PTE has two Fill in the Blanks tasks in Reading. Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks gives you a drop-down list for each gap. Despite its name, it scores Reading only, not Writing, and it is the biggest Reading task at 25% of your Reading score. Reading Fill in the Blanks asks you to drag words from a box into the gaps and is worth 20% of Reading. Together they make up 45% of Reading in Pearson's question weightings, so they deserve a fixed routine.
How the two tasks compare
| Reading and Writing FIB | Reading FIB | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Drop-down for each gap | Drag words from a box |
| Skills scored | Reading only (25% of Reading) | Reading only (20% of Reading) |
| Typical number | 5 to 6 | 4 to 5 |
| Marking | 1 point per correct gap | 1 point per correct gap |
| Time to spend | About 2 minutes per passage | About 2 minutes per passage |
The routine: grammar narrows the options, meaning decides
We teach the same routine for both tasks. Grammar removes the options that cannot fit. Meaning then chooses between the ones left.
- Read the paragraph first. Get the topic and the tone before you look closely at any gap.
- Name the slot. Decide whether the gap needs a noun, verb, adjective or adverb before you read the options.
- Filter by grammar. Check number (singular or plural), the preposition next to the gap and the tense. "The results ___ significant" needs a plural verb like "were", not "was".
- Let meaning decide. Among the options left, use signal words (however, because, as a result), reference words (this, these, such), the topic of the paragraph and collocations. We say "responsible for", "interest in", "make a decision" and "conduct research".
- Read the sentence back. Read the whole sentence with your choice. If it sounds wrong, check the slot again.
Collocations are words that naturally go together. Learning them in groups is the fastest way to make step 4 quicker in both tasks.
Our students get the full routine in class, with suffix tables and worked passages for both tasks. See courses.
The "to + -ing" trap
After some phrases, "to" is a preposition, not part of a verb. A noun or an -ing form follows, never the base verb.
- The council is committed to reducing waste (not "committed to reduce").
- We look forward to hearing from you (not "look forward to hear").
- The same rule applies after contribute to, key to, object to and devoted to.
If the options include both "reduce" and "reducing" after one of these phrases, the -ing form is the answer.
Time management
Reading takes about 23 to 30 minutes on one shared timer. Give each passage about two minutes, in both tasks. Do not get stuck on one gap: make your best choice and move on, because you cannot go back.
Never leave a blank empty. There is no negative marking, so an empty gap is a sure zero while a sensible guess can score.
How to practise
- Read one short academic article a day (science, education, environment, business).
- Highlight collocations: verb + noun, adjective + noun, noun + preposition.
- Keep a collocation notebook organised by topic.
- Do timed practice with the five-step routine, then review every mistake: was it the slot, the grammar filter or the meaning?
Our free Reading Fill in the Blanks predictions are a good place to start.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a word because it "sounds academic" without checking grammar.
- Reading only the words around the gap instead of the full sentence.
- Putting a base verb after "committed to" or "look forward to".
- Spending five minutes on one question and rushing the rest.
- Leaving a gap empty when time is short.
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in Reading Fill in the Blanks?
No. Each correct gap scores, and wrong answers simply score zero. That is why you should never leave a blank empty.
Does Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks count for Writing?
No. Despite its name, it scores Reading only. Your Writing score comes from Write Essay, Summarize Written Text, Write from Dictation and Summarize Spoken Text.
Which Fill in the Blanks is more important?
Both matter. Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks is slightly bigger (25% of Reading against 20%), and together they are 45% of your Reading score, so practise them with the same routine.
How can I improve vocabulary for PTE quickly?
Learn collocations rather than single words, and review your own mistakes. Our free vocabulary sheet helps with common PTE words.
Want a tutor to diagnose why you lose marks in Reading? See our courses or send your scores on WhatsApp.