PTE Academic Reading Test 3
PTE Academic Reading Test 3 is a premium, timed set of 15 PTE Academic reading questions across every reading task type. It is scored the moment you finish, and the review shows your answer next to the correct one for every item.
Unlock this test15 questions · 30 minThis is one of 8 PTE Academic reading tests on PTEMock. For every reading task type explained, with tips, see PTE reading practice.
What's in this test
| Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks | 5 questions | Instant |
| Reading: Fill in the Blanks | 4 questions | Instant |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | 2 questions | Instant |
| Re-order Paragraphs | 2 questions | Instant |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 2 questions | Instant |
Topics in PTE Academic Reading Test 3
What each passage, recording and prompt is about, in the order the tasks appear.
- Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks: Coral reefs; Industrial Revolution and mechanised production; Time management and overcoming procrastination; Renewable energy; Neuroplasticity and learning
- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: Green spaces; Gig economy
- Re-order Paragraphs: Fleming's contaminated bacterial culture; Remote work adoption post-pandemic
- Reading: Fill in the Blanks: Volcano formation and lava solidification; Bees and farming; Library digital lending system; Development of ancient writing systems
- Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Sleep science; Universal basic income
A sample question from PTE Academic Reading Test 3
One question taken from this test, so you can see its level before you start. Answers are not shown here; your review shows them when you finish.
The notion of a universal basic income, or UBI, has attracted growing attention from economists and policymakers in recent years. Under such a scheme, every citizen would receive a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government, regardless of their employment status or wealth. Supporters contend that UBI could provide a vital safety net in an age of increasing automation, when many traditional jobs may disappear. By guaranteeing a basic level of income, they argue, society could reduce poverty, simplify complex welfare systems, and grant individuals greater freedom to pursue education, caregiving, or entrepreneurship without the constant fear of destitution. Several pilot programmes around the world have produced encouraging preliminary results, with recipients reporting improved mental health and financial stability. However, critics raise substantial objections. The most frequently cited concern is cost: funding a universal payment for an entire population would require either significant tax increases or the redirection of funds from other public services. Some also worry that unconditional payments might discourage people from seeking work, although evidence from trials on this point remains mixed and inconclusive. Others argue that targeted support for those most in need would be a more efficient use of limited resources. As automation continues to reshape labour markets, the debate over whether UBI represents a practical solution or an unaffordable ideal is likely to intensify in the years ahead.
Which of the following best reflects the author's treatment of universal basic income?
- A.The author presents a balanced overview of both the potential benefits and the criticisms of UBI.
- B.The author strongly advocates for the immediate adoption of UBI worldwide.
- C.The author dismisses UBI as an unworkable idea with no supporting evidence.
- D.The author focuses solely on the technical methods of funding a UBI scheme.
The correct answer is shown in your review when you finish the test.
How hard is PTE Academic Reading Test 3?
Compared with the other 7 PTE Academic reading tests on PTEMock, PTE Academic Reading Test 3 is about average. It ranks 6th of 8, where 1st is the easiest, but the 8 are close together on these measures, so it sits near the group average.
| Measure | This test | Average of 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Reading level (Flesch-Kincaid grade) | 13.9 | 13.3 |
| Long words (3+ syllables) | 24% | 24% |
| Average passage length | 100 words | 102 words |
| Total text to read | 1,495 words |
How this is measured: Reading level is the Flesch-Kincaid grade of this test's own passages; long words have three or more syllables. It compares the material itself, not how other candidates scored.
For a step up, PTE Academic Reading Test 1 is the next hardest. To warm up first, PTE Academic Reading Test 7 is the next easiest.
How PTE Academic Reading Test 3 is scored
Reading questions are scored instantly and objectively the moment you finish, no waiting and no email required. You get your band score plus a per-question breakdown showing exactly which items you missed and why.