PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks: Tips, Templates & Examples for Success

Mastering the PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks task is essential for anyone aiming for a high score on the PTE exam. This task may seem simple at first glance, but it’s actually one of the most telling parts of the PTE Reading section. Here, your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and contextual understanding all come into play. If you are struggling with this question type, no worries; this blog will guide you through essential tips, practical templates, and real examples to help you confidently fill in those blanks. 

What Is PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks?

In the PTE Reading section, the Fill in the Blanks task consists of several short passages with missing words. You have to drag and drop the appropriate option from the given list. 

Task	The text on the screen has several missing words. Drag words from the box below to fill in these gaps.
Prompt Length	80 words
Skills Assessed	Reading

 

How To Answer Reading Fill in The blanks

For the PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks question, you’ll need to fill in the blanks in a passage by dragging words from a list into the correct spots.

Here’s how it works:

• You’ll see a passage with some missing words and a list of possible words in a blue box.
• There are more words in the box than you’ll need, so that some words won’t be used.
• To move a word, click on it, hold down the mouse button, and drag it to the blank space you want to fill.
• If you want to change a word, just drag it to a different blank or back to the blue box.

Scoring Format Of Reading Fill in The Blanks:

Your response for Reading: Fill in the Blanks is judged on your ability to use context and grammatical cues to identify words that complete a reading text. You will receive the maximum score points for this question type if all blanks are filled out correctly. If one or more blanks are filled incorrectly, partial credit scoring applies.

Partial credit (for each correctly completed blank)
1	Each correctly completed blank
0	Minimum score

 

How to Tackle PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks: Key Tips 💡

To achieve a high score in this section, you must develop a few essential strategies. Here are some useful tips to help you perform better:

👉Skim the Passage First

• Quickly read through the passage to understand the main topic and tone before filling in the blanks.

👉Identify Parts of Speech

• Check surrounding words to determine the needed part of speech (noun, verb, adjective), which can narrow down choices.

👉Use Word Associations

• Look for words that naturally go together or are contextually linked to the passage topic (e.g., “emissions” with “climate change”).

👉Focus on Transition Words

• Pay attention to transitions like “however,” “therefore,” and “for example” as they indicate relationships between ideas.

👉Read Options Aloud Mentally

• Read each option in the blank mentally; if it sounds awkward, it’s likely incorrect.

👉Prioritize High-Frequency Words 

• Familiarize yourself with commonly used academic words like “impact,” “method,” and “result,” which often appear in Fill in the Blanks.

👉Check Singular/Plural and Tense

• Ensure your choice matches the sentence in terms of singular/plural forms and verb tense.

👉Consider Connotation and Tone

• When choosing words, match the tone of the passage (positive, negative, neutral); avoid positive words in a negative context.

👉Manage Your Time Strategically

• Don’t dwell on one blank. Answer easy blanks first, then revisit tougher ones if time permits.

👉 Summarize Each Sentence Quickly

• After selecting an answer, summarize the sentence to ensure it logically fits the passage’s meaning.

🎯 Templates To Hit The Target Score: 

Using a template-based approach can provide consistency when answering PTE Fill in the Blanks questions. Here are some quick templates:

Template 1: The Context Approach

• Step 1: Read the entire passage quickly to get a sense of the topic.
• Step 2: Go back to each blank and read the sentence closely.
• Step 3: Evaluate each option and select the one that best matches the context and meaning of the passage.

Template 2: The Grammar Approach

• Step 1: Check each blank for grammatical clues (e.g., singular/plural, verb/noun).
• Step 2: Eliminate options that don’t fit grammatically.
• Step 3: Choose the word that maintains grammatical consistency within the sentence.

Template 3: The Collocation Technique

• Step 1: Identify any collocations or word pairs that might fit the blank.
• Step 2: Test the options in the blank by reading them in context.
• Step 3: Select the option that sounds most natural and logical.

 

Also Read: PTE Write From Dictation Tips & Tricks to Score Higher

Sample Questions For PTE Reading Fill in The Blanks Practice: 

Practice Question 1: 

Exercise has a significant impact on our physical and mental health. Regular physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase 1________ levels. Many people also find that exercise helps them maintain a healthy 2________ and boosts overall 3 ________. While some struggle to find the time, incorporating even small activities into daily routines can make a noticeable 4________.”

Options: 

Energy

Motivation

Lifestyle

Weight

Difference

Health

 

👉Answer with explanation:

• Blank 1: Energy

         Exercise enhances energy levels by improving blood flow and oxygen supply to the body, making you feel more energized.

• Blank 2: Weight

         Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight by burning calories and building muscle mass.

• Blank 3: Health

          Exercise boosts overall health by strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

• Blank 4: Difference

          Even small amounts of exercise can make a noticeable difference in your well-being and quality of life.

 

Practice Question 2:

Global warming is a serious issue that requires urgent attention. The rise in temperatures has led to a 1.__________ in polar ice caps, which in turn causes sea levels to rise. Governments must take immediate 2.__________ to reduce carbon emissions and implement sustainable energy practices. Without such efforts, the environmental damage will only 3.__________, affecting future generations.

Options: 

Shift

Melting

Efforts

Worsen

Action

 

👉Answer with explanation:

• Blank 1: Melting

          The rise in temperatures causes the polar ice caps to melt. “Melting” is the most fitting word because it directly refers to the process by which ice turns to water due to heat.

• Blank 2: Action

          Governments must take “action” to combat global warming, meaning they need to act quickly and decisively.

• Blank 3: Worsen

          The environmental damage will only “worsen” without efforts to mitigate the effects of global warming, suggesting that the situation will become more severe over time.

 

Practice Question 3:

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a driving force in many industries. However, the rapid development of AI technology raises concerns about its potential to 1.__________ jobs, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and retail. To address this issue, governments and businesses must focus on creating 2.__________ that help workers transition to new roles.

Options: 

Opportunities

Replace

Eliminate

Transform

Programs

 

👉Answer with explanation:

• Blank 1: Replace

           In this context, “replace” fits because it refers to the potential for AI to take over jobs previously performed by humans, especially in sectors like manufacturing and retail.

• Blank 2: Programs

         “Programs” is appropriate here as it suggests structured initiatives, such as training or reskilling efforts, which are necessary to help workers adapt to the changing job landscape and      transition into new roles created by advancements in AI technology. 

 

Practice Question 4:

Education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of society. It helps individuals to 1.__________ their potential and acquire the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. However, access to quality education remains a 2.__________ issue in many developing countries. Governments must focus on 3.__________ education systems and investing in teacher training. The rise of online learning has also included 4.__________ traditional educational models, offering new opportunities for students to learn at their own pace. Still, 5.__________ remains a key challenge.

Options: 

Maximize

Accessibility

Revolutionized

Strengthening

Simple

Critical

 

👉Answer with explanation:

• Blank 1: Maximize 

          This term fits as education allows individuals to achieve their full potential.

• Blank 2: Critical: 

          Access to education is a significant and pressing issue in developing countries.

• Blank 3: Strengthening

          Governments must improve and reinforce education systems for better outcomes.

• Blank 4: Revolutionized

          Online learning has dramatically transformed traditional educational approaches.

• Blank 5: Accessibility

          Ensuring everyone has access to education remains a major hurdle.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing Through Options

• Carefully read each option rather than making hasty choices. Many words may seem correct but fail to fit the passage logically.

Ignoring Context

• Don’t isolate blanks and options; always evaluate the surrounding text to choose the right answer.

Overlooking Grammar and Agreement

• Be cautious about grammatical structure. A correct answer is one that not only fits the blank but also adheres to grammatical norms.

Skipping Common Collocations

• If you aren’t familiar with common collocations in English, this can be a disadvantage. Familiarize yourself with word pairs like “take responsibility” or “make a decision” to help in the test.

 

📝Do PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks Practice On Mock Test 

 

It is very important to apply these tips and strategies in your practice. One of the best ways to do PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks Practice is by giving a full-length mock test. You can use Gurully’s online practice platform to prepare for the PTE exam. Here, you will get a Section-wise test along with question-wise practice. 

Gurully’s real-time exam simulation will help you understand the actual test condition. Instant AI scoring will help you save time. You can also practice question-wise for free from Grully’s PTE practice application.  

Conclusion: 

The PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks task might seem challenging at first, but with a structured approach and focused practice, it becomes manageable and even predictable. By familiarizing yourself with key tips, honing your ability to recognize context clues, and practicing regularly with realistic PTE mock tests, you’ll build the skills necessary to tackle this section with ease. 

 

Remember, each blank is an opportunity to demonstrate your grasp of English vocabulary and grammar. Use platforms like Gurully for real-time practice and instant feedback, which can be invaluable in fine-tuning your strategy and boosting your confidence on test day.