Listening task · Tips
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks tips (2026)
How to follow the transcript, type each missing word in time, and protect your score with correct spelling.
How it works
You see a transcript with gaps and hear the recording once. Type the exact missing word in each blank as you listen.
Strategy
- Put your cursor near the first blank and read ahead so you're ready.
- Type each missing word the moment you hear it; use short forms and fix them after.
- Check spelling — a misspelled word scores zero for that blank.
Each correctly spelled blank earns a mark, so accuracy on the words you catch matters more than speed.
Frequently asked questions
Does spelling matter in Listening Fill in the Blanks?
Yes — each blank must be the correct word spelled correctly to score.
Do I hear the audio twice?
No, once. Read ahead and be ready to type each blank as it comes.
How is it scored?
One point per correctly completed blank.
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