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PTE Core · Listening · L3

PTE Core Listening: Fill in the Blanks

Listening Fill in the Blanks shows a transcript with several words missing. As the recording plays once, you type the missing words into the gaps. Each gap is one word you hear, so both listening and spelling matter. PTE Core includes 2 to 3 of these items.

Items per test
2–3
Recording
Plays once
On screen
Transcript with gaps
Response
Type one word in each gap
Marking
Credit for each correctly spelled word

How it works

  1. 1The transcript with gaps appears before the audio starts.
  2. 2Follow the text with your eyes as the speaker talks.
  3. 3Type each missing word as you hear it, or jot it down and type it straight after.
  4. 4Check the spelling of every word when the audio ends.

Sample task

Original sample · not from an official test

Transcript: "All visitors must sign in at the ___ desk and wear a ___ badge at all times. Please return the badge before you ___ the building." You hear: "…at the security desk … a visitor badge … before you leave the building."

Show a strong response

Outline: security, visitor, leave

Each gap is the exact word spoken. The surrounding words ("desk", "badge", "the building") help you predict the type of word before you hear it.

Tips that work

  • Read ahead of the audio during the short pause so you know where each gap falls.
  • If you miss a word, move to the next gap immediately; stopping costs you the next one too.
  • Type the first few letters quickly if needed, then complete the word after the audio ends.
  • Check plural -s and past -ed endings, which are easy to hear and easy to miss.

Common mistakes

  • Writing a synonym instead of the exact word spoken.
  • Leaving spelling unchecked; a misspelled word does not earn the credit.

Questions candidates ask

Does spelling count in Listening Fill in the Blanks?

Yes. The word must be spelled correctly to earn credit for that gap.

Can I write a word with the same meaning?

No. You need the exact word the speaker says.

Is there a penalty for wrong words?

No. A wrong word earns nothing for that gap, so attempt every one.

Other PTE Core Listening tasks

PTE Core overviewPTE Core Listening: all partsPTE Core full mock testsPTE Core articles on the blog