How to Solve PTE Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks?

There are many tests that check the English proficiency of study abroad aspirants. However, the most preferred among them is the PTE exam. It also assesses the four language skills, including a PTE reading module. Most of the test takers struggle with the questions in this section of the exam. The one that baffles them the most is reading and writing fill in the blanks PTE question type. So, in this article, mentors will guide the students on how to attempt this type of task.

Overview of Fill in the Blank Task

The fill in the blanks is a task type of the reading segment in the PTE exam. This question comprises a text of around three hundred words. Moreover, a few of the terms in this text are replaced by blanks. Along with that, there is a drop-down menu with answer choices. Students have to choose the correct option from this drop-down box. It is also the task that assesses both the PTE reading and writing skills of the exam takers. So now let’s take a look at some of the elements that you can use to identify the right response.

Factors to Consider in Fill in the Blank Questions

This type of fill-in-the-blank task is common in the PTE exam. You get a text that you need to use your reading skills in order to fill the gaps. When you select the accurate word, it judges your writing skills. The following are some elements that are crucial to identify the word that will fit the blank perfectly. So, let’s take a look at these clues:

Meaning

To answer the reading and writing fill in the blanks PTE questions, it is crucial that you understand the meaning of the terms given in the drop down box.

Grammar

The word that you are selecting must be grammatically suitable for the sentence. If it is not the correct word type, then the answer is wrong.

Context

Other than grammar, the term should also fit in with the context of the statement. If it does not say the right thing, you will have to change it.

Collocation

The term selected by you should also make sense with the words before and after the blank.

Next up are the ways in which you can solve reading and writing fill in the blank questions.

Methods to Solve the Fill in the Blank Task

There are different types of questions in the PTE reading module. In addition, these have a time restraint too. That is why students need to be aware of the correct methods to solve them. Hence, the experts from PTE coaching have shared a list of some strategies that can be helpful in solving the fill in the blank questions in the exam.

Skim Text

Instead of reading the entire 300-word long prompt, it is better to scan and skim it for details. This way, examinees can save effort and time.

Transition Words

As per the mentors from PTE coaching online, make use of the linking terms to identify how the ideas are connected with each other. This way, you can get to the right response easily.

Word Form

Take the help of the clues that show the type of word form that will come in place of the blank. This can further be a verb, noun or tense.

Elimination

You can also eliminate the choices that seem incorrect to you. These are the terms that do not fit in grammatically or as per the context.

Time Management

Using your time wisely is crucial in PTE reading tasks. If you are not getting the answer to any of the blanks, you can leave them and move on to the next one.

Now, let’s understand how this question is scored.

Fill in the Blank Scoring Method

This is a task which will affect the scoring for both the writing and reading sections. There is also no negative scoring for this task. Moreover, for every correct answer, the students are awarded one point. If one or more blanks are incorrect, then a partial scoring method is applicable. The marks you get in reading and writing fill in the blanks PTE question type can greatly impact your overall along with reading and writing scores.

Conclusion

To conclude, regular practice with the right technique can help you ace the fill in the blank task type. In addition, you can also take personal feedback from mentors at Gradding.com. The experts here will also help you work on your weaker areas. Moreover, you can get PTE coaching online or offline, depending on your convenience. This coaching centre also offers free mock tests and classes to those interested in preparing for the PTE exam.