In Reorder Paragraphs, you see 4 or 5 sentences in random order and drag them into the correct sequence. It scores Reading only, about 9% of your Reading score in Pearson's question weightings, and you get one point for each correct adjacent pair, so even a partly correct order earns marks.
How much Reorder Paragraphs is worth
In our class study guide, Reorder Paragraphs is somewhat important. It deserves a clear method, but it is not where most Reading marks come from. The two Fill in the Blanks tasks are 45% of Reading and Summarize Written Text is 23%, so practise those first and use the method below to collect steady points here.
How Reorder Paragraphs is scored
If the correct order is A-B-C-D and you answer A-B-D-C, you score 1 point (for A-B). If you answer B-C-D-A, you score 2 points (B-C and C-D). Getting pairs right matters more than getting the first sentence right.
Step 1: find the first sentence
The opening sentence usually:
- introduces the topic in general terms,
- uses a full name or noun, not "he", "it" or "this",
- does not start with a linking word like "However" or "Therefore".
Step 2: link the rest with clues
| Clue | Example | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Pronouns | "He", "They", "This method" | Refers back to something already named |
| Linking words | However, Moreover, As a result | Must follow a related sentence |
| Articles | "A study..." then "The study..." | "A" introduces, "the" refers back |
| Time order | In 1990... Ten years later... | Chronological sequence |
| General to specific | Topic, then example | Examples come after the idea |
Example
Sentences: (1) However, the plan proved too expensive. (2) In 2010, the city proposed a new metro line. (3) As a result, officials chose a bus network instead. (4) The line was meant to connect the airport with the centre.
Correct order: 2, 4, 1, 3. Sentence 2 introduces the topic with a date, sentence 4 explains "the line", sentence 1 contrasts with "However", and sentence 3 gives the result.
Time management
Spend about 2 minutes on each Reorder Paragraphs question and do not let one run past 3 minutes. Reading shares one timer of about 23 to 30 minutes, and time lost here is time taken from the Fill in the Blanks tasks, which are worth far more. If you are unsure, secure the pairs you are confident about and move on.
Frequently asked questions
Is there partial marking in Reorder Paragraphs?
Yes. Every correct adjacent pair scores one point.
How many Reorder Paragraphs questions are there?
Usually 2 or 3 in the Reading part.
How important is Reorder Paragraphs?
It is worth about 9% of Reading, so it is somewhat important: practise the method, but give more time to Fill in the Blanks and Summarize Written Text.
What is the fastest way to improve?
Practise spotting pronouns and linking words. Read our Reading Fill in the Blanks tips too, since both rely on reading sentence connections and the two Fill in the Blanks tasks are 45% of Reading.
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