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PTE Academic / UKVI
Used for global university applications, Australian & New Zealand visas (immigration, work), and UK work or student visa applications.
PTE Core
Used for Canadian immigration or work visa applications
IELTS
New
Used for global university applications, professional registration, migration to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK, and for work or student visa applications.
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Understanding the Select Missing Word Task in PTE Academic, UKVI & Core

The Select Missing Word task is part of the PTE Listening section. It checks how well we read context, predict meaning, and spot logical links in spoken text. We listen closely to an audio clip and pick the word or phrase that completes the final sentence. Building this skill strengthens our listening and prediction, useful in study and in daily conversation.

What is the Select Missing Word Task?

In this task, we listen to an audio recording, 20 to 70 seconds long, that cuts off at the end. Our goal is to choose the option that finishes the sentence in a way that fits the context.

What Skills are Tested in This Task?

Predicting the meaning from context
Understanding the logical flow of the audio
Anticipating the best conclusions based on the authors’ tone

You can only hear the recording once, so focused listening and quick decision-making are critical.

What are the Features of This Task?

Here, the audio will be played only once
You can expect around 1–2 tasks per exam
There will be only one correct option in this task
This will contribute only to the Listening skill

Types of Audio in the Select Missing Word PTE Task

The recordings are typically sourced from academic or informational contexts and use a formal or neutral tone. They can include:

Lectures or Presentations

Listen for the key point, argument, or conclusion.

Sample topics we cover: science research, economic patterns, cultural studies, from lab benches to market charts to street festivals.

Explanatory or instructional talks

Focus on steps, processes, and clear conclusions.

Sample topics we cover: teaching methods, new technology, and business strategies.

Narratives or Stories

Pay attention to the sequence of events and anticipated outcomes.

Example topics: Historical events, Biographical accounts, Social issues

Select Missing Word

In this task, you will see a text displayed on the screen. You are required to read the text aloud clearly and naturally. You will have 35 seconds to complete your reading, so focus on maintaining clarity, proper pronunciation, and a natural flow.

Sample Question 1:

Beginning in 5 sec

00:0000:00

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Restart

Answer

Start

Sample Question 2:

Beginning in 5 sec

00:0000:00

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Restart

Answer

Start

Sample Question 3:

Beginning in 5 sec

00:0000:00

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Restart

Answer

Start

Practice more Sample Question

Tips for Acing the PTE Select Missing Word Task

Listen for Tone and Context

Pay attention to the speaker’s tone, which often signals the direction or conclusion of the statement.

Identify Clue Words

Look for transitional words or phrases that indicate what the missing word might logically be.

Predict Before Checking Options

Before reviewing the answer options, try to predict what type of word (noun, verb, adjective) would logically complete the sentence.

Avoid Distractors

Eliminate options that don’t align with the context or tone of the audio.

How to Effectively Tackle Select Missing Words in PTE

What are the strategies that can be used to crack this task?

Step-by-Step Strategy

Skimming the provided options first

Getting a sense of possible endings based on the audio

Listening for hints

Focusing on the authors’ tone and connecting words

Predicting before choosing

Mentally completing the sentences while listening to the audio

Eliminating Distractors

Removing illogical or off-topic choices

Skimming the provided options first

Getting a sense of possible endings based on the audio

Listening for hints

Focusing on the authors’ tone and connecting words

Predicting before choosing

Mentally completing the sentences while listening to the audio

Eliminating Distractors

Removing illogical or off-topic choices

By familiarizing yourself with various audio types and practicing regularly, you can gain confidence in tackling the Select Missing Word effectively, ultimately boosting your PTE Academic, UKVI, or Core score.