Fill in the Blanks: PTE Listening Practice Questions with Sample Answers (2026)

Listening Fill in the Blanks shows a transcript with gaps while the audio plays once. You type each missing word as you hear it. Spelling counts. Practice with 15 real recordings below, answers included.

15 Questions

Practice questions

Attempt each one, then open the sample answer to compare.

Question 1

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

Pigeons, one of the world’s most common birds, have brains that are split into two, one half for normal functions, one for navigation, and that navigational system is asystem for finding their direction. But their navigational abilities are being. The Earth’s magnetic pull is affecting the infrasound birds receive from North to South and if these magnetic fields are, the pigeons could lose these skills. I’ve seen iton three race day occasions, lots of birds went missing worldwide, and did not come home for days. This remained unexplained for ages, then scientists discovered that ain magnetic forces had affected the birds’ navigational systems.

[1] compass [2] compromised [3] altered [4] occur [5] surge

Question 2

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

The strand of science known as epigenetics involves studying changes in organisms. It examines how the environment is on our genes. Research scientists havebetween two different types of age; that is, our chronological age and our biological age. The formerthe number of years we have been alive, whereas the latter considers theof our body function. However, it has been found that the method of determining biological age isn’t asas once thought.

[1] influential [2] distinguished [3] represents [4] effectiveness [5] reliable

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Question 3

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

The history of photography is deeply intertwined with the evolution of art and science. From the earliestwith light-sensitive materials in the 19th century, photography quickly emerged as both a tool forand a means of artistic expression. In the early days, the process was cumbersome and required long, but advancements over time made photography moreto the general public.

[1] experiments [2] documentation [3] exposures [4] accessible

Question 4

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

So nudging is something that organisations do in order to encourage people to take action. It''s aspur, if you like. So rather than asking people directly to do something, they suggest it in a different way. Putting a product somewhere that consumers are more likely to see is aexample of this. Others are encouraging office workers to use the stairs more bythe health benefits it brings … or tax authorities encouraging late taxpayers to pay by informing them that most of their neighbours havetheir accounts. So let''s consider some case studies …

[1] behavioural [2] prevalent [3] exemplifying [4] settled

Question 5

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

The phenomenon of avalanches hasa wealth of research in recent years. Teams of physicists,, geologists, statisticians, historians and meteorologists are examining what causes them and attempting totheir occurrence. They have noted that climate change seems to have had anon both how and when they happen.

[1] merited [2] engineers [3] predict [4] impact

Question 6

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

Travel writing offers a unique perspective on the world, blending the excitement of with the art of . Writers often share personal , detailing their encounters with different cultures, landscapes, and . It captures the essence of a place and transports readers to faraway , igniting their wanderlust.

[1] exploration [2] storytelling [3] experiences [4] people [5] destinations

Question 7

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

So, around 3000 BC, we start to see the secondof Mesopotamian writing, when written signs started to represent sounds instead of objects. This was a big change because up till then, they had only been used in a commercial context to refer to. The advantage of phonetic signs was that they could represent people’s names as well as objects. The first examples were found oninside tombs or engraved on statues and they were presumably meant to save that person’s name from.

[1] phase [2] merchandise [3] artefacts [4] oblivion

Question 8

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

The field of behavioral economics explores howfactors influence economic decisions. Unlike traditional economic theories that assume individuals always act rationally, behavioral economics considers howand emotions can impact financial choices. For example, people often overestimate short-term gains while underestimating long-term consequences, aknown as present bias. Understanding these patterns allows policymakers to design more effective interventions, such as defaultin retirement savings plans. By accounting for human behavior, economists can create systems that promote better outcomes for both individuals and society.

[1] psychological [2] biases [3] tendency [4] enrollment

Question 9

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

In experimental design, researchers create a systematic plan to conduct experiments that allow them to test effectively. A critical aspect of this process is the identification of and dependent variables. The independent variable is the one that is by the researcher, while the dependent variable is what is in response to that manipulation. Proper control measures must also be established to ensure that extraneous variables do not influence the .

[1] hypotheses [2] independent [3] manipulated [4] measured [5] results

Question 10

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

Genetics is the branch of biology that studiesand how traits are passed from one generation to the next. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, carries the genetic instructions used in theand functioning of all living organisms. Each gene within the DNA contains specific information that determines an individual’s characteristics, such as eye color or blood type. Advances in genetic research have led to significant breakthroughs, including the mapping of the humanand the development of gene therapy. However, ethical concerns continue to surround the use of geneticin humans and agriculture.

[1] heredity [2] development [3] genome [4] modifications

Question 11

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

Microbiology is the study of organisms, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and . These organisms play a crucial role in various biological processes, including and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Additionally, some microorganisms are essential for human , such as those found in the gut, which aid in digestion and synthesize . However, certain microbes can cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

[1] microscopic [2] protozoa [3] decomposition [4] health [5] vitamins

Question 12

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

Many societies have created the idea that it isfor women to use make-up. For example, female actors who choose to go out without make-up in their daily lives become the subject ofonline, even when they’re not at work when they’re photographed. That may not be surprising as the film industry has alwaysbeauty, but a study recently showed that women who work in other industries have experienced similar treatment. They found that in job interviews, interviewers made judgements on theof women based on their use of make-up. Because of this importance given to make-up, it’s no longer just a personalfor many women.

[1] common [2] discussion [3] valued [4] ability [5] choice

Question 13

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

In experimental design, researchers create a systematic plan to conduct experiments that allow them to test effectively. A critical aspect of this process is the identification of and dependent variables. The independent variable is the one that is by the researcher, while the dependent variable is what is in response to that manipulation. Proper control measures must also be established to ensure that extraneous variables do not influence the .

[1] hypotheses [2] independent [3] manipulated [4] measured [5] results

Question 14

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

Jazz composition is a unique art form that blends with structured musical frameworks. Composers often draw inspiration from a variety of , incorporating elements of blues, swing, and even classical music. The harmonic progression in tunes can be quite complex, using extended chords and unexpected key . Additionally, the rhythmic flexibility of jazz allows musicians to express themselves in ways that challenge traditional norms.

[1] improvisation [2] genres [3] jazz [4] changes [5] musical

Question 15

You will hear a recording. As you listen, type the missing word in each blank.

In recent years, digitalhas transformed the way businesses operate. Companies now rely heavily on data analytics to guide decision-making and improve customer. Cloud computing, in particular, has enabled organizations to store vast amounts of information without the need for physical. As a result, many small businesses have gained access to tools that were once available only to large corporations. However, this digital shift also brings challenges, including concerns about dataand the need for continuous upskilling in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

[1] technology [2] experience [3] infrastructure [4] security

Show All Questions

How to approach it

Follow the transcript. Keep your eyes on the text and your place in the audio.
Type as you hear. Fill each blank in real time. Do not wait.
Spell carefully. Misspelled words are marked wrong.
Use context. If you miss a word, the surrounding text can help.

FAQs

How many times does the audio play?

Once only. Keep your eyes on the transcript and your fingers ready, the blanks come fast.

Does spelling matter?

Yes. A correctly heard but misspelled word scores zero, so practice typing common academic words.

What if I miss a blank?

Skip it and stay with the audio. After it ends, use the surrounding sentence to make a sensible guess.

Which sections does it score?

Listening and Writing both, since typing accuracy is part of the mark.

How can I practice for it?

Do dictation drills daily: play short clips, type what you hear, then check spelling against the transcript.

Fill in the Blanks: PTE Listening Practice Questions with Sample Answers (2026)

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