PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks: Practice Sample, Tips & How to improve

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Updated on Mar 24, 2025, 09:47

In the PTE exam, the reading section includes a very important task: Reading Fill in the Blanks. In this task, your understanding of the context, vocabulary, and grammar is being assessed.

 

For this task, you must choose the right word to fill a passage logically and accurately. So what strategies can you use to improve PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks?

 

Let’s explore common strategies, sample questions and mistakes you can avoid to enhance your PTE score.

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1. Understanding PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks Task

The PTE Fill in the blanks task is an important part of the reading section.

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2. Practice Exercises for PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks with answers

Here is a sample PTE reading fill in the blanks practice with answers.

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3. How to Score High in PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks?

Scoring high in the PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks section requires a combination of reading comprehension skills and strategic approaches.

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4. Common Mistakes to Avoid in PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks

In the PTE reading fill in the blanks; you can often make several common mistakes that negatively impact your scores.

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1.

Understanding PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks Task

The purpose of the PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks task is to test your comprehension of written English and your ability to identify appropriate words to complete a passage. 

 

You'll read a passage with missing words and select the correct words from a list for the task. This task assesses vocabulary, grammar, and contextual knowledge, which is why it is an important element of the PTE Reading section.

 

How Does PTE Score the Fill in the Blanks Task?

 

Each correct answer in the Fill in the Blanks task contributes to the overall Reading score. Since this task does not involve partial credit, only entirely correct selections receive points. 

 

The automated scoring system evaluates responses based on lexical accuracy and grammatical correctness. This section influences the total Reading score and other reading-based tasks in the PTE Academic exam.

 

Why is This Task Important in PTE Reading?

 

This task is vital because it measures essential language skills required for academic success, such as comprehension, contextual vocabulary use, and grammatical accuracy. 

 

Since the PTE Academic exam is designed for non-native English speakers aiming for university admissions or professional opportunities, mastering this section significantly boosts overall performance.

2.

Practice Exercises for PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks with answers

Here is a sample PTE reading fill in the blanks practice with answers

 

Sentence with Blanks Answer Options Correct Answers
The scientist’s research was ______ by a lack of funding. hindered, supported, improved hindered
Many students struggle with ______ concepts in physics. fundamental, optional, unnecessary fundamental
The company’s new policy aims to ______ employee productivity. enhance, reduce, eliminate enhance
The government implemented new laws to ______ the economy. stabilise, damage, weaken stabilise
His speech was filled with ______ statements that lacked factual support. ambiguous, clear, reliable ambiguous

 

Daily Drills for Improving Reading Skills

 

Here are some PTE reading fill in the blanks tips and tricks:

 

  • Read Academic Articles: Engage with online publications like BBC, The Guardian, or academic journals to familiarise yourself with complex sentence structures.
  • Use Vocabulary Apps: Apps like Anki, Quizlet, and PTE-specific vocabulary builders can help expand your word bank.
  • Summarise What You Read: Practice summarising articles or books to enhance retention and comprehension.
  • Solve One Fill in the Blanks Task Daily: Consistency is key; allocate 10-15 minutes daily to solving similar exercises.

 

PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks Repeated Questions

 

Prepare effectively with the PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks downloadable PDFs, covering all key sections.

3.

How to Score High in PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks?

Scoring high in the PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks section requires a combination of reading comprehension skills and strategic approaches. 
 

Here’s an overview of how to excel in this part of the exam:

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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks

In the PTE reading fill in the blanks; you can often make several common mistakes that negatively impact your scores. 
 

An overview of these mistakes includes:

 

Selecting Words Without Understanding Context

 

  • One of the biggest errors test-takers make is choosing words based on familiarity rather than context. 
  • For example, “The scientist’s research was ______ by a lack of funding” should be completed with “hindered” rather than “supported” because the context implies a challenge.

 

Ignoring Grammar Rules in Sentence Completion

 

  • Grammar plays a crucial role in determining the correct word. Consider the sentence: “She is looking forward to ______ her vacation.” 
  • The correct answer is “spending,” not “spend,” due to the correct verb form after “looking forward to.”

 

Spending Too Much Time on One Question

 

  • Time management is critical in PTE Reading. Spending excessive time on one question can lead to insufficient time for later sections. 
  • If stuck, eliminate wrong options, make an educated guess, and move forward to maintain momentum.

 

Read More:
 

 

Consistent practice and innovative strategies will increase PTE Reading scores, improving overall exam results.

 

Need help with your PTE exam preparation? Click here!

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FAQs

Q. How to do Reading Fill in the Blanks in PTE?

Ans. Read the passage quickly, understand the context, and identify grammatical and collocation clues. Eliminate incorrect options, use logic to select the best fit, and verify sentence structure. Regular practice and vocabulary building significantly improve accuracy in this task.

Q. How do I get a 90 in Reading PTE?

Ans. To achieve a 90, focus on vocabulary, collocations, and contextual understanding. Practice daily with mock tests, improve reading speed, and apply strategic elimination. Avoid spending too much time on one question and use AI-powered tools for feedback and improvement.

Q. How to improve Reading Fill in the Blanks in PTE?

Ans. Improve by reading academic texts, learning common collocations, and practising with mock tests. Focus on understanding context, grammar rules, and word associations. Reviewing mistakes and using AI-based tools helps refine accuracy and speed in this task.

Q. How many Reading Fill in the Blanks in PTE?

Ans. The PTE Reading section includes two types of Fill in the Blanks tasks: Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks (4-5 questions) and Reading Fill in the Blanks (4-5 questions). The number may vary slightly depending on the test format.

Q. How much time to spend on Fill in the Blanks in PTE?

Ans. Ideally, spend 1-2 minutes per question in Reading Fill in the Blanks. Skim the passage, identify grammatical hints, and choose logically. Avoid overthinking; if unsure, make an educated guess and move forward to manage time effectively.

Q. How can I improve my vocabulary for PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks?

Ans. Build vocabulary by reading academic articles, learning synonyms, and practising collocations. Use word lists, flashcards, and apps like Anki or Quizlet. Engage in daily reading exercises and review new words in context to enhance retention and usage.

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

Ans. Skim the passage first, identify grammatical and contextual clues, and eliminate incorrect options. Focus on word collocations, predict missing words before checking options, and read sentences aloud to ensure they sound natural before finalising answers.

Q. How can I avoid selecting the wrong word in Fill in the Blanks?

Ans. To avoid errors, analyse sentence structure, use collocations, and focus on context clues. Read before and after the blank to ensure logical flow. Eliminate options that don’t fit grammatically, and verify your answer by reading the complete sentence.

Q. Where can I find PTE reading Fill in the Blanks PDF with answers?

Ans. You can find PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks PDFs with answers on official PTE websites, online coaching platforms, and forums like PTE Academic Practice. These PDFs contain practice questions, explanations, and correct answers to help improve accuracy and confidence.

Q. What are the PTE reading Fill in the Blanks rules?

Ans. Understand context, focus on grammar rules, and use collocations for accuracy. Eliminate incorrect choices, read the full sentence before selecting an answer, and manage time effectively. Avoid random guessing by analysing sentence structure and word relationships for better accuracy.

Q. Is PTE reading Fill in the Blanks repeated questions?

Ans. Many frequently asked Fill in the Blanks questions appear in the PTE exam. Online forums, PTE coaching websites, and test-taker experiences often share repeated questions. Regular practice can help improve familiarity and boost confidence during the exam.