Fill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop), PTE Academic

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Score Weightage

Overall Score6%

Reading20%

Source: Pearson PTE Academic, Scoring Information for Teachers and Partners. Weightings are averages and may vary per test form.

The Do's and Don'ts

Skim for Context FirstRead the full passage first to understand the general topic and meaning. Then return to each blank and -- before looking at the word options -- predict what word or part of speech fits. Having a prediction first makes it much easier to identify the correct word and resist plausible-looking distractors.

Identify Parts of SpeechDetermine if the gap needs a Noun, Verb, Adjective, or Adverb, e.g., if the blank is after 'to,' look for an infinitive verb.

Look for CollocationsUse your knowledge of word partners. If you see '_______ awareness,' the word is likely 'raise.'

Use the Process of EliminationThere are always more words in the blue box than there are gaps. Rule out words that are the wrong tense or part of speech.

Don't Ignore Clue WordsDo not jump straight to the word box. Always predict first. Use the words surrounding each blank as grammar clues: "a ___" needs a singular noun starting with a consonant; "to ___" likely needs an infinitive verb. Eliminate words that do not match your prediction, then confirm your choice by reading the full sentence.

Don't Get Stuck on One BlankIf one gap is difficult, move to the next. Solving easier gaps reduces the word box, making the hard one easier.

Don't Leave Gaps EmptyThere is no negative marking. Always drag a word into every box before clicking 'Next.'

Don't Ignore the Finished ProductAfter dragging, read the full paragraph. If a sentence feels logically weak, try swapping your words.

Tips & Tricks

The Blue Box Trap

The blue box contains distractors, words that are grammatically correct but contextually wrong, or synonyms that don't fit the specific collocation.

Singular vs. Plural

Always check the verb following a noun gap. If the verb is 'are,' the noun in the blank must be plural.

Preposition Power

Pay attention to prepositions following a blank. 'Interested ___ ' → in · 'Reliance ___ ' → on

Standardized Solving Protocol

Topic Identification

Read the text quickly. Is it a scientific fact, a historical event, or a social issue?

The Collocation Search

Look at the blue box. Do any words 'click' naturally with the words before or after the gap?

Elimination & Placement

Drag the certain words first. For the remaining words, choose the one that maintains the logical flow of the passage.

Blank after 'significantly' (adverb) → need a verb → 'compromised' fits.
Blank after 'crucial to' → need an infinitive → 'prioritize' fits.

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Test-Taking Strategies & Practice

1 Read the whole text quickly to understand the topic

Before looking at the word box, read the entire passage for gist. The global meaning is crucial for word choice. Our mind automatically predicts and fills in gaps with logical information when reading for gist.

2 Predict the word before looking at the word box

Return to each blank and -- before looking at the word options -- predict:

What part of speech is needed?
What is the approximate meaning required?
Are there grammar clues nearby? ("a ___" needs a singular noun starting with a consonant; "to ___" = infinitive verb)

3 Analyze the options and choose the best match

Look at the word options and find the one that best matches your prediction in terms of meaning and part of speech. The word box always contains distractors -- extra words that fit grammatically but not contextually.

After placing all words, read the full completed passage once. If a sentence feels logically weak or awkward, try swapping your choices.

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Official Scoring Criteria

+1 per blank

Each correctly completed blank earns 1 point.

0 (min)

Minimum score is 0. No negative marking.

Partial credit scoring, drag each word to the blank where it fits best. You earn a point for every blank you fill correctly.