International Date Line

Put the paragraphs in order.

1. AThe apparent paradox is resolved by requiring that the traveller crossing the dateline change his date, thus bringing the travellers into agreement when they meet.
2. BThe date line is necessary to avoid a confusion that would otherwise result.
3. CThe same problem would arise if two travellers journeyed in opposite directions to a point on the opposite side of the earth, 180° of longitude distant.
4. DFor example, if an airplane were to travel westward with the sun, 24 hours would elapse as it circled the globe, but it would still be the same day for those in the airplane while it would be one day later for those on the ground below them.
5. EInternational Date Line, imaginary line on the earth's surface, generally following the 180° meridian of longitude, where, by international agreement, travellers change dates.

Reorder Paragraphs format (Pearson)

Pearson's name: Reorder Paragraph

How it is scored

• Partial credit applies: a partly correct response still scores.

Source: Pearson, PTE Academic & UKVI test format, Part 2: Reading, checked 9 October 2026.