drivers for this shift have been…” This also works logically.
   • Let’s look ahead. A introduces “challenges.” C begins with “Consequently” and talks about a “solution” to a problem. This strongly suggests that A must come before C. The “challenges” in A are the cause, and the “research” in C is the result. So, we have an A-C pair.
     
4. Assemble the Final Order:
   
   • We know D is first.
   • We have a strong D-A link.
   • We have a very strong A-C link.
   • Let’s test the order D-A-B-C: “…challenges… The primary drivers for this shift… Consequently, research…” The logic breaks.
   • Let’s test D-B-A-C: “…past decade. The primary drivers… have been… However, this growth… has challenges… Consequently, research is focused on solutions.” This flows perfectly.
     
5. The Correct Answer: D-B-A-C.

A Smart Practice Plan for Re-order Paragraphs

You get better at this task not by memorizing, but by training your brain to see patterns.

• Active Reading: When you do your daily reading for vocabulary, pay attention to how authors structure their paragraphs. Notice how they use pronouns and transition words to link their ideas. This builds your intuitive understanding.
• Focused Practice: When you practice on the PTE Re-order Paragraphs page, don’t just drag and drop. For each question, consciously identify your topic sentence first, then actively look for the pronoun and transition word clues. Say them out loud. This makes the process deliberate.
• Contextual Challenge: To prepare for the exam, you need to be able to switch between different reading tasks quickly. Test your skills on the full PTE Reading practice section to get used to the variety.
• The Final Simulation: The ultimate test of your strategy is to apply it under the pressure of a ticking clock. A PTE Reading Sectional Mock Test is the best way to see if you can solve these puzzles quickly and accurately.

H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How much time should I spend on each Re-order Paragraph question?

You should aim to spend no more than 2 minutes per question. This task can be a time trap. If you are completely stuck after 2 minutes, make your best guess based on the pairs you have found and move on to save time for other questions.

Q2. What if I can only find one correct pair?

That’s great! Even finding one correct pair (e.g., you are sure that A comes before C) and getting the rest wrong will still get you one point. Place your confident pair together and make your best guess for the others. One point is always better than zero.

Q3. Is the topic sentence always the first sentence?

In well-structured academic writing, yes, in about 99% of cases the topic sentence is the first sentence. For the purpose of the PTE exam, you should always operate on the assumption that your first job is to find the single most independent sentence, and that will be your starting point.

This task is a test of clear, logical thinking. By adopting a detective’s mindset and looking for the clues in every paragraph, you can turn this confusing puzzle into a reliable source of points.

Ready to see how you perform on a full test? Take a free, full-length PTE mock test with a complete score report. See how your reading score is built and get the feedback you need.