The PTE Listening task Select Missing Word has a lot going on, including listening for gist and key words and putting your analysis all in context with correct and incorrect word options. Thankfully, there are proven methods for this task that will allow you to get the top score possible. This article will describe exactly what the task is, outline strategies for you to tackle it, give you some general and specific-to-the-task listening tips and let you attempt some practice prompts with the information and knowledge you have acquired. Hopefully, you will have developed more skills and confidence in your PTE exam preparation which will allow you to acquire PTE success.
What is Select Missing Words?
What is the task?
•This task evaluates listening skills and entails examination participants to use contextual and grammatical cues to predict and identify what a narrator will say, involving a single word or short series of words.
How long do you have to complete this task?
•Approximately 2 minutes per task.
How many of these prompts will I have to complete?
•2-3.
Sample prompt for the blog analysis
You will hear a recording about milk alternatives. At the end of the recording the last word or group of words has been replaced by a beep. Select the correct option to complete the recording.
A. many more problems
B. a lot of ups and downs
C. numerous interactions
D. wide range of issues
Strategical process for this listening task
Step 1
In the 7 seconds before the listening begins, highlight what the question topic is, skim the response options and draw upon your background knowledge to help you focus your listening and predict your answer.
Step 2
During the recording, listen carefully and focus your attention diligently on what is being mentioned. Make a mental note of the gist, any repeated words and other important content words. Deduce the meaning of any unknown words through context.
Step 3
Remain aware of the audio progress indicator. As the recording comes to its conclusion, focus your listening carefully while considering all of your response options, allowing you to select your response with the most accuracy.
Please listen to the recording in the corresponding video lesson.
You will hear a recording about milk alternatives. At the end of the recording the last word or group of words has been replaced by a beep. Select the correct option to complete the recording.
A. many more problems
B. a lot of ups and downs
C. numerous interactions
D. wide range of issues
Tips for the Task
- While listening, remain aware of the audio indicator so that you know when the audio is coming to an end.
- Pay a lot of attention on the concluding part of the recording as this section is directly relevant to the answer.
- Do not stress over unfamiliar words. Try to gain an understanding of their meaning through context but do not spend much time on this.
- Do not leave any question unanswered. If unsure, use your best judgement.
- Do as much listening in your own time. Keep the material as academic as possible to mimic the PTE recordings. Highlight key words and learn new vocabulary. Assess the main theme and supporting details.
Further Practice
You will hear a recording about acid rain. At the end of the recording the last word or group of words has been replaced by a beep. Select the correct option to complete the recording.
A. will become a nuisance in the future.
B. therefore create the damaging rain.
C. then fall as rain, snow or hail.
D. produce toxic precipitations.
Here is another PTE sample test prompt for you to practice writing with before any PTE test booking: –
Audio is included in the corresponding video lesson.
Wrapping up
Were you able to use these strategies? Which one was the most difficult to apply? Which one do they think was the most useful? Please let us know with any comments and suggestions. Remember, practicing with these strategies with each summarization will eventually routinize to the point that you may use them in autopilot, which will result in a higher score. I wish you all these best with your PTE Select Missing Words task and for exam success on your chosen PTE exam dates.
Please check out the corresponding video for this lesson to get the recording, as well as more tips, strategies, analysis and prompts. Don’t forget to check out the other blogs and videos on the other sections of the PTE exam too!
