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
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 (Drag & Drop)
Sample Question 1:
Sample Question 2:
Sample Question 3:
Tips for Acing the PTE Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop) 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 (Drag & Drop) 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
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.
Use full video for Reading Fill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop)
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FAQs
Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
How many of these reading fill in the blanks can be expected in the exam?
You can expect 2-3 reading fill-in-the-blank questions in the reading section.
What is the time limit per question for this task?
There is no time limit for this task separately, but it is included in the Reading section.
What are the marking criteria for this task?
For each correct answer, marks will be given.
Can the answers be changed for this task?
Yes, you can change your answers till the timer ends, or you click ‘Next’.
Does this affect your overall scores?
Yes, this task contributes to your Reading scores.