The PTE Academic Listening section challenges test-takers with various item types that assess their ability to comprehend spoken English in academic settings. One such task is the Select Missing Word item. Though it may seem simple at first glance, succeeding at this task requires sharp listening skills, focus, and an understanding of spoken context.
Understanding the Task
In the Select Missing Word item type, you will listen to a short audio recording between 20–70 seconds. Near the end of the audio, the final word or phrase will be replaced by a beep sound, and you will need to choose the most appropriate option to complete the sentence.
Key Details:
- Skills assessed: Listening
- Prompt length: 20–70 seconds
- Audio plays automatically only once
- Only ONE correct answer
- You must select the most appropriate word or phrase that logically and grammatically completes the recording.
Once the audio ends, a list of options will be given. Click the option you think fits best.
Scoring Criteria
1 point for a correct response
0 points for an incorrect response
Your score is purely dependent on whether you selected the correct option.
Are you ready to test your skills?
Tips and Strategies to Excel in Select Missing Word
1. Listen for the Context, Not Just the End
Although the missing word comes at the end, it’s the entire recording that sets up the context. Pay attention to:
- The speaker’s tone
- The topic of discussion
- Keywords or phrases indicating direction, such as therefore, as a result, or in conclusion.
Example:
The rainforest is home to millions of species and plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. However, deforestation has accelerated in recent decades, threatening biodiversity and leading to irreversible ______ .
Options:
- growth
- damage
- success
- change
Correct Answer: B: damage: The speaker describes a negative situation, deforestation, threats, so a negative word like “damage” fits best with the overall context.
2. Read The Options To Get an Idea about Audio
As the audio nears its end, try to predict what the missing word or phrase might be. Your brain is often able to fill in gaps naturally if you’re following the content closely.
The company’s profits dropped significantly in the last quarter due to increased competition and rising material costs. As a result, they had no choice but to ______ . (Beep)
Options:
- expand operations
- celebrate success
- cut jobs
- raise salaries
Correct Answer: C: cut jobs: The transition phrase “As a result” introduces a consequence. The prior sentence highlights negative financial performance, so the missing phrase should reflect a negative outcome.
3. Practice Active Listening
Engage fully with the audio. Don’t take notes for this task; keep your attention on the speaker from start to finish. Note-taking may cause you to miss the crucial ending.
Words like however, although, consequently, or for instance often hint at what’s coming next. Recognizing these can help you anticipate the tone and structure of the conclusion.
Global warming is no longer a distant threat. Scientists warn that without drastic action, we may soon reach a tipping _______.
Options:
- spoon
- goal
- shift
- point
Correct Answer: D: point: If you’re actively engaged in listening, you’ll likely recognize tipping point as a common phrase in climate discussions.
4. Eliminate Illogical Options
After hearing the beep, review all the options. Remove choices that:
- Don’t fit grammatically
- Don’t make logical sense based on the recording
Example:
Artificial intelligence is being integrated into daily life, from smart assistants to automated vehicles. Experts suggest it could soon transform every major ______.
- banana
- industry
- planet
- tree
Correct Answer: B: industry: It fits both logically and grammatically. The others are either unrelated or grammatically odd.
Are you ready to test your skills?
Practice Question:
Health care and wellness are essential aspects of a balanced and fulfilling life. As modern lifestyles grow increasingly hectic, prioritizing physical and mental well-being becomes even more critical. Preventive care, such as regular check-ups, healthy eating, exercise, and stress management, helps individuals maintain long-term vitality. Moreover, wellness extends beyond the absence of illness—it encompasses emotional, social, and even spiritual health. A holistic approach encourages people to take responsibility for their well- being and make choices that support sustained personal _____.
- growth
- disease
- medicine
- recovery
Correct Answer: A
Explanation of Correct Answer: The passage concludes by emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to wellness that promotes sustained personal development. The word “growth” best fits this idea, as it reflects the ongoing, self-driven improvement across various areas of life, emotional, physical, and spiritual.
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