Why this score matters
Having a high reading score is often the difference between meeting visa, university, or job requirements and missing out. If you are aiming for a Band 79+ level performance, you need smart strategies, not just hard work. Tiju’s Academy trains you to read faster, think clearer, and answer all the questions with confidence across the three core task types: Headings, MCQs, and Fill-in-the-Blanks.
Common reasons score growth slows down
- Reading the whole passage word-by-word instead of scanning for purpose.
- Weak handling of paraphrases and synonyms.
- Guessing vocabulary without context clues.
- Poor time management and no question-level strategy.
- Not knowing which tasks carry more risk or reward.
Headings: match ideas, not words
Headings tasks test the ability to identify the main idea of each paragraph. Don’t just rely on single keywords but think of the “overall purpose”.
Scan the first and last lines of the paragraph to catch the topic and conclusion.
Circle signpost words: however, therefore, in contrast, for example.
- Match the scope: broad heading to broad paragraph, narrow to narrow.
- Eliminate distractors that match a detail but miss the main point.
- Look for paraphrases: the heading rarely repeats the exact words of the paragraph.
Quick workflow:
- Preview all headings first.
- Skim each paragraph for its core message.
- Shortlist two headings, then choose the one that best fits the overall idea.
MCQs: precision beats speed
- Multiple-choice questions reward focused reading. Treat single-answer and multiple-answer formats differently.
- Read the question stem first. Know exactly what you are looking for.
- Underline keywords and their synonyms before scanning the passage.
- For multiple answer items, select only what you can prove. Avoid over selecting if negative marking applies.
- Aim for about 60–90 seconds per MCQ. If stuck, flag and move on.
Answer smarter:
- Options that use extreme words like “always” or “never” are often traps.
- If two options say almost the same thing, both are likely wrong.
- Evidence in the text beats memory or outside knowledge.
How to Score Well in the Fill-in-the-Blanks
- Blanks test vocabulary, grammar, and context. Training your ear for natural word pairs and patterns is the fastest path to gains.
- Use collocations: strong argument, take responsibility, play a role.
- Check grammar signals: articles, prepositions, verb forms, countable vs. uncountable nouns.
- Read left and right of the blank for clues to tense, tone, and meaning.
- Use elimination: remove words that break grammar or logic.
- Re-read the full sentence after filling the blank to ensure it sounds natural.
High-impact habits:
- Maintain a personal collocations list and revise daily.
- Note common academic phrases and transitions: in addition, moreover, as a result.
- Practice both meaning-based and grammar-based blanks to balance skills.
- Time strategy that converts to scores
- Start with higher-yield tasks you handle best to build momentum.
- Set micro-timers per question to avoid spending too long on one item.
- Leave 2–3 minutes at the end to review the most uncertain answers.
- Keep an error log: capture the question type, your mistake, and the fix.
Conclusion
Band 79+ reading is not about reading more, it is about reading with purpose. Master headings for main ideas, use evidence to win MCQs, and rely on collocations and grammar signals for blanks. Join Tiju’s Academy to turn these PTE proven strategies into consistent scores. Seats are limited. Secure your spot and start your Band 79+ journey today.
