PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks: Best Strategies & Scoring Tips

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Updated on Mar 24, 2025, 13:15

With over 800,000 PTE tests taken worldwide, doing well in each task is important for success. One key task in the PTE Listening section is Fill in the Blanks, which checks how well you understand spoken English and find missing words in a text. It tests how well you process information in real-time and apply language skills under pressure.

 

In this article, you'll learn how Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening works, why it matters, and the best ways to improve your score. In addition, you will explore the sample questions and answers for your practice.

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1. What Is the Fill in the Blanks Task in PTE Listening?

The Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening checks how well you can understand and type spoken words correctly.

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2. PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks Format & Scoring

The Fill in the Blanks task in the PTE Listening section evaluates both listening and writing skills.

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3. How to Answer Fill in the Blanks in PTE Listening?

You need a simple and clear strategy to do well in the Fill in the Blanks task.

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4. PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks Practice Questions

The PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks task checks your ability to comprehend spoken English and correctly fill in missing words in a transcript.

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5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks

Many test-takers lose points in the Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening task due to common mistakes like spelling errors, mishearing words, or not paying attention to grammar.

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6. Best Strategies for Scoring High in PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks

To get a high score in the Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening task, you need more than good listening skills—you need smart strategies.

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1.

What Is the Fill in the Blanks Task in PTE Listening?

The Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening checks how well you can understand and type spoken words correctly. You will hear an audio recording that lasts between 30 and 60 seconds, like a lecture or conversation, and you see a transcript with missing words. You must listen carefully and fill in the blanks with the right words to complete the sentences.

2.

PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks Format & Scoring

The Fill in the Blanks task in the PTE Listening section evaluates both listening and writing skills. You will listen to an audio clip with missing words while reading a transcript. Your goal is to accurately identify and type the missing words based on what you hear.

 

Below is a quick overview of the PTE Fill in the Blanks task format.
 

Component Key Details
Audio Type Lecture, conversation, or discussion
Number of Blanks 5 to 10 task
Task Frequency 2 to 3 tasks in the exam
Input Required Type the missing words exactly as heard
Scoring Criteria Accuracy of words and correct spelling
Time Management Limited time (around 7–9 seconds) after the audio ends

 

Success in this task depends on careful listening, accurate spelling, and quick typing. Since each blank affects your score, practising with different accents and working on vocabulary can improve your performance.

 

Read Next: PTE Exam 2025

 

Scoring Criteria for Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening

 

You get 1 point for each correctly spelled word. There's no penalty for wrong answers, so always try to fill in every blank. Even if you're unsure, making a smart guess can improve your chances of scoring. 

 

Leaving a blank means missing out on points, so stay focused and type quickly. Practising regularly will help you get better and feel more confident.

 

Below are some of the key factors that affect your score:

 

Scoring Criteria for Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening

 

  • Vocabulary: Knowing common and academic words improves accuracy while recognising similar words or synonyms helps you understand the context better.
  • Spelling: PTE only accepts exact words. Even small mistakes, like writing "mispelled" instead of "misspelled," will be marked wrong. Regular practice helps you avoid such errors.
  • Listening Skills: Focus on important details like names, dates, and key terms. Strong listening skills help you catch the right words while ignoring unnecessary information.

 

To score well in the Fill in the Blanks task, you must understand how answers are evaluated based on accuracy, spelling, and context. However, scoring well also depends on using the right approach to answer these questions effectively.

 

Also Read: PTE Score in Bands 2025

3.

How to Answer Fill in the Blanks in PTE Listening?

You need a simple and clear strategy to do well in the Fill in the Blanks task. Before the audio starts, quickly read the transcript to understand the missing words. While listening, focus on keywords and jot them down if needed.

 

Pay attention to how words are pronounced, how the sentence flows, and the grammar to guess the right words. After the audio ends, check your answers for spelling mistakes and ensure they correctly fit the sentence.

 

Below are some of the effective steps you can take to improve your accuracy in PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks:

 

  • Focus on the Audio: You will hear the audio only once, so stay alert. Listen carefully to key details like names, dates, and important terms.
  • Take Mental Notes: Try to remember keywords or phrases as you listen. Pay attention to sentence structure—this will help you figure out if the missing word is a noun, verb, or adjective.
  • Use Context Clues: Understanding the topic of the audio helps. For example, if it’s about health, the missing word might be a medical term. Also, grammar can give clues—if the blank comes after "a" or "an," the word is likely a noun.
  • Listen for Key Details: Focus on important words like dates, names, and technical terms. These often appear in the blanks. Numbers and specific terms are also crucial, so listen closely.
  • Type the Exact Words: Write exactly what you hear. Even small spelling mistakes can make your answer incorrect. Be careful with capitalisation when needed (e.g., proper nouns).
  • Predict When Unsure: If you're unsure of the word, use context clues from the surrounding sentences. A change in tone or a pause might signal a new idea, which can help with the next blank.

 

By following these steps, you'll improve your chances of getting the correct answers in the PTE Listening test. However, even with the right approach, small mistakes can lower your score.

 

Read Next: PTE Reading Tips and Tricks 2025

Improve Vocabulary Through Word Lists

Building a strong vocabulary is essential for tackling fill-in-the-blank questions effectively. Create and revise word lists focusing on:

 

  • Common academic words: e.g., analyse, significant, consequence
  • Synonyms and antonyms: e.g., increase/decrease, mandatory/optional
  • Topic-specific terms: Business, science, technology, etc.
Master Collocations & Context Clues

Understanding collocations - words occurring naturally together - helps select the correct answers. Examples include:

 

  • Make a decision (not “do a decision”)
  • Strong commitment (not “heavy commitment”)
  • Deep concern (not “large concern”)

 

Context clues also play a crucial role. If a blank is preceded by a negative word, the missing word may have a negative connotation. Practice identifying tone and meaning in passages to select appropriate words.

Time-Saving Techniques for Quick Selection
  • Skim the Passage First: Get an overview before choosing words.
  • Identify Grammar Hints: Look for articles, prepositions, and verb forms that indicate the type of word needed.
  • Eliminate Incorrect Choices: Rule out words that do not fit logically or grammatically.
Practice with AI-Powered Tools & Mock Tests (Our PTE LIY Product)

AI-driven tools like PTE LIY enhance preparation through personalised feedback, real-time scoring, and adaptive learning techniques. Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment, helping candidates build confidence and refine strategies for the Reading section.
4.

PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks Practice Questions

The PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks task checks your ability to comprehend spoken English and correctly fill in missing words in a transcript. Practising real exam-style questions will help you get comfortable with the format and increase your confidence.

 

Also Read: PTE Practice Test 2025

 

Below are sample practice questions for Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening to help you prepare effectively:

PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks 1

 

Along the way, we have built (1) _______  beautiful buildings, two of which have won, and another was runner-up in the prestigious United Nations World (2) ________ Award: the first time an Australian building has received that international honour. We rely on older (3) _______ of Australian architecture that are heavily influenced by the bush. All residents have private verandhas, which allow them to (4) ________  outdoors and also creates some "defensible space" between their bedrooms and public areas. We use a lot of (5)_______  and soft materials to build beautiful landscape gardens.

 

Answers

 

1. Unashamedly
2. Habitat
3. Concepts
4. Socialize
5. Natural
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks 2

 

Now that the story's been scratched, it is only part of contingency planning. But it was a symptom of the dramatic turn of events in South Australia, and it flushed out other remarks from water (1) _______  and people like Tim Flannery, indicating that things were really much worse than had been (2) _______, even earlier this year. So is Adelaide, let alone some whole (3) _______ of South Australia, in serious bother? Considering that the vast amount of its drinking water comes from the (4) _______ Murray, something many of us outside the state may not have quite realized. Is there (5) _______  something we have to face up to as a nation?

 

Answers

 

1. Academics
2. Foreshadowed
3. Regions
4. Beleaguered
5. Predicament
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks 3

 

The editors hold that if identity politics has no (1)_____________  political effects, then to a significant degree, “the risks and dilemmas of identity politics signal not a failure of identity politics per se but a failure of states to (2) ____________ their political processes”. They find this to be especially true of liberal democracies, where open political space for an engaged (3) _____________ requires public institutions that possess the capacity/determination “to develop procedures and guidelines for addressing claims in ways that are (4) _____________ with the rule of law, constitutional principles, and public reason”.

 

Answers

 

1. Preordained
2. Democratize
3. Citizenry
4. Compatible
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks 4

 

The German automaker giant Mercedes-Benz has voluntarily recalled 3 million brands (1) _______  diesel engine in different parts of the world to improve their emissions. On last Tuesday, the board debate over the future of diesel vehicle. The big giant rival Volkswagen admitted that they equip the (2) _______ with illegal software that meant they pass emission test which is regulated by the government. The emission (3) ________  with regular driving. In some part of the world, diesel vehicles are banned because of concerns about the increasing level of nitrogen oxide (4) _______  emitted by diesel vehicles.

 

Answers

 

1. Diesel
2. Vehicle
3. Increases
4. Smoke
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks 5

 

There are some 250 million cars in America, 250 million cars in the country with just over 300 million people. And most of those vehicles, of course, are gas (1) _______. This poses a huge challenge given the limited supplies of oil and the growing (2)________ of the global warming crisis.

But there is good news, according to our guests today. And that is we have the know-how and the technology to build (3) ________, fast automobiles that don't use gasoline. These vehicles of tomorrow are powered by (4) ________, electricity, bio-fuels, and digital technology. And they already exist. So what's stopping us from putting them on the roads? Our guests today will help answer that.

 

Answers

 

1. Powered
2. Urgency
3. Sleek
4. Hydrogen
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks 6

 

Men have always tried to encode (1) ________. Military communication, love letters, and forbidden knowledge. Sooner or later, most secret texts had been decoded. But among all the history’s cryptic (2) _______, one has stood out. This text has defied all attempts to unveil its secret for centuries through Voynich manuscript. It’s the world's most mysterious (3) ________ written by an unknown author in an absolutely singular alphabet and illustrated with (4) _______ images.

 

Answers

 

1. Secrets
2. Writings
3. Book
4. Puzzling
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks 7

 

There are few studies on research training programs within the (1) _________ of Asian American health disparities. The existing literature on training programs tends to emphasize broad components such as (2) __________ and an examination of the community and academic partnership. Moreover, the current available literature pertains mostly to clinical (3) __________ such as nurses and doctors in residency rather than researchers. Few articles employed (4) _________ evaluation methods because most of these evaluations were limited to a low number of participants.

 

Answers

 

1. Realm
2. Mentorship
3. Practitioners
4. Quantitative
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks 8

 

At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: "I have to go to work - as a human being. What do I have to (1) _________ of if I'm going to do what I was born for - the things I was (2)_________  into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?"
- But it's nicer in here...
So you were born to feel "nice"? Instead of (3)________ things and experiencing them? Don't you see the plants, the birds, the ants and spiders and bees going about their individual (4) ________, putting the world in order as best they can? And you're not willing to do your job as a human being? Why aren't you running to do what your (5) ________ demands?

 

Answers

 

1. Complain
2. Brought
3. Doing
4. Tasks
5. Nature
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks 9

 

Well in 2004 we integrated ticketing in South East Queensland, so we (1) _________ a paper ticket that allowed you to travel across all the three (2)_________ in South East Queensland, so bus, train, and (3)_________ and the second stage of integrated ticketing is the introduction of a Smart Card, and the Smart Card will enable people to (4)_________ value so to put value on the card, and then to use the card for (5)_________ around the system.

 

Answers

 

1. Introduced
2. Modes
3. Ferry
4. Store
5. Travelling
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks 10

 

And our ancestors, for as long as there has been (1) ________ history, have looked at the night sky and (2) ________ the nature of our existence. And we’re no exception our generation. The only difficulty now is that the night sky is (3) ________ by the glare of City lights. And so astronomers go to these very remote mountain tops to view and to study the (4) ________. So, telescopes are our window to the cosmos. It’s no exaggeration to say that the southern hemisphere is going to be the future of (5) ________ for the 21st century.

 

Answers

 

1. Recorded
2. Pondered
3. Blocked
4. Cosmos
5. Astronomy
5.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks

Many test-takers lose points in the Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening task due to common mistakes like spelling errors, mishearing words, or not paying attention to grammar. Some also struggle with typing too slowly or getting distracted by unfamiliar accents.

 

The good news is that you can avoid these mistakes with the right strategies. Below are some of the most common errors and their solutions:

 

  • Misspelling Words: To avoid this, practice common academic words and double-check your spelling before moving on.
  • Ignoring Context: Always check if the sentence makes sense and use grammar clues like articles or auxiliary verbs to determine the correct word type.
  • Missing Key Details: Names, dates, and technical terms often fill the blanks, so stay focused and mentally note important words while listening.
  • Guessing Randomly: Use context clues from the sentence to predict the missing word. Identify whether it should be a noun, verb, or adjective based on sentence structure.
  • Ignoring Grammar: A word may sound correct but not fit grammatically. Always reread the sentence after filling in the blank to check for subject-verb agreement, tense, and singular/plural consistency.

 

By avoiding these mistakes and practising regularly, you can improve accuracy and confidence in the PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks task. In addition, developing strong listening and vocabulary skills can make a big difference in your performance.

 

Also Read: PTE Listening Practice Test 2025 with Sample Answers

 

Improving Listening & Vocabulary for Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening

 

Expanding your vocabulary enhances your ability to predict missing words, while active listening helps you catch key details. A strong vocabulary enables better context-based guessing, improving accuracy. By refining listening skills and learning new words from daily experiences, you can increase confidence and score higher.

 

Below are some simple strategies to help you out:

 

  • Listen Actively: Focus on key details like names, numbers, and technical terms while practising different English accents through podcasts, news, and YouTube videos. Listening to academic content like TED Talks and documentaries can also help.
  • Practice Dictation: Transcribe audio recordings, starting slow and gradually increasing speed. Use dictation apps or pause the audio to write down what you hear.
  • Listen and Repeat: Play an audio clip, listen carefully, and repeat it to improve sentence structure, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Apps like BBC Learning English or ESL Lab can be useful.
  • Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with definitions and examples to reinforce learning. Apps like Anki and Quizlet help with retention.
  • Read Regularly: Read academic texts, newspapers, and research papers to learn new words in context and use them.

 

Building good listening and vocabulary skills helps you perform better in the Fill in the Blanks task. But to truly improve, you also need to practice with real exam questions.

6.

Best Strategies for Scoring High in PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks

To get a high score in the Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening task, you need more than good listening skills—you need smart strategies. While listening, focus on keywords and write them down fast to avoid mistakes. 

 

Paying attention to pronunciation, word stress, and context clues can help you predict the missing words more accurately. Additionally, improving your spelling and familiarising yourself with common academic vocabulary will increase your chances of selecting the right words.

 

Below are some of the best strategies for scoring high in PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks:
 

Best Strategies for Scoring High in PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks

 

1. Improve Word Prediction Skills: Focus on the overall meaning and main topic of the audio, using grammar hints like articles and prepositions to identify the correct word type.

 

2. Increase Listening Accuracy: Listen to various English accents, such as American, British, and Australian, while focusing on key details like names, dates, and numbers in smaller segments.

 

3. Position Your Cursor in the First Blank: Before the recording starts, place your cursor in the first blank. If you're a fast typist, use short forms to save time instead of writing in a booklet first.

 

4. Read the Transcript Before the Audio Starts: You get 7 seconds before the microphone opens—use this time to scan the transcript and locate the blanks.

 

5. Use the Notepad Wisely: Jot down keywords to help remember missing words and fill in the blanks accurately.

 

6. Use Abbreviations: Typing short forms instead of full words can speed up your response without affecting accuracy.

 

7. Keep Up with the Speaker: Don't pause too long on one blank—stay in sync with the speaker. Move your cursor to the next blank as soon as you fill one in, and listen for words before it.

 

8. Review at the End: Review your answers for accuracy and coherence before moving on.

 

9. Never Skip a Blank: There's no negative marking, so always take a guess if you're unsure. Avoid repeatedly revisiting answers.

 

10. Practice Regularly: Improve your skills with regular practice, using different audio samples and PTE mock tests to build confidence for the exam.

 

By following these tips, you'll improve your chances of success in the PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks section.

 

To further strengthen your preparation, join LeapScholar's PTE Score 80 Course, a step-by-step programme to help you reach your target score. With expert guidance, practice tests, and personalised feedback, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the PTE exam.

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FAQs

Q. What is the Fill in the Blanks task in PTE Listening?

Ans. In the Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening task, you listen to a recording and see a transcript with missing words. Your job is to type the missing words correctly. The audio plays only once, so you must listen carefully and type the words as you hear them. This tests your listening and spelling skills.

Q. How is the Fill in the Blanks section scored?

Ans. Scoring is based on accuracy. You get points for each correctly spelled word. If you misspell a word or leave it blank, you won't get points for that word. There's no partial credit for incorrect answers. This section contributes to both your listening and writing scores in the PTE exam.

Q. What are the best strategies for answering Fill in the Blanks?

Ans. First, read the text before the audio starts to understand the context. Listen carefully and write keywords while the audio plays. Type the missing words exactly as you hear them. Check spelling before submitting. Practising with different accents can help you understand words better. Focus on pronunciation patterns in English.

Q. Where can you find practice questions for PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks?

Ans. You can find practice questions on official PTE websites, online courses, and practice apps. Many free and paid resources offer sample tests, including Pearson PTE, E2Language, and PTE Tutorials. YouTube channels and language learning websites also provide practice exercises to improve listening skills.

Q. What are the common mistakes in Fill in the Blanks PTE Listening?

Ans. Common mistakes include misspelling words, mishearing words due to accents, and not typing quickly enough. Some test-takers focus too much on one blank and miss the next words. Others fail to review their answers before submitting them. To avoid mistakes, practice regularly and improve your listening speed and accuracy.

Q. How can you improve fill in the blanks in PTE listening?

Ans. Listen carefully and type the missing words as you hear them, focusing on pronunciation, spelling, and context. Practice daily with audio recordings to improve your vocabulary, and use online PTE practice tests to get familiar with accents and speech patterns. Stay calm, trust your listening skills, and don't overthink.

Q. How many fill in the blanks in PTE listening?

Ans. In PTE Listening, the "Fill in the Blanks" task usually has 2-3 questions. You will listen to an audio and type the missing words into the blanks in the transcript. The number of questions may vary, but this task plays a key role in the listening section.

Q. How to get 65 in PTE Fill in the Blanks Listening?

Ans. To score 65 in PTE Listening, practice listening to different English accents daily, improve your note-taking skills for summarising spoken text, and focus on spelling and grammar in fill-in-the-blanks questions. Use official PTE practice tests, manage time well, and avoid distractions. Listening carefully and understanding keywords will help you reach your target score.

Q. How to crack pte fill in the blanks?

Ans. To crack PTE "Fill in the Blanks," listen actively, predict words based on context, and focus on common sentence structures while improving your vocabulary. Practice with different audio clips to get used to various accents, maintain accurate spelling, and avoid unnecessary delays. The more you practice, the better your accuracy and speed will become.

Q. Which part of PTE Fill in the Blanks Listening is difficult?

Ans. The most difficult part of PTE depends on individual strengths, but many test-takers struggle with the listening and speaking sections, especially tasks like "Retell Lecture" and "Write from Dictation." Challenges include understanding different accents, managing time, and maintaining fluency, but with practice, all sections can be mastered.

Q. How can I get 90 in PTE?

Ans. To score 90 in PTE, practice consistently with official materials, improve vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, and listen to native speakers to understand different accents. Focus on weak areas, manage time well, and stay focused. Regular mock tests and reviewing mistakes will help you achieve a perfect score.