PTE Reading Got Easier After August 2025

The landscape of PTE reading has transformed significantly since August 7th, 2025, bringing both exciting opportunities and new challenges for test-takers. While the content complexity has been reduced, the most significant change affecting students is the shortened time allocation – dropping from the traditional 30 minutes to just 23–25 minutes for the entire reading section.

This time reduction, combined with format updates, means that effective PTE reading time management has become more critical than ever for achieving your target scores. Understanding these changes and adapting your preparation strategy accordingly can make the difference between success and disappointment on test day.

Understanding the New PTE Reading Format After August 2025

The PTE reading after August 2025 operates under a completely revised structure that prioritizes efficiency over duration. The total number of questions has been streamlined to 13–18 questions across five distinct task types, compared to the previous format.

Current Question Distribution:

• Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks: 5-6 questions
• Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: 1-2 questions
• Re-order Paragraphs: 2-3 questions
• Fill in the Blanks (Reading Only): 4-5 questions
• Multiple Choice, Single Answer: 1-2 questions

The reduction in test duration from approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes reflects Pearson’s commitment to creating a more streamlined testing experience. This change eliminates the optional 10-minute break between sections, creating a continuous flow that demands better concentration and time allocation skills.

Why PTE Reading Time Was Reduced: The Strategic Reasoning?

Pearson’s decision to compress the reading timeframe wasn’t arbitrary. Based on extensive research and candidate feedback, several factors influenced this change:

Enhanced Efficiency Focus: The new format prioritizes quality assessment over quantity, focusing on fewer but more meaningful questions that better reflect real-world English usage.

AI-Assisted Scoring Improvements: With advanced artificial intelligence now supporting human evaluators, the scoring process has become more accurate and faster, allowing for more precise assessment in less time.

Real-World Application: The shortened timeframe better mirrors actual academic and professional reading scenarios where quick comprehension and decision-making are essential.

Strategic Time Management for the New 23–25 Minute Format

Successfully navigating the compressed PTE reading time management requires a systematic approach that maximizes accuracy while maintaining speed and efficiency. Here’s your complete strategy:

Phase 1: Quick Assessment (2 minutes)

Immediate Task Overview: Spend the first 90 seconds quickly scanning all questions to identify easier tasks. Research shows that starting with familiar question types builds confidence and momentum.

Priority Ranking: Arrange tasks based on your strengths:

• High Priority: Fill in the Blanks (Reading Only) – typically faster completion
• Medium Priority: Multiple Choice Single Answer – straightforward elimination
• Lower Priority: Re-order Paragraphs – often time-consuming

Phase 2: Execution Strategy (18–20 minutes)

Fill in the Blanks Mastery (6–7 minutes):
Allocate approximately 1 minute per question for both Reading & Writing and Reading Only variants. Focus on context clues and grammatical structures rather than overthinking vocabulary choices.

Multiple Choice Efficiency (4–5 minutes):
For single-answer questions, spend 1 minute maximum per question. For multiple-answer questions, allow 1.5 minutes but use elimination techniques aggressively to avoid negative marking.

Re-order Paragraphs Strategy (5–6 minutes):
This typically requires 2 minutes per set. Look for logical connectors, pronoun references, and chronological indicators. Don’t spend more than the allocated time, as perfection isn’t always achievable.

Phase 3: Final Review (2–3 minutes)

Reserve time for quick verification of answers, particularly for questions you flagged as uncertain. Focus on obvious errors rather than second-guessing solid choices.

Section-Specific Time Management Techniques

Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks

Target Time: 5–6 minutes total (1 minute per question)

Effective Approach:

• Read the entire passage first to understand the context
• Focus on grammatical clues and collocations
• Trust your first instinct when vocabulary seems appropriate
• Don’t overthink complex academic terms

Multiple Choice Questions

Target Time: 3–4 minutes total

Strategic Method:

• Use the elimination technique for single-answer questions
• For multiple answers, be conservative to avoid negative marking
• Skim questions before reading passages to focus attention

Re-order Paragraphs

Target Time: 4–6 minutes total (2 minutes per set)

Systematic Approach:

• Identify the topic sentence (usually doesn’t reference previous information)
• Look for linking words and logical connectors
• Follow chronological or cause-and-effect patterns
• Practice pattern recognition regularly

The Role of Online PTE Classes in Mastering New Timing

Quality online PTE classes have become essential for adapting to the post-August 2025 format. Professional coaching addresses the specific challenges of compressed timing through:

Adaptive Practice Sessions: Online platforms now offer timed practice specifically designed for the 23–25 minute format, helping students develop realistic pacing expectations.

Performance Analytics: Advanced tracking systems monitor your speed and accuracy across different question types, identifying where you lose valuable time.

Personalized Strategies: Experienced instructors provide customized approaches based on your reading speed and comprehension patterns.

Students enrolled in structured online programs show significantly higher success rates, with many achieving their target scores within 4–6 weeks of focused preparation.

ScoreSmartPTE’s Approach to New Format Mastery

ScoreSmartPTE has specifically adapted its curriculum to address the challenges of the updated reading format. The program focuses on:

Intensive Time-Bound Practice: Daily sessions simulate exact exam conditions with the 23–25 minute constraint, building automatic time awareness.

Question Type Prioritization: Students learn to quickly identify and tackle high-scoring, time-efficient questions first, maximizing their score potential.

Stress Management Techniques: Specialized training helps students maintain focus and accuracy under time pressure, a crucial skill for the compressed format.

Advanced Feedback Systems: Real-time analysis helps students understand exactly where they’re losing time and how to recover those precious minutes.

Expert Tips for Last-Minute Preparation

Daily Reading Practice: Dedicate 20–25 minutes daily to timed reading exercises using academic texts similar to PTE passages.

Speed Reading Development: Practice skimming and scanning techniques to identify key information quickly without losing comprehension.

Question Pattern Recognition: Familiarize yourself with common PTE question patterns to reduce thinking time during the actual test.

Mock Test Strategy: Take complete practice tests under exact timing conditions at least 2–3 times per week, leading up to your exam.

The PTE reading after August 2025 may have a compressed timeframe, but with proper preparation and strategic time management, students can actually achieve better scores than before. The key lies in understanding that this isn’t about reading faster—it’s about reading smarter, making quicker decisions, and trusting your preparation.

Success in the new format comes from consistent practice with the updated timing, strategic question prioritization, and confidence in your abilities. With quality online PTE classes and dedicated preparation, the shortened reading section can become your strongest performance area, setting you up for overall PTE success.

FAQs

Why did PTE reduce the reading time after August 2025?

PTE reduced reading time to create a more efficient testing experience that better reflects real-world English usage. The change from 30 minutes to 23–25 minutes was implemented to streamline the overall test duration from 2 hours 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes, while maintaining assessment quality through improved AI-assisted scoring systems.

How many questions are there in the new PTE reading section?

The new PTE reading section contains 13–18 questions across five task types: Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks (5-6 questions), Multiple Choice Multiple Answers (1-2 questions), Re-order Paragraphs (2-3 questions), Fill in the Blanks Reading Only (4-5 questions), and Multiple Choice Single Answer (1-2 questions).

Is PTE reading easier after August 2025 changes?

Yes, PTE reading has become easier in terms of content complexity and the number of questions, but the reduced time allocation creates new challenges. Students need to develop better time management skills and strategic approaches to complete all questions within 23–25 minutes effectively.

What is the best time management strategy for PTE reading?

The optimal strategy involves three phases: Quick Assessment (2 minutes) to prioritize questions, Strategic Execution (18–20 minutes) with specific time limits per question type, and Final Review (2–3 minutes). Allocate 1 minute for Fill in the Blanks, 1–1.5 minutes for Multiple Choice questions, and 2 minutes for Re-order Paragraphs.

How can I finish PTE reading in 23–25 minutes?

Focus on question prioritization, starting with easier tasks like Fill in the Blanks. Use elimination techniques for Multiple Choice questions, practice skimming and scanning for quick information extraction, and avoid spending excessive time on difficult questions. Regular timed practice with the new format is essential.

Which is the hardest part of PTE reading after 2025 changes?

Re-order Paragraphs remains the most challenging task due to its logical reasoning requirements and time consumption. Multiple Choice Multiple Answers can also be difficult due to negative marking. However, with proper time allocation (2 minutes for Re-order Paragraphs), these sections become manageable.

Can online PTE classes help with new reading timing?

Yes, online PTE classes are highly effective for adapting to the new timing. They provide timed practice sessions, personalized strategies, performance analytics, and adaptive learning systems specifically designed for the 23–25 minute format. Students in structured online programs show 78% success rates compared to 65% with traditional methods.

How does ScoreSmartPTE prepare students for updated PTE patterns?

ScoreSmartPTE offers intensive time-bound practice sessions, question type prioritization training, stress management techniques, and advanced feedback systems. The program includes daily sessions that simulate exact exam conditions with compressed timing, helping students develop automatic time awareness and strategic approaches.

Is PTE still a good option for migration/education after changes in 2025?

Yes, PTE remains an excellent choice for migration and education. The 2025 changes have made the test more efficient and relevant to real-world English usage. PTE is accepted by over 3,000 universities globally and maintains fast result delivery within 48 hours, making it highly suitable for time-sensitive applications.

What is the average score for PTE reading in 2025?

While specific 2025 averages aren’t officially published, PTE reading scores typically range from 10–90 points. Students achieving 65–75 are considered to have good proficiency, while scores above 79 represent superior English levels. With proper preparation for the new format, students commonly achieve 5–8 point improvements within 3–4 weeks.