It is the third type of question in a Listening module. In this task, an audio or audio-visual is automatically played for 30 to 60 seconds after few seconds and you are required to type the missing words in the given transcript. You will listen to the audio once only. You can make notes of the missing words and can type it once the audio ends. You can move from one blank to another either using mouse pointer or keyboard TAB button.

It assesses Listening and Writing skills. 

Task Format

• Prompt Length: up to 60 seconds.
• Skills Assessed: Listening and Writing
• Time to Answer: Not applicable
• Skills Profile: Multiple Skill Comprehension 
• No. of Tasks: 2-3

Scoring of Fill in the Blanks

Partial credit applies in FIB, for each correct spellings the student gets score and there is no negative marking if the word in the Fill in the Blanks is misspelled. If all the words are spelled correctly then you get the maximum score in FIB.

Tips & Tricks for Fill in the Blanks

• Quickly skim the given paragraph to have an idea about the topic within the time period provided before the audio starts.
• Depending on your typing speed, either make notes of all the missing words on the erasable notebook or type the words straight away on the screen into each given gap.

Test Tips

• Try to write or type each missing word quickly when you listen without focusing on the spellings.
• Write the words in sequence on the notepad.
• If the words are written on the notepad, quickly type them in the given gaps when the recording stops. Check the spellings once before moving to the next question.
• If you missed the form of the verb then while typing any verb the sentence will give you an idea whether the word has to be in the first, second or the third form.

Preparation

Try to develop your own strategies of note-taking by using the acronyms and symbols.

Find various topics in the form of podcast and lectures and practicing note-taking and write the difficult words.

Practice writing spellings as much as you can. Create your own word bank.

Go through Academic Word Vocabulary, practice Gap-Filling Quizzes, underline difficult words while reading any newspaper, journal or magazine and make notes of that.

Note

Partial credit is provided in Fill in the Blanks, there will be no score for no response or an irrelevant response. This question type has an impact on Listening and Writing module.
Listen to podcasts by the speakers of different English accents, it will make you familiar with the different accents and will help you to memorize the spellings of different words.

Click here for Free PTE Mock Test & Question Wise Practices