Out of many tasks in the listening section of PTE, the Select Missing Word task confuses the test takers most. In short span of time, you have to listen, comprehend what is being said, and after then select the word. Doing all at once might be difficult, but we have a solution for this. Here are expert PTE Select missing word tips, a template, and a sample question with an answer to help you score high.
Let’s start with an in-depth understanding of the task and format.
What is PTE Select Missing Word :
In this task, you have to select the missing word from the recording you will hear. Most of the time last word or group of words will be replaced by a beep sound in the audio. The options will be given below the audio.
| Prompt Length | Skills Assessed | No. of Questions |
| 20-70 Seconds | Listening | 1-2 |
PTE Select Missing Word Template for Practice
While solving the question, you can apply this template:
- Start with context → What’s the topic or scenario?
- Follow tone shifts → Is it formal, emotional, neutral?
- Identify sentence flow → What kind of word fits at the end (noun, verb, adjective)?
- Predict ending → Say your expected word silently.
- Match with options → Find the closest meaning or structure.
Proven PTE Select Missing Words Tips
Here’s where we get to the juicy part—actionable advice that works.
Check for the Tone and Flow:
Most of the time, the final word can be guessed easily if you are paying attention towards tone and structure. While guessing the answers keep a track of:
- Is the sentence leading to a conclusion?
- Is it an opinion or a factual ending?
- Does it sound positive, negative, or neutral?
Identify Transition Words:
Transition words like ‘moreover’, ‘however’, ‘in contrast’, ‘additionally’, etc., hint at what is coming next. If you hear transition words in the middle of a sentence, be ready to anticipate the coming word.
Practice Functional Vocabulary:
Most of the time, options include the synonyms or related words. So practice learning grammatical and semantic functions that make a difference. For example:
- “…this led to a huge [beep]” → impact, issue, celebration, warning
- The tone and build-up might rule out 2–3 choices immediately.
Eliminate and Predict Before Listening Ends:
While listening, try to predict the final word before it beeps. Try to eliminate unlike choices so that when the audio ends, you can answer logically without panicking.
Use Backward Prediction Technique:
Train your brain to guess the final word before it appears. While listening to podcasts or TED Talks, pause right before the last sentence ends and predict the missing word. This builds the habit of anticipating language structure.
Example: “Without immediate reforms, the healthcare system may eventually…”
Predict: collapse, break down, fail — all logical conclusions based on tone and build-up.
Catch Repeated Keywords and Themes:
Speakers often repeat important ideas or themes, and the final word usually aligns with them. If you hear “pollution,” “climate,” and “emissions” throughout, the missing word will likely reinforce that idea.
Train Under Time Pressure:
During practice, listen to short 30–60 second clips and predict the missing word within 5 seconds after the audio ends. This simulates real test pressure and trains your brain to make quick, confident decisions. You can also do free question-wise practice on Gurully.
PTE Listening Select Missing Word Sample Question With Answers
Audio 1 :
Options:
a) indifferent
b) significant
c) irrelated
d) equal
Answer: d) equal
Audio 2 :
Options:
a) continue
b) disappear
c) suspend
d) begin
Answer: d) begin
Audio 3 :
Options:
a) is rest
b) is stress
c) waste of time
d) is capacity
Answer: a) is rest
Audio 4 :
Options:
a) in temperature
b) in appearance
c) in air pressure
d) in weather
Answer: a) in temperature
Audio 5 :
Options:
a) math
b) space
c) discovery
d) humanity
Answer: c) discovery
Audio 6 :
Options:
a) work and life
b) studying and partying
c) friends and parents
d) studying and computer games
Answer: b) studying and partying
Audio 7 :
Options:
a) worth
b) magnitude
c) value
d) significance
Answer: b) magnitude
Audio 8 :
Options:
a) changed
b) stopped
c) raised
d) declined
Answer: c) raised
Audio 9 :
Options:
a) unchanged
b) narrowing
c) disappearing
d) widening
Answer: d) widening
Audio 10 :
Options:
a) adjustable
b) important
c) confusing
d) troublesome
e) popular
Answer: b) important
Practice More Select Missing Words
Practice more of these questions using Gurully’s online PTE mock tests. Gurully offers a free full-length PTE mock test, carefully designed by exam experts, with accurate scoring and real-time exam simulation. To strengthen specific skills, make use of the section-wise practice tests. You can also benefit from free question-wise practice and one full mock test at no cost. Plus, you’ll find helpful resources like vocabulary guides, prediction files, and scoring templates to boost your overall performance.
Conclusion:
PTE Listening Select Missing Word might seem tough at first, but with the right approach, it becomes manageable. Focus on the tone, listen for key transitions, and trust your instincts when predicting the missing word. Keep practicing in real test-like conditions—platforms like Gurully can really help with that. Over time, it gets easier, and so does your path to a higher score.
FAQ:
How to select missing word in PTE?
How to clear PTE in 15 days?
Is PTE easier than IELTS?
Is Select Missing Word in PTE important?
How to get 79+ in PTE Writing?
Also Read:
- PTE Listening Multiple Choice Single Answer: Tips, Template, Sample Question & Answer
- PTE Summarize Group Discussion – Expert Tips, Template & Sample Question With Answers
