PTEreading

PTE Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the best word for each blank from dropdown choices to complete the text correctly.

2-3 minutes per item
PTE Academic (Score 10-90)

What is this question type?

This item type tests your ability to use contextual and grammatical clues to select appropriate words for blanks in a text. Each blank has a dropdown menu with options. It assesses vocabulary knowledge, understanding of collocations, and ability to use context to determine meaning. It contributes to both Reading and Writing scores.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Read the entire text first to understand the overall topic and logical flow

  2. 2

    For each blank, read the sentence containing it and look at all dropdown options before choosing

  3. 3

    Consider grammar: does the word fit as the right part of speech in this position?

  4. 4

    Check collocations: does the word naturally combine with the surrounding words?

  5. 5

    After completing all blanks, re-read the full text to verify everything fits coherently

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing the first option that seems related to the topic without checking grammar

  • Not considering the words immediately before and after the blank

  • Ignoring subtle differences between similar words in the dropdown

  • Rushing through without reading the complete text for overall understanding

  • Not checking collocations — "make a decision" not "do a decision"

Tips for Success

  • Build collocation knowledge by reading widely and noting word partnerships

  • Learn common academic collocations: "conduct research", "reach a conclusion", "raise awareness"

  • Practice distinguishing between confusable words: affect/effect, principle/principal

  • Read the completed text aloud in your head — incorrect words often "sound wrong"

  • Study word families to understand how different forms fit grammatically

Frequently Asked Questions

How many blanks are in each text?
Each text typically has 4-5 blanks with dropdown options.
Does this affect my writing score too?
Yes, this is a "Reading & Writing" item type, so it contributes to both your Reading and Writing scores.
How do I prepare for this?
Read academic texts regularly and pay attention to how words combine. Practice cloze exercises focusing on collocations and context clues.

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PTE Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks - Complete Study Guide for Pearson Test of English Academic

This item type tests your ability to use contextual and grammatical clues to select appropriate words for blanks in a text. Each blank has a dropdown menu with options. It assesses vocabulary knowledge, understanding of collocations, and ability to use context to determine meaning. It contributes to both Reading and Writing scores.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read the entire text first to understand the overall topic and logical flow
  2. For each blank, read the sentence containing it and look at all dropdown options before choosing
  3. Consider grammar: does the word fit as the right part of speech in this position?
  4. Check collocations: does the word naturally combine with the surrounding words?
  5. After completing all blanks, re-read the full text to verify everything fits coherently

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Choosing the first option that seems related to the topic without checking grammar
  • Not considering the words immediately before and after the blank
  • Ignoring subtle differences between similar words in the dropdown
  • Rushing through without reading the complete text for overall understanding
  • Not checking collocations — "make a decision" not "do a decision"

Expert Tips

  • Build collocation knowledge by reading widely and noting word partnerships
  • Learn common academic collocations: "conduct research", "reach a conclusion", "raise awareness"
  • Practice distinguishing between confusable words: affect/effect, principle/principal
  • Read the completed text aloud in your head — incorrect words often "sound wrong"
  • Study word families to understand how different forms fit grammatically

Frequently Asked Questions

How many blanks are in each text?

Each text typically has 4-5 blanks with dropdown options.

Does this affect my writing score too?

Yes, this is a "Reading & Writing" item type, so it contributes to both your Reading and Writing scores.

How do I prepare for this?

Read academic texts regularly and pay attention to how words combine. Practice cloze exercises focusing on collocations and context clues.

Available in: PTE Academic (Score 10-90)

Time allowed: 2-3 minutes per item