PTE reading: strategies for answering fill in the blanks (drag and drop)

The Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop) task in the PTE Reading section assesses your ability to comprehend a text and select the most appropriate words to complete the given passage. This task requires both reading comprehension skills and a good understanding of vocabulary and grammar. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies for answering Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop) questions in the PTE Reading section to help you improve your performance and achieve a high score.

Read the Passage Carefully:

Before attempting to answer the Fill in the Blanks questions, read the entire passage carefully. Understand the context, main ideas, and the flow of the text. This initial reading will give you an overall understanding of the passage, helping you identify the appropriate words to fill in the blanks.

Identify the Contextual Clues:

Pay close attention to the words and phrases surrounding the blank spaces. Look for clues that provide information about the missing word, such as the subject of the sentence, verb tenses, and the overall meaning of the passage. These contextual clues will guide you in selecting the most suitable word to complete the sentence.

Predict the Missing Word:

Based on the context and your understanding of the passage, try to predict the word that would best fit the blank space. Consider the grammatical structure of the sentence and think about the word form (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) that would make sense in that particular context. This prediction will help you narrow down your options and make an informed choice.

Consider Collocation and Cohesion:

Pay attention to the collocation and cohesion within the passage. Look for words or phrases that typically go together or form a logical sequence. This knowledge will assist you in selecting words that create coherence and maintain the flow of the passage.

Evaluate the Options:

Carefully evaluate the answer options provided for each blank. Read each option within the context of the sentence and consider its grammatical correctness and logical fit. Eliminate options that do not match the context or disrupt the meaning of the sentence. Compare the remaining options and choose the one that best completes the passage.

Check Grammar and Syntax:

Ensure that the word you choose fits grammatically and syntactically within the sentence. Consider the subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, and word order. Select the word that maintains the sentence's grammatical accuracy and clarity.

Review for Coherence and Logic:

After filling in each blank, review the entire passage to ensure that your choices create a coherent and logical flow. Make sure the completed sentence makes sense within the context of the passage and maintains the overall meaning of the text.

Use Process of Elimination:

If you are unsure about the correct answer, use the process of elimination. Eliminate options that clearly do not fit the context or violate grammar rules. By eliminating incorrect choices, you increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.

Practice Time Management:

As with any task in the PTE exam, manage your time effectively. Allocate a specific time limit for each Fill in the Blanks question and stick to it. If you encounter a challenging question, move on to the next one and come back to it later if time permits. This way, you can maximize your chances of completing the task within the given time frame.

Review and Learn from Practice Tests:

Regularly practice Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop) questions from practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and enhance your skills. Analyze your mistakes and learn from them. Identify the types of vocabulary or grammar patterns that tend to appear in this task and focus on improving your understanding in those areas.

Conclusion:

Mastering the Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop) task in the PTE Reading section requires a combination of careful reading, understanding context, predicting words, evaluating options, considering grammar and coherence, and effective time management. By applying these strategies and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in this task and achieve a high score in the PTE Reading section. Remember to read the passages thoroughly, use contextual and grammatical clues, make informed predictions, evaluate the options critically, and ensure coherence and logic in your choices. With consistent practice and dedication, you'll build the skills necessary to excel in the Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop) questions.