Reading: Core English skills part 2

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image- Reading
Reading time: 3 minutes

Once you have practiced and improved your grammar and vocabulary, for Part 2: Reading in PTE Academic, you will need to learn reading methods and the different styles of writing.

As the PTE Academic is an integrated skills test, the skills developed will be applicable to most sections of the test.

Firstly, the reading methods you will need to learn and develop are:

Skim Reading

By quickly moving your eyes over the text you will be able to get the general meaning of the text. This is the fastest way to understand the text’s meaning.

Scan Reading

The fastest way to locate specific information in a text is to scan read. Scan reading helps you find the keywords in a text. Once you find the section of text needed, slow down and read intensively until you understand the information needed to answer the question.

Intensive Reading

Intensive reading is done at a slower pace and more carefully. After using scan reading to find the section of text containing the answer you need, you will then need to read intensively to locate the specific information required to answer the question.

If you are unable to answer the question from the section read, go back to scan reading the whole text to find the correct section, then intensively read that section.

Critical Reading

To read critically, you need to think more deeply about what you are reading to understand the text at a deeper level. You will then be able to identify the writer’s purpose, as well as the organization of the text in order to make inferences or understand the textual value.

You may have to read critically to answer the reading questions Multiple-Choice, Choose Single Answer and Multiple-Choice, Choose Multiple Answers. You may also need this skill to answer the writing question Summarize Written Text, as you will score zero points if you don’t correctly identify the purpose of the text.

The last question type this skill is used for is the listening question Highlight Correct Summary, as you may need to clarify and organize information to identify the correct summary of the text heard.

You will also need to be able to identify the style of writing used in the reading texts throughout the test.

Style of Writing

For PTE Academic, you will need to understand the style or register of English texts. The style or register refers to the way in which text, that has the same meaning, can be written in different ways.

When writing, you will need to be able to choose the appropriate words to fit the correct style of the text, as well as understand the style of texts you are reading. For example, an email to your friend will be in an informal style. However, a journal article will be in the academic style. Abstract ideas are also usually written in the academic style.

Two or three-part verbs (phrasal and prepositional verbs) are generally informal while Latinate verbs are formal, or academic. For example, find out (informal), pick up on (informal) and discover (formal or academic).

You will need to be able to understand not just the meaning but also the style of a text for the Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks questions.

Related Content

  • PTE: You Know the Score – Partner Webinar Series
    By Sarah Hughes
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Sarah Hughes – Join me for a free partner webinar series 

    As PTE partners, you play a vital role in helping students understand their results, make informed decisions and move forward with confidence. Every day, agents, teachers and institutions answer questions about PTE scores, score reports and assessment processes.

    Over the past few months, we've been listening closely to your feedback. One message came through clearly: while partners trust PTE, many would welcome more support when explaining scores, handling unexpected results and answering detailed questions from test takers. That feedback directly shaped our new webinar programme. 

    As part of the PTE: You Know the Score campaign, I'm delighted to invite you to a free three-part webinar series designed specifically for PTE partners. Together, we'll explore the questions partners ask most often and provide practical, evidence-based answers you can use with confidence .

  • What is retrogression and what does it mean for nurses planning to work in the USA?
    Reading time: 3 minutes


    For many nurses dreaming of a career in the United States, one of the most confusing terms you’ll encounter is “retrogression”. It’s a word that often sparks concern, uncertainty, and plenty of misinformation. 

    The good news? Retrogression does not mean your U.S. nursing journey is over. Understanding what it is and how to prepare can help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly delays. 

    What is retrogression? 

    Retrogression occurs when the number of people applying for U.S. immigrant visas exceeds the number of visas available in a particular category or country. 

    Many internationally-educated nurses apply through the EB-3 employment-based immigration pathway. When demand becomes higher than the number of visas allocated, applicants may need to wait longer before they can move forward with their visa processing. 

    The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin that shows which applications can proceed based on their priority date. 

    Why does retrogression affect nurses? 

    The United States continues to experience nursing shortages, which creates strong demand for qualified international nurses. However, visa allocations are limited by law. 

    As a result, nurses from countries with high numbers of applicants may experience longer waiting periods between filing paperwork and receiving final visa approval. 

    Common myths about retrogression 

    Myth 1: “I should wait until retrogression ends before starting my application.” 

    Reality: Waiting can actually place you further behind. Many immigration professionals recommend starting your preparation early so that your documents, credentials, and testing requirements are ready when opportunities arise. 

    Myth 2: “Retrogression affects everyone equally.” 

    Reality: Processing timelines can vary depending on factors such as country of chargeability, priority date, and visa availability.  

    Myth 3: “There is nothing I can do while waiting.” 

    Reality: There are many productive steps you can take during retrogression. Let's talk about some of them here.

    What should nurses do during retrogression? 

    Use this time to strengthen your application: 

    • Complete your English language testing requirements.
    • Prepare licensing and credential evaluation documents.
    • Gain additional clinical experience where possible.
    • Research potential employers and recruitment partners.
    • Stay informed about monthly Visa Bulletin updates. 

    Nurses who use waiting periods strategically are often better positioned when visa movement resumes.

    Focus on what you can control

    Retrogression is a reality of the U.S. immigration system, but it does not change the long-term demand for qualified nurses.

    Rather than focusing on delays you cannot control, concentrate on building a complete and competitive application. Every document prepared, test completed, and requirement met brings you one step closer to your goal.

    Key takeaway

    Retrogression may affect timing, but it does not eliminate your opportunities. Nurses who stay informed, continue preparing, and monitor official updates are often in the best position to succeed when their priority date becomes current.

    We have more articles to support you on your nursing journey, so keep checking our inspiration and advice page for more. 

  • Your U.S. nursing journey checklist: 7 things to do before you apply
    Reading time: 3 minutes


    Planning to work as a nurse in the United States? The earlier you prepare, the smoother your journey is likely to be. 

    Many delays occur because applicants discover missing documents or requirements late in the process. Creating a readiness plan can save you significant time later. 

    Use this checklist to help prepare for your future U.S. nursing career. 

    1. Confirm your nursing credentials 

    Gather and organize your: 

    • nursing diploma or degree
    • professional licenses
    • academic transcripts
    • employment records

    Having these documents readily available can help streamline future application processes. 

     2. Understand the U.S. nursing pathway 

    Take time to learn about: 

    • employment-based immigration pathways
    • licensing requirements
    • credential evaluation processes
    • state-specific requirements

    Getting a clear understanding of the process helps you to set realistic expectations.

    3. Prepare for English language testing

    Many nurses need to demonstrate English proficiency as part of their pathway. Starting your preparation early can improve your confidence and give you flexibility when booking test dates.

    4. Build your professional experience

    Continue developing your clinical skills and maintain your professional practice where possible. Experience can strengthen your profile and may increase your employment opportunities.

    5. Create a personal document tracker

    Keep copies of important documents in a secure location and track:

    • expiration dates
    • license renewals
    • passport validity
    • testing results

    Being organized reduces stress later in the process.

    6. Stay updated on visa and immigration changes

    Immigration policies and visa availability can change over time. Make sure you follow official government updates and reputable industry resources so you can be sure you have accurate information when making decisions.

    TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) is a good source of up-to-date and relevant information.

    7. Develop a financial plan

    The cost of an international career move can often add up, with expenses for testing, documentation, licensing, and travel. Creating a savings plan early can help reduce financial pressure and keep your goals on track.

    Why preparation matters

    Successful applicants often begin preparing months or years before they receive employment opportunities. The more requirements you complete in advance, the better positioned you may be when the right opportunity becomes available.

    Key takeaway

    Working as a nurse in the United States is a long-term goal that requires planning, patience, and persistence. Focus on the steps you can take today. Every document organized, every skill developed, and every requirement completed brings you closer to achieving your professional ambitions.

    We have more articles to support you on your nursing journey, so keep checking our inspiration and advice page for more.