Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: read the ask, hunt, tick proof and count the cost. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.
The first 2 of 10 cards
why guessing here is different
Each right option earns 1 point. Each wrong one you choose takes 1 away. An unsure extra tick can cancel a right answer.
Two answers are solid. You tick a third "just in case"minus 1. It is wrong.
Right earns 1. Wrong costs 1.
the official figures, both tracks
| PTE Academic | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Part of the section clock | Part of the section clock |
| Scored on | +1 per correct, −1 per wrong (min 0) | +1 per correct, −1 per wrong (min 0) |
| Counts for | Reading | Reading |
Timings: Pearson's test format. Scoring and skills: its Score Guides (Academic July 2025, Core January 2026).
Card 3 of 10 onwards
Card 3 is free too
Create a free account for card 3; the other 7 come with any plan.
Create a free account →10 cards
Start Multiple answers: tick only proof free
Create a free account to read the first 3 cards. The full lesson and its PDF come with any plan.
Create a free account →Free practice
Keep reading
Questions
The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy