Listening Fill in the Blanks requires the exact missing word, correctly spelt. Use the visible transcript to predict grammar, listen for the word once, then confirm it from sentence meaning.
Current task
Academic and Core show a transcript with gaps while a 30 to 60 second recording plays once. Pearson labels the task listening and writing, with one point for each correct missing word. Pearson Academic Listening format Pearson Core Listening format
Predict the form before audio
Read around each gap quickly:
The new material was ___ tested before production began.
Between was and tested, an adverb is likely. Prediction narrows the category, but the recording decides the exact answer.
During audio, write a fast phonetic cue if spelling is uncertain. Afterward, use grammar and context to reconstruct the spelling.
Original practice transcript
Ask someone to read the completed version once while you view the gaps.
Community gardens can provide fresh food and shared outdoor space. Their long-term success often _ on reliable access to water and clear responsibility for maintenance. Some groups create a weekly schedule so tasks are _ fairly. Others organise workshops that help new members develop practical ___.
Completed script:
Community gardens can provide fresh food and shared outdoor space. Their long-term success often depends on reliable access to water and clear responsibility for maintenance. Some groups create a weekly schedule so tasks are distributed fairly. Others organise workshops that help new members develop practical skills.
Key: depends, distributed, skills.
Success is singular, so depends needs s. The passive phrase is are distributed. The final blank follows the adjective practical, so the position calls for a noun or noun phrase. Grammar does not determine number or the exact word; the recording supplies the plural noun skills.
Review by error type
- heard correctly, spelt incorrectly
- missed grammatical ending
- confused similar sound
- typed before hearing the full word
- ignored transcript meaning
Build a list of your own recurring spellings. Include the word in a phrase, such as depends on, rather than memorising it alone.
For exact-sentence listening, compare PTE Write From Dictation. Continue with Listening Fill in the Blanks practice.
Recover quickly after losing your place
Do not chase a missed blank. Move your eyes to a distinctive word three to five words ahead and listen for it. Once audio and text align again, continue typing later gaps. Return to the missed blank after the recording.
A single blank is less costly than losing the next three. During review, check plurals, verb endings and common vowel patterns against the sentence grammar.
