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PanaceaPTEPTE Core

Master Select Missing Word in PTE

Learn how to ace Select Missing Word in PTE.

Select Missing Word is the sixth question type of Listening Module. It contributes score to Listening only. In this question type, the audio plays automatically after 7 seconds and there are 4-5 options given in the form of single word and multiple words and the test taker has to choose only one response which he thinks is the right one. The option you selected will be highlighted in yellow color.

 

Task Format
 

  • Prompt Length: 20-70 seconds
  • Skills Assessed: Listening
  • Time To Answer: Not Applicable
  • Skills Profile: Single Skill Comprehension 
  • No. of Tasks: 1-2

  

Scoring Pattern of Select Missing Word

The score of Select Missing Word is added to Listening, the correct answer carries one point but you will score ZERO point if the selected option is wrong.

 

How to answer Select Missing Word?

  • The audio related to the question starts after 7 seconds, in the mean while test taker is recommended to skim the given four options to have an idea what might be the topic in audio.
  • The test taker should pay attention on the audio from starting, to have an idea of the topic as it will help to get the right answer.
  • Note-taking is not recommended in this task, more important is to listen the way development in the topic takes place.
  • The student must listen to signal words which indicate the direction of the lecture or a conversation.
  • Once the recording finishes, keeping in mind the last few words, choose the right option which connects with the topic, the given options can be a single word or the phrases.
  • The test taker should give the answer within 3-4 seconds once the audio finishes. Don’t spend too much time on this question as it doesn’t carry that much of weightage.

 

Subskills Tested

Listening:

  • Try to identify the topic and its theme and main ideas. Don’t ignore the data given in the form of supporting points and examples.
  • Try to understand the academic vocabulary and try to infer the meaning of the unfamiliar words.
  • Follow the oral sequence of the information in the audio and try to understand the given details even the hidden one.

 

  • Strategies
     

  • Practice listening the lectures of 20-60 seconds and stop a second before it finishes and try to guess what could be the last word. You can practice the same with your friend also.
  • Focus on different topics to build the interest, as you don’t know which topic will be in the audio. This will enhance your vocabulary also.
  • Listen to the podcast, TED lectures and small audios on YouTube of different topics and even in slow to fast speed, stop the audio in between and try to guess what can be the next.
  • Start practicing from 30 secs topic and increase it to 2 minutes, this will be the best exercise to concentrate on the audio and improve the listening skills.

 

Test Tips

  • Time management is important as there are 1-2 questions of SMW. Try to spend up to 3-4 seconds on each question of SMW.
  • Avoid overthinking, be logical while answering the question.

 

Click here for Free PTE Mock Test & Question Wise Practices