Understanding the Reading: Fill in the Blanks Task (Drag & Drop) in PTE Academic, UKVI & Core

The “Reading: Fill in the Blanks” task is an important part of the Reading section in the PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam. It plays a critical role in analyzing your vocabulary, grammar, and ability to learn the context. This task checks how well you can understand a passage and select the words that are logically and grammatically suitable with the surrounding text. Perfection in this task boosts your overall reading skills and contributes to a stronger performance in the exam.

What is the Reading: Fill in the Blanks Task (Drag & Drop)?

You will be given a paragraph with several gaps, and just below the text, a set of words is provided. Your task is to drag and drop the most accurate word into each blank based on the context, meaning, and grammatical structure of the sentence and passage.
Note: This task is now called Drag and Drop in the PTE Academic and UKVI.
This task tests your ability to:
  • Understand contextual meaning and tone.
  • Apply vocabulary knowledge effectively.
  • Identify proper grammar and collocations.
  • Keep the logical flow and cohesion in a passage.
There is no separate timer for this task; it is included in the overall reading timer of 23-30 minutes. Therefore, time management is really important.

Key Features of the Task

  • You will be given a passage of about 80 and 100 words, which will have 4–5 blanks
  • You need to drag and drop the most suitable option from the provided list
  • Every word can only be used once
  • Partial scoring will be provided for each accurate answer
  • You can observe 2-3 reading fill-in-the-blanks, usually in the reading section
  • There is no separate timer for this task, and it is a part of the 30 minutes of the Reading section
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Types of Passages in the Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop) PTE Task

While the structure of the task remains the same, the nature of the passage and vocabulary used can vary depending on the topic and purpose of the text.
Academic or Technical Passages
These use subject-specific vocabulary and formal tone. Focus on clarity, definitions, and complex sentence structures.
Example topics: Science, Economics, Sociology
General Informative Texts
These are objective and explain events, systems, or facts. Pay attention to descriptive language and transitions.
Example topics: Travel, Technology, Environmental issues
Narrative or Biographical Content
These describe sequences of events or personal stories. Track verb tenses, sequencing words, and tone.
Example topics: Life stories, Historical accounts, Fictional excerpts

Reading: Fill in the Blanks

Sample Question 1:

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Sample Question 2:

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Sample Question 3:

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Tips for Acing the PTE Reading: Fill in the Blanks Practice Task

Read the complete paragraph first
Try to understand the context before making any selections.
Use Grammar Cues
Focus on subject-verb agreement, verb tense, prepositions, and articles to remove grammatically incorrect choices.
Apply Collocation Knowledge
Words commonly present together are called collocations. Recognizing collocations increases accuracy.
Check Logical Flow and Meaning
All words should be linked properly with each other and give proper meaning to the paragraph.
Eliminate Incorrect Options
Use the process of elimination to remove words that don’t make sense contextually or grammatically.

How to Effectively Tackle Reading: Fill in the Blanks in PTE

A methodical way enhances your chances of choosing the appropriate answers for each blank.

Step-by-Step Strategy

Skimming
Grasping the main idea of the passage and the author’s tone
Reading Sentences carefully
Concentrating on grammar and meaning
Predicting the Word Type
Whether it is a Noun, verb, or adjective
Analyzing Options
Checking about grammar, collocations, and logic
Confirming with Context
Ensuring fluency and coherence are maintained
Reviewing Answers
Rechecking if the time allows it
Skimming
Grasping the main idea of the passage and the author’s tone
Reading Sentences carefully
Concentrating on grammar and meaning
Predicting the Word Type
Whether it is a Noun, verb, or adjective
Analyzing Options
Checking about grammar, collocations, and logic
Confirming with Context
Ensuring fluency and coherence are maintained
Reviewing Answers
Rechecking if the time allows it
By familiarizing yourself with various passage types and practicing regularly, you can gain confidence in tackling the Reading: Fill in the Blanks effectively, ultimately boosting your PTE Academic, UKVI, or Core score.
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Use full video for Reading Fill in the Blanks

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Learn more about other questions

Your Guide to Every Section of the PTE Exam

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Speaking
Read AloudRepeat SentenceDescribe ImageRe-Tell Lecture (Academic / UKVI)Answer Short QuestionRespond to a Situation (Academic / UKVI)Summarize Group Discussion (Academic / UKVI)
Respond to a Situation (Core)
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Writing
Summarize Written TextWrite Essay
Write Email (Core)
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Reading
Fill in the Blanks (Drop Down)Multiple Choice, Multiple AnswersRe-order ParagraphsFill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop)Multiple Choice, Single Answer
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Listening
Summarize Spoken TextMultiple Choice, Multiple AnswersFill in the BlanksHighlight Correct SummaryMultiple Choice, Single AnswerSelect Missing WordHighlight Incorrect WordsWrite from Dictation

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.

You can expect 2-3 reading fill-in-the-blank questions in the reading section.

There is no time limit for this task separately, but it is included in the Reading section.

For each correct answer, marks will be given.

Yes, you can change your answers till the timer ends, or you click ‘Next’.

Yes, this task contributes to your Reading scores.