PTE Core Listening Fill In The Blanks Format & Tips

This blog provides key information related to the PTE Core Listening Fill-In-The-Blanks task, including the test format, scoring system, tips, and common FAQs.

Find out how to master the task below!

Key Takeaways

• The PTE Core Listening Fill in the Blanks task evaluates test-takers’ ability to listen to an audio recording and fill in missing words in a transcript.
• Your scores will be defined by your ability to identify and fill in the correct missing words with accuracy and correct spelling.
• This blog includes the types of information you should pay attention to while skimming in this Fill in the Blanks task.

Related:

• PTE Core Listening practice tips
• PTE Core exam preparation guide
• PTE Core Summarize Spoken Text tips & tricks

PTE Core Listening Fill In The Blanks Format

The PTE Core Listening Fill in the Blanks task evaluates test-takers’ ability to listen to an audio recording and fill in missing words in a transcript. The transcript will have several gaps, and your mission is to fill in those gaps by listening to the audio.

Pearson will automatically play the audio, usually lasting 30 to 60 seconds. Unlike other PTE tasks, candidates have two chances to listen to the PTE Core Listening Fill in the Blanks audio. 

Click on a gap in the passage and type the word you heard from the audio to answer. You can also use your “tab” button on the keyboard to move to the gap you want. This task has no time limit; however, PTE Magic suggests completing your answer as soon as possible to manage time for other tasks.

During the task, Pearson allows their test-takers to take notes on a clean whiteboard they provide. This tool is crucial for remembering all the recording’s key points and details, thus helping you fill in the missing words more easily.

How Is This Task Scored?

The PTE Core Listening Fill In The Blanks task scores test-takers based on content. Identifying and filling in the correct missing words with accuracy and correct spelling will define your scores.

With each correct answer, you will get one point. Remember, you must identify and spell the correct word exactly to earn the point. Test-takers who achieve the highest scores are those who fill all the gaps accurately. If some blanks are incorrect, you will receive partial credit for the appropriate answers.

This task will contribute to your listening and writing scores. Your reading and speaking scores won’t be affected; however, you need reading skills to understand the task’s instructions and transcript.

PTE Core Listening Fill In The Blanks Practice Tips

Skim Before The Audio Plays

Test-takers only have seven seconds to prepare before the recording starts. Use this time to quickly skim through the overall text. Additionally, focus on the main topic instead of worrying about the missing words in the gaps.

Here are the types of information you should pay attention to while skimming:

• Proper nouns: Words starting with capital letters, often people’s names (for example, Mike Smith) or organisation names (for example, The International Foundation) can be important to the context.
• Places: Geographic locations such as Indonesia, India, or Da Nang City can suggest the setting or background detail of the audio.
• Repeated nouns: The audio sometimes mentions a noun several times. It could be a title (such as the environmentalist), or a term (for instance, overdose crisis). These repeated nouns often reveal the main topics or themes of the given information.

If you spend the first few seconds thoroughly skimming through the text, you will have a better grasp of the overall transcript. This method helps candidates easily identify the correct words to fill the gaps while listening to the recording.

Moreover, do not focus only on the gaps. Test-takers must pay attention to the surrounding information to grasp the flow and meaning of the sentence and fill in the blanks easily.

Closely Track The Audio

After skimming and before the audio starts, place your mouse on the first word of the transcript to get ready to track. Move your mouse along with the words you hear when the recording plays. This helps you stay focused on the audio and avoid missing any words.

Positioning your mouse and the audio benefits test takers with weaker listening skills. This strategy also enhances concentration, which is especially helpful for candidates with poor preparation or those who are easily distracted.

Take Note Of The Missing Words

During the PTE Core Listening Fill In The Blanks section, the recording will play at normal speed. As noted above, Pearson gives test-takers an erasable whiteboard for note-taking purposes. Utilise this item to note down all the missing words that you heard. 

Since this is a draft answer, don’t focus too much on spelling or grammar. The crucial step at that moment is to write what you hear.

After the recording, you can review the text you note to determine your final answer. This time, carefully check the grammar and spelling of your answers. PTE Magic suggests taking some time to consider your answer properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Practising Different Accents Help On The PTE Core Listening Fill In The Blanks Task?

Definitely. Practising hearing various accents can improve your listening skills, as your understanding of different English accents will improve. 

How Can I Manage Distractions During This Task?

Practise in environments similar to the real test setting. You can try practising in cafes or libraries to further enhance your concentration. While practising in such environments, stay calm and maintain your focus on the audio and the transcript. 

How Long Is The PTE Core Listening Fill In The Blanks Task?

The prompt length for this task is 30-60 seconds. However, Pearson doesn’t set an answer time limit. PTE Magic recommends candidates pay attention to the time to manage their duration for other tasks effectively. 

Final Thoughts

With this blog’s detailed guidelines and tips, PTE Magic hopes our readers get the necessary information. Check out our other blogs to achieve higher scores in every PTE Core task too!

Last updated on 16/07/2024