PTE reading: tips for answering fill in the blanks questions

The Fill in the Blanks questions in the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Reading section assess your ability to understand the context and vocabulary of a given passage. These questions require you to select the appropriate words or phrases to complete the gaps in a text. In this blog, we will provide you with effective strategies and tips to approach Fill in the Blanks questions in the PTE Reading section, enabling you to tackle them with confidence and accuracy.

Skim the Text:

Before attempting to answer the Fill in the Blanks questions, take a quick glance at the passage. Skim through the text to get a general understanding of the topic, the main ideas, and the overall flow of the passage. This will give you a context and help you anticipate the kind of information that might fill the gaps.

Identify the Grammatical Clues:

Pay attention to the grammar used in the surrounding sentences or phrases. Look for grammatical cues such as verb forms, prepositions, or articles that can guide you in selecting the correct word or phrase to fill the gap. The context provided by the grammar can often narrow down the possible options.

Consider the Context:

The surrounding words and sentences can provide valuable clues about the intended meaning of the missing word or phrase. Consider the meaning and tone of the passage, the logical flow of ideas, and the relationships between the sentences. Use the context to make an educated guess about the most appropriate word or phrase to fill the gap.

Pay Attention to Transition Words:

Transition words or phrases, such as "however," "therefore," "although," or "in addition," play a significant role in indicating the relationship between ideas. These words can guide you in selecting the appropriate word or phrase to complete the sentence. Consider how the missing word or phrase should fit logically with the rest of the passage.

Focus on Word Form:

Consider the form of the word that should fill the gap. Look for clues that indicate whether the missing word should be a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, or a specific tense. Pay attention to suffixes or prefixes that may be present in the sentence, as they can provide hints about the word form required.

Eliminate Incorrect Options:

If you are unsure about the correct answer, try eliminating the options that are clearly incorrect. Look for options that do not fit grammatically or contextually within the sentence or the passage. This strategy can increase your chances of selecting the right answer by narrowing down the choices.

Use Process of Elimination:

If you are unsure about the correct answer, use the process of elimination. Cross out the options that are less likely to be correct and focus on the remaining choices. Evaluate each option by considering its fit within the context, grammar, and meaning of the passage. This method can help you make a more informed choice when you are unsure about the answer.

Practice Time Management:

Time management is crucial in the PTE Reading section. Allocate a specific time for each Fill in the Blanks question and stick to it. If you are struggling with a particular question, move on and come back to it later if time permits. Remember to leave enough time for reviewing your answers before submitting the section.

Conclusion:

Fill in the Blanks questions in the PTE Reading section require careful attention to context, grammar, and meaning. By employing strategies such as skimming the text, identifying grammatical clues, considering the context, paying attention to transition words, focusing on word form, eliminating incorrect options, using the process of elimination, and practicing time management, you can improve your accuracy and efficiency in answering these questions. Regular practice with sample questions and mock tests will further enhance your skills in tackling Fill in the Blanks questions and help you achieve a high score in the PTE Reading section.