PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 17

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 17 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on Reading Skills, specifically revisiting the “Re-order Paragraphs” and “Fill in the Blanks” tasks. You will reinforce strategies to discern logical flow, identify contextual clues, and select appropriate vocabulary to complete the text cohesively. The aim is to improve both your analytical reasoning and your handling of complex text structures.

Objectives

Review “Re-order Paragraphs” and “Fill in the Blanks” Task Formats
Refine Skills for Identifying Text Structure and Logical Sequence
Enhance Contextual Vocabulary Usage and Collocation Awareness
Practice Time Management and Accuracy in Selecting Correct Words
Build Confidence in Handling Complex and Varied Reading Materials

Estimated Time: 2 Hours

Materials Needed

Device: Computer or smartphone with internet access
Notebook and Pen
Access to PTE Practice Platforms or Websites
Dictionary or Thesaurus
Highlighter (if printing passages)

Schedule and Activities

1. Reviewing “Re-order Paragraphs” and “Fill in the Blanks” Task Formats (20 Minutes)

a. Task Format Overview

Re-order Paragraphs:

Instructions:
You will see several text boxes in a random order.
Re-arrange them to form a coherent paragraph.
Identify the topic sentence and logical flow (introduction → explanation → conclusion).
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Correct sequence of all sentences for a coherent text.

Reading: Fill in the Blanks:

Instructions:
A text passage appears with several blanks.
Choose correct words from a dropdown list to fill each blank.
Consider grammar, collocations, context, and overall meaning.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Correct words selected for each blank to form a meaningful, grammatically correct sentence.

b. Strategies Recap

For Re-order Paragraphs:
Identify the topic sentence (usually introduces the theme).
Look for pronouns or references linking sentences.
Check for sequence markers (firstly, subsequently, finally).
Use logic: general statement → explanation → example → conclusion.
For Fill in the Blanks:
Determine the part of speech needed.
Consider collocations and synonyms.
Check if the chosen word fits both grammatically and contextually.

2. Refining Analytical Reading Techniques (30 Minutes)

a. Identifying Text Structure (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Select a Short Paragraph (5-6 sentences):

Scramble the order of sentences.

Analyze Key Features:

Topic sentence often doesn’t start with a linking word.
Pronouns (he, she, it, they) often refer back to previously mentioned nouns.
Logical flow: definitions or introductions come before examples.

Re-order the Paragraph:

Restore original order logically.

Check Consistency:

Each sentence should connect smoothly to the next.

b. Contextual Clues for Fill in the Blanks (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Select a Paragraph with Missing Words:

Identify each blank’s required part of speech.

Check Collocations:

Some words commonly appear together (e.g., “commit a crime,” “highly effective”).

Eliminate Wrong Options:

Discard any word that makes the sentence awkward or off-topic.

Confirm Grammar and Meaning:

Ensure the chosen word creates a sensible sentence fitting the overall context.

3. Practicing “Re-order Paragraphs” with Complex Structures (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

Use PTE Practice Websites:

Select 5 Re-order Paragraph Exercises:

Read all sentences first.
Identify topic sentence and logical sequence.
Arrange from general to specific, cause to effect, or chronologically.

Record Your Attempts:

Note the time taken for each attempt.
Aim to reduce hesitation and increase accuracy.

Practice Example:

Sentences (Scrambled):

“As a result, numerous species now face the threat of extinction.”
“Human activities have significantly altered natural habitats.”
“Conservation efforts are essential to preserve biodiversity.”
“When forests are cleared, animals lose their homes and food sources.”

Solution:
(2) Introduces human impact → (4) Gives a specific example (forest clearing) → (1) Shows consequence (extinction) → (3) Concludes with the need for conservation.

b. Self-assessment and Review (10 Minutes)

Check Answers:
If incorrect, identify which sentence was misplaced and why.
Analyze Mistakes:
Did you misunderstand pronoun references?
Did you fail to identify the topic sentence?
Improve Strategy:
Pay more attention to pronouns, linking words, and chronological order.

4. Practicing “Fill in the Blanks” with Advanced Vocabulary (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

Select 5 Fill in the Blanks Exercises:

Could be Reading: Fill in the Blanks or Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks.

Approach:

Read the entire passage to understand the topic and tone.
For each blank, consider grammar, meaning, and collocations.
Choose the most fitting option from the dropdown list.

Record Timing and Accuracy:

Track how long it takes and how many you get right.

Practice Example:

Passage (Excerpt):
“Innovations in renewable energy have not only _ the cost of production but also _ accessibility for remote communities.”
Options for Blanks:
Blank 1: (reduced / introduced / neglected)
Blank 2: (limited / improved / questioned)
Solution:
Blank 1: “reduced” (fits the idea of lowering costs)
Blank 2: “improved” (fits the idea of enhancing accessibility)

b. Self-assessment and Review (10 Minutes)

Check Correct Answers:
Understand why the chosen words are correct.
Analyze Mistakes:
Did you choose a wrong word due to misunderstanding the sentence structure?
Were you misled by a tricky synonym?
Focus on Collocations and Grammar:
Strengthen knowledge of common phrases.
Pay attention to verb-noun/adjective-noun pairings.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Words for Logical Flow and Contextual Meaning

Word List with Examples:

1. Subsequently (adverb)
Definition: Afterward; following something else.
Sentence: “The research was conducted thoroughly; subsequently, conclusions were drawn.”
2. Moreover (adverb)
Definition: In addition to what has been stated.
Sentence: “Renewable energy is cleaner; moreover, it reduces long-term costs.”
3. Conversely (adverb)
Definition: Introducing a statement that contrasts with a previous one.
Sentence: “Population rose in some areas; conversely, it declined in others.”
4. Initially (adverb)
Definition: At the beginning.
Sentence: “Initially, the project faced funding issues, but it later succeeded.”
5. Predominantly (adverb)
Definition: Mainly; for the most part.
Sentence: “The text is predominantly about cultural influences.”
6. Inherently (adverb)
Definition: In a permanent, essential way.
Sentence: “Some processes are inherently complex and require careful planning.”
7. Correlate (verb)
Definition: To have a mutual relationship or connection.
Sentence: “These findings correlate with previous studies.”
8. Underpin (verb)
Definition: To support or form the basis for something.
Sentence: “Economic theory often underpins policy decisions.”
9. Exemplify (verb)
Definition: To give an example of.
Sentence: “This case study exemplifies the challenges faced by rural communities.”
10. Integral (adjective)
Definition: Necessary to make a whole complete; essential.
Sentence: “Teamwork is integral to achieving project goals.”

b. Activities

Write Definitions in Your Own Words:

Paraphrase each definition.

Create Sentences:

Use each word in a sentence related to reading tasks.

Flashcards:

Create flashcards for quick revision.

Synonyms and Antonyms:

Identify synonyms to enrich vocabulary.

6. Improving Time Management, Concentration, and Accuracy (20 Minutes)

a. Time-bound Practice (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Set a Timer:

Give yourself a strict time limit per question (e.g., 2 minutes for Re-order Paragraphs or Fill in the Blanks).

Aim for Efficiency:

Don’t overthink minor details; trust your logic.

Regular Drills:

Repeat exercises daily to build speed and accuracy.

b. Concentration Techniques (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Quiet Environment:

Minimize distractions while practicing.

Focus on Understanding:

Always read the entire sentence or paragraph to get the gist.

Positive Mindset:

Remind yourself of improvements and stay confident.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

Do you feel more confident in re-ordering complex paragraphs?
Are you improving in selecting correct words for blanks?
Which strategies have helped you identify logical sequences quickly?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

Goal 1: “I will practice additional re-order paragraph exercises with more complex texts.”
Goal 2: “I will focus on refining my understanding of collocations to improve Fill in the Blanks accuracy.”

c. Journal Entry

Write About:
Your experiences with today’s reading tasks.
Any breakthroughs or improvements noticed.
Areas for further focus moving forward.

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Challenging Reading Materials

Select Academic Articles:

From science journals, economics reports, or historical analyses.

Practice Re-ordering:

Take a paragraph, cut it into sentences, scramble, and re-order them.

Fill in the Blanks DIY:

Remove a few words and try to guess appropriate replacements.

b. Vocabulary and Collocations Quizzes

Use Online Tools:
Vocabulary.com, Quizlet for practice.
Action:
Test yourself on academic words and common collocations.
Track improvements in accuracy.

Summary of Day 17

Today, you have:

Revisited and Enhanced Techniques for Re-ordering Paragraphs and Filling in Blanks.
Refined Skills in Identifying Logical Text Structure and Contextual Clues.
Practiced with More Complex Texts to Improve Analytical Reasoning.
Expanded Vocabulary with Words Useful for Expressing Text Relationships.
Improved Time Management, Concentration, and Confidence.
Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 18

Focus: Listening Skills – Write from Dictation and Highlight Incorrect Words (Review and Additional Practice)

Action Items:

Revisit Write from Dictation and Highlight Incorrect Words tasks.
Prepare for more advanced listening and accuracy exercises.

Additional Resources

Reading Practice:
PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Reading Tasks
Vocabulary Apps:
Magoosh Vocabulary Builder: For academic words.
Grammar Resources:
Grammarly Blog: Common grammatical pitfalls.
Study Groups:
Discuss and share techniques for identifying text structure and collocations.

Tips for Success

Consistent Practice: Repetition builds intuition for logical sequences.
Focus on Logical Flow: Always identify the purpose of each sentence.
Enhance Collocation Knowledge: Familiarity with common word pairings boosts accuracy in Fill in the Blanks.
Work Under Timed Conditions: Develop speed and confidence.
Reflect and Adapt: Use feedback from self-assessment to guide improvements.

Congratulations on Completing Day 17!

By investing time and effort today, you’ve strengthened your reading comprehension skills, particularly in re-ordering paragraphs and filling in blanks accurately. Keep honing these abilities as you progress toward achieving a perfect score in the PTE Academic test.

Stay Tuned for Day 18!

Note: All external links are provided for educational purposes. Ensure internet access to utilize these resources.

Share Your Progress

We encourage you to share your experiences and progress with others:

Join Our Community Forum: Connect with fellow learners to exchange tips and resources.
Feedback: Let us know how Day 17 went for you and any suggestions to improve the course.

Remember: Consistent practice and a proactive approach to learning are keys to success. Keep pushing forward, and revisit any sections as needed.

Best of luck on your journey to mastering the PTE Academic!