PTE Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks: how to choose the right word
All four options look possible, so you choose the one that feels right. Sometimes it is. This task rewards a method, not a feeling.
Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks, now shown as Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown), gives you a text with gaps and a dropdown of options for each one. You get a point for every gap you fill correctly. Pearson's current score guide counts it towards your Reading score, and it is one of the most common tasks in the Reading part, so it is worth having a method. Two tools get you most of the right answers: grammar, and word partners.
Tool 1: grammar first
The government has ______ new rules on plastic packaging. Options: introduce, introduced, introducing, introduction
Tool 2: words that go together
English has fixed partners. We make a decision, we do not do one. Rain is heavy, not strong. PTE tests these again and again.
The study ______ a key role in changing public opinion. Options: made, played, took, did
A method for every gap
- Read the whole sentence first, not just the words next to the gap.
- Decide what kind of word fits: noun, verb, adjective or adverb. Cross out the others.
- Check the words around it for a partner: a preposition after it, or a noun it goes with.
- Then choose the meaning that fits the whole paragraph.
- Keep a notebook of collocations from your practice. Ten new ones a week makes a real difference.
Exam rules change. Always check with the exam provider and the organisation you are applying to.
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