PTE Re-order Paragraphs Tips and Examples

If you’re preparing for the PTE Academic exam in Australia, chances are that the Re-order Paragraphs question type in the Reading section has left you scratching your head more than once.

This task often seems confusing because it tests not just your reading comprehension, but also your logical reasoning, grammar awareness, and paragraph sequencing skills. Yet, with the right techniques, you can solve even the most complex re-order questions with confidence and accuracy.

Let’s break down everything you need to know — including step-by-step strategies, do’s and don’ts, a solved example, and a universal approach to handle any type of re-order paragraph question in the PTE Academic exam.

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📚 What is the “Re-order Paragraphs” Question Type?

This task appears in the PTE Reading section and requires you to rearrange 4–5 jumbled paragraphs into the correct logical order so that they form a coherent text.

You’ll see several text boxes that can be dragged up or down. Your job is to determine the correct sequence based on clues such as pronouns, connectors, transition words, and logical flow.

🕐 Format Overview:

• Number of Questions: Usually 2–3

• Scoring: Partial credit (based on correct pairs)

• Skills Tested: Reading comprehension and logical sequencing

Each correct pair of sentences earns marks — meaning even if you don’t get the full order right, every correctly connected pair helps your score.

🎯 Why Re-order Paragraphs Matter

This task might seem tricky, but it’s one of the easiest to score consistently well if you apply a systematic approach. It tests your ability to:

• Recognize topic sentences

• Identify supporting or contrasting ideas

• Understand referencing words like this, these, such, it, they

• Detect logical connectors such as however, therefore, moreover, in contrast

By understanding how English paragraphs flow naturally, you can solve these quickly — without guesswork.

✅ Do’s and ❌ Don’ts for Re-order Paragraphs

✅ Do’s

1. Identify the Topic Sentence First.
   The topic sentence is usually the first paragraph. It introduces the main idea and doesn’t refer back to anything.

   • Example clue: “Technology has revolutionized the education sector.” → It introduces the topic.

2. Look for Pronouns and References.
   Paragraphs with pronouns like he, she, they, this, these, such usually follow another paragraph that introduces the noun.

   • Example: “This approach has proven successful…” → “this approach” refers to something mentioned earlier.

3. Use Transition Words as Guides.
   Connectors indicate the relationship between paragraphs:

   • However, But, In contrast → show opposition; likely middle or later paragraph.

   • Therefore, Consequently → come after reasons or evidence.

   • Moreover, Furthermore, Additionally → continue the same idea.

4. Find Logical Pairs.
   Work on creating mini-pairs rather than the whole sequence at once. For instance, if B naturally follows A, fix that pair, then figure out where it fits in the whole order.

5. Pay Attention to Noun-Pronoun Links.

   • If paragraph A says, “Einstein proposed the theory of relativity.”

   • And paragraph B says, “This theory changed the world of physics,”
     Then A → B is the correct sequence.

6. Understand Chronological Order.
   If the passage is about a process or history, arrange them in time order — past to present.

❌ Don’ts

1. Don’t start with a paragraph that begins with a connector.
   Words like However, Therefore, Consequently never begin an essay — they refer back to something.

2. Don’t rely purely on guesswork.
   Always base your choice on logical or grammatical clues.

3. Don’t ignore subject continuity.
   If one paragraph talks about “students” and another about “teachers,” be sure they logically connect before placing them together.

4. Don’t forget to check coherence after arranging.
   Read your final order once to ensure the ideas flow naturally and grammatically.

5. Don’t assume the longest paragraph goes first.
   The order depends on meaning, not length.

🧭 Step-by-Step Strategy to Solve Re-order Paragraphs

1. Skim all paragraphs once to understand the overall topic.

2. Find the opening paragraph — one that introduces the topic clearly without referencing anything earlier.

3. Identify the conclusion — usually summarises or gives results.

4. Match pronouns and linking words to form logical pairs.

5. Create mini sequences (A→B, C→D) before arranging all.

6. Check for transitions — ensure each paragraph flows into the next smoothly.

7. Read the final order aloud in your mind to confirm coherence.

8. 
   

🧩 Example Question (Solved)

Question:

Re-order the following paragraphs:

A. Scientists have discovered that sleeping less than six hours a night can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

B. Many people believe they can function well even with limited sleep, but research proves otherwise.

C. Therefore, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for good physical and mental health.

D. Studies conducted across various age groups have consistently shown a strong link between sleep duration and health outcomes.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Identify the topic sentence.

• Paragraph B introduces the main idea — a belief about limited sleep. So B likely comes first.

Step 2: Look for support or evidence.

• Paragraph D discusses studies conducted, supporting B. So B → D.

Step 3: Continue the logic.

• Paragraph A provides detailed evidence — the results of those studies. So D → A.

Step 4: The word Therefore in paragraph C indicates conclusion. So C must come last.

✅ Final Order: B → D → A → C

Explanation:

• B introduces the topic and sets the context.

• D gives research evidence to support the idea.

• A presents specific scientific findings.

• C concludes with a logical outcome or recommendation.

Perfect Sequence: B → D → A → C
Marks Awarded: 3 correct pairs → strong partial credit or full marks.

💡 Practice Tip: Learn to Spot Key Clues

Type of Clue	Example	What It Suggests
Time Connectors	“In the past”, “Recently”, “Today”	Order of events
Cause/Effect Words	“Because”, “Therefore”, “As a result”	Logical flow
Contrast Words	“However”, “In contrast”, “On the other hand”	Middle or transition paragraph
Reference Words	“This”, “These”, “Such”, “He”, “It”	Must follow another idea
General to Specific	“Education is vital for development.” → “Primary education, in particular…”	Shows progression

🧠 Common Traps (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Trap: Two paragraphs seem to fit both ways.

   • Fix: Look at the connectors — cause always comes before effect.

2. Trap: Confusion between general and specific statements.

   • Fix: The general statement introduces; specific examples follow.

3. Trap: Ignoring grammar.

   • Fix: Check if the sentence structure flows naturally when paragraphs are placed together.

4. Trap: Wasting time.

   • Fix: Spend no more than 2–3 minutes per question. Identify pairs quickly.

🔧 Scoring Logic You Should Know

• Scoring is based on pairs (not the full order).

• Example: If the correct order is A-B-C-D, and your answer is A-B-D-C,
  you’ll still get points for A-B since that’s a correct pair.

That means — focus on identifying solid pairs, even if you’re unsure of the complete order.

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✨ Final Takeaway

Re-order Paragraphs may look challenging at first, but remember — it’s a logical puzzle, not a guessing game. The secret lies in identifying relationships between sentences, using connectors wisely, and practicing regularly.

Every PTE top scorer in Australia mastered this by training their eye to spot topic sentences, transitions, and reference links quickly.

With consistent practice, smart strategies, and resources like the Ace the PTE Academic Exam with Confidence book, you’ll soon find yourself arranging paragraphs like a pro — and confidently moving one step closer to your dream PTE score.