PTE Reading vocabulary is more than knowing definitions. Different question types ask you to use words as grammatical forms, collocations, reference signals, or evidence for a claim. A word that fits the topic can still be wrong because its pattern, strength, or role in the passage does not fit.
Use the PTE Academic vocabulary hub for the complete task route.
Vocabulary decisions by question type
| Reading work | Decision |
|---|---|
| Fill in the blanks | Which word fits the meaning, grammar, and collocation? |
| Reorder paragraphs | Which references and transitions connect the sequence? |
| Multiple choice | Which option matches the passage's exact scope and certainty? |
| Integrated reading and writing blanks | Which form completes both the sentence and the wider argument? |
Fill gaps with more than topic meaning
Sentence: “The policy was introduced to ___ the effects of rising costs.”
Mitigate fits mitigate the effects of. Prevent would claim the effects do not occur. Support does not express reduction. A correct answer must satisfy both meaning and pattern.
Check four layers:
- word class: noun, verb, adjective, or adverb;
- grammar: agreement, tense, and complementation;
- collocation: the words that naturally combine;
- passage logic: cause, contrast, example, or conclusion.
Understanding is only the first step.
Lyra Practice helps you retrieve and use high-value workplace expressions in realistic situations until they feel natural.
Start a practice session →Reorder through reference chains
Paragraph openings such as this result, such measures, and the latter approach depend on earlier material. A paragraph beginning with however usually responds to an established claim. For example cannot introduce evidence before the claim it illustrates.
Original sequence:
- A city introduced shaded bus stops in three districts.
- This measure reduced reported discomfort during afternoon waits.
- However, it did not reduce delays caused by traffic congestion.
The references create a logical chain: action, outcome, limitation.
Match claim strength
Distinguish:
- suggests from proves;
- some from most;
- can from will;
- contributes to from causes;
- primarily from exclusively.
If a passage says a factor may contribute to an outcome, an option claiming it is the sole cause is too strong even if it repeats the same nouns.
Quick check
___ a risk: pose / make.- A paragraph begins “This finding.” Must the finding appear earlier? Yes / no.
- Evidence supports a possible interpretation: suggests / proves.
- One factor among several: contributes to / entirely determines.
Answers: 1. pose. 2. Yes. 3. suggests. 4. contributes to.
Sources
Related
- PTE Reading and Writing fill in the blanks
- PTE Reading fill in the blanks
- PTE Reorder Paragraphs vocabulary
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