PTE Core Select Missing Word: Format, Scoring, Tips & More

This blog by PTE Magic is your resource if you are preparing for the PTE Core Select Missing Word task.

We will reveal the task format, scoring system, practice tips, and other necessary information to assist you in your study.

Let’s find them out below!

Key Takeaways

• The PTE Core Select Missing Word task requires test-takers to listen to a recording and choose the missing word from the given options to finish its transcription.
• The task evaluates your performance based on how correctly you foresee the content of the speaker’s speech.
• Learners can practise with multiple PTE Core Select Missing Word questions and study resources at the PTE Magic platform

Related:

• PTE Core exam preparation tips
• PTE Core Listening modules

PTE Core Select Missing Word Format

The PTE Core Select Missing Word task requires test-takers to listen to a recording and choose the missing word from the given options to finish its transcription. The recording usually lasts between 20-70 seconds and plays only once.

The audio starts automatically, and you will see several answer options when it ends. You must choose one correct answer from the given list. To do so, click on the option you want to select. Test-takers can click again to deselect the chosen answer if they want a redo. Additionally, you can directly click on a different option.

Since the task has no time limit, you should consider your answer thoroughly. Pay attention to the recording to listen and identify the correct word.

How Is It Scored?

The task evaluates your performance based on how correctly you foresee the content of the speaker’s speech. How you can utilise the clues from the given context also counts. 

The PTE Core Select Missing Word task uses a simple scoring system. Candidates either get a correct or incorrect answer. You will not get any points if you choose your answer wrong or don’t answer the task.

It’s crucial to know that the task only affects your PTE Core listening scores. It doesn’t test your speaking and writing skills; it needs your reading skills to understand the requirements and the answer options. Therefore, focus on your listening ability to master this task effectively.

PTE Core Select Missing Word Practice Tips

Skim First

Take a moment to skim through the answer options before the audio starts. Familiarising yourself with the options first helps you understand the word’s overall meaning, making you feel less anxious and more prepared for the recording.

PTE Magic advises looking into keywords that stand out or are more likely to fit into the context. This also helps you know which part of the recording to pay more attention to. If you encounter the following answer options, such as:

1. …when the company was founded.
2. …why the company was successful.
3. …how the company overcame challenges.
4. …where the company is headquartered.

Then, skimming through these answers helps you foresee that the audio will mention a company. Moreover, the missing information is either the company’s history, success, challenges, or location. Therefore, remember to spend the first few seconds applying this crucial method.

Listen For Meanings

Active listening involves more than just hearing the audio—you must also understand its meaning. In addition to the specific word, listen to the speaker’s flow, stress, and overall ideas to find the missing context. 

While listening, try to imagine the scenarios in the audio. This virtual picture might help you link information together, making it easier to conclude the correct answer.

The speaker’s tone is another sign indicating important details. Their tone will guide you toward suitable information, for example, being positive when mentioning achievements or negative when mentioning challenges. Consequently, try to catch the speaker’s speech to predict the missing word better.

Understand The Given Information

Test-takers often skip through the task’s requirements and just wait for the audio to start. Do not do the same with this task. The reason is that the PTE Core Select Missing Word includes context hints of the audio. Getting these clues helps test-takers predict what content is in the upcoming recording.

Additionally, you can prepare your answer by remembering and linking all vocabulary and grammar related to the task’s instructions. Therefore, read the instructions carefully to look for keywords and specific details. Pay attention to the matter, tense, and surrounding words to guess the audio’s message.

Take Notes

Note-taking is essential, but what is the best strategy for this task? PTE Magic suggests following these steps:

• Focus on keywords: Write down the highlighted or repeated words. These words are likely crucial to the recording’s context.
• Use short-form words: Create a short version of the text to catch all the important words quickly. Pay attention to the speaker’s tone or any clues related to context as well.
• Connect the clues: See your written notes to identify the recording’s topic. Test-takers can link their noted words and phrases to form a proper message. This method helps you predict the missing word more easily.

Eliminate Wrong Answers

This method works best when combined with the note-taking tip. After figuring out the recording’s context, try matching each option to the last sentence to see which fits best. 

If the audio is unclear, focus on choosing the options that most match its overall theme. The general context can still give you hints towards the correct answer, even if you miss some details.

However, carefully consider every answer option before making your final decision. Candidates should always set their target to eliminate as many wrong answers as possible. This will help them remove the incorrect answers first when they cannot instantly identify the correct answer.

Control Your Time

If you encounter a difficult question, note it and move on to the next one. Spending too much time on one question will waste your limited time. Moreover, it can even make you more stressed, which affects your test performance. You can return to the skipped question(s) once you finish all the other questions.

Remember to take some time to review your answer after the recording ends. We recommend spending no more than a minute on each question to ensure your time for the whole test. Therefore, you must plan your initial timing to avoid rushing at the last minute. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Way To Prepare For The PTE Core Select Missing Word Task?

To master this task, you must improve your listening and predicting skills. We suggest practising with podcasts, movies, lectures, or other audio materials. You can also enhance your listening skills by paying attention to the speaker’s tone, flow, and speed to better understand the context.  

Additionally, learners can practise with multiple PTE Core Select Missing Word questions and study resources at the PTE Magic platform.

What Are Some Other Tips And Tricks For This Task?

Other than the tips we recommended above, listening to various audio samples to get used to different accents is also helpful. You can practise with short and long audios to enhance your ability to context predicting. Frequently practising with all these tips will help build your confidence to master the Select Missing Word effectively.

What Are The Difficulties Of The Select Missing Word Task?

The difficulties of the Select Missing Word task include understanding various accents, focusing on the recording, and predicting the correct missing word. Strange accents or dialects might affect some test-takers’ ability to understand the topic, while a lack of focus will cause them to lose track of the audio and miss important information. 

Final Thoughts

Our blog revealed all the necessary information for your PTE Core Select Missing Word preparation. Follow PTE Magic tips and apply them with our mock tests today to boost your PTE Core scores to another level!

Last updated on 23/07/2024