A PTE test grades all test-takers on their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Today, we will discuss the reading section and one specific type of question included in this section, i.e., fill in the blanks (FIB). As the name suggests, the reading section will test your reading skills and how well you can read and comprehend the content provided to you. So, in the fill in the blanks questions, you will be given a passage or separate statements with missing words. You must carefully read each line and fill in the blanks with the most appropriate words. You will be given several options; from there, you will have to pick the correct words. They are quite straightforward, but as a non-native speaker, you might or might not know the meaning of all the words given below, making them tricky to solve. To help you out, here are some easy tips to correctly answer all the fill in the blank questions and ace the test. Let’s have a look at what these tips are-
Time Management
Students must not spend more than 2-3 minutes on each FIB question. By spending more time on these, they compromise their time on other important questions. Always remember that you have a lime limit, and in this duration, you have to finish all the given questions. But at the same time, take your time with the question, as you might make mistakes in haste. Read the question thoroughly, go through the options and make your pick. If you are confused, move on to the next and revisit that one at the end.
Comprehensive Skills
You have to read and understand the paragraph at the same time. You don’t have the time for cursory reading, so ensure you can comprehend the question in one go. You have to stay focused throughout and understand the meaning behind each statement. So, a student needs to build upon their comprehensive skills. You can do so by reading newspapers, articles, blogs or books or practising 20-30 FIB questions daily.
Understanding of Basic Grammar
It is highly recommended that a student must have the basic knowledge of all basic English grammar, including 8 parts of speech, tenses, use of articles and punctuations. You need to dedicate 15-20 min every day towards grammar practice. Learn the rules and practice corresponding exercises to ensure they are properly instilled into your memory.
Vocabulary
Knowing the meaning of every word in the passage is extremely important to find the correct answer. Students must learn at least 10 new words daily and put them to use. For instance, use the words you learn daily to make simple sentences and use them in your everyday communication.
Collocation
Collocations are certain words that are commonly used together by native speakers, but these combinations might sound odd or unusual to non-native speakers. For example, easy options, interest rates, etc. Make sure to go through these words, as they might confuse you when you are passages or statements.
Knowledge of Synonyms
Learning synonyms go a long way when it comes to improving your vocabulary. Synonyms are different words that have a similar meaning. You might be required to find the synonym of the given world, so extend your vocabulary by finding synonyms for all the words you learn daily.
Use Elimination strategy
If you cannot find the right answer, eliminate those options that you know are wrong and those that don’t fit the context of the passage. That way, you would have fewer options to ponder, making finding the right answer easier.
Prediction and Synonym Method
Before you jump onto the given options, it is advised to read the passage while skipping the blanks. First, understand the context, then predict or guess the correct answer according to your understanding of the paragraph. Once you have predicted the answer, look for the synonym in the options and choose the closest option available.
Find the Answer on Your Own
Before you consider the options given at the end, try to find the answer yourself. When you read all the options without understanding the passage, your mind might get confused. So, it is always better to put things into perspective and narrow the options. Here also, you can use the prediction and synonym method.
Follow Your Gut Feeling
Always follow your gut feeling, and don’t revisit the questions repeatedly. Students always go back and forth with the options they have chosen and change the answer repeatedly. That way, you create an anxious environment for yourself, making you underperform for the rest of your test.
Connect with Us For More Expert Tips
Are you serious about clearing the PTE? If yes, such tips can help you achieve your dream PTE score. Besides hard work, smart work is also key to clear the exam. So, invest your time in the right direction and build a strong foundation for yourself. Our PTE experts can help you in this journey. So, if you need more practical and effective tips or expert assistance, connect with us today!
