Listening – Select Missing Word
Question type #18 PTE Listening: Select missing word
Familiarise with how the question is formed
– There are 2-3 questions, each of which refers to a brief lecture of 40-90 seconds.
– The Topic will be on the screen in the instruction part.
– You have 7 seconds to preview the topic and the 4-5 options before the lecture starts.
– The lecture will be cut off when the time gauge reaches the end in the middle of the screen, when you hear a beep.
– You need to choose 1 best response which logically finishes the lecture.
Understand how this question is scored
– Each correct response will earn 1 mark
– No extra penalty for wrong answer.
– Maximum mark: 1; minimum mark: 0
Avoid these common mistakes
- Not reading the TOPIC. Doing this will help you tune in to the lecture.
- Get carried away while listening. Taking down some key words pertaining to the topic and main points should help you to concentrate.
- Choosing the option with the exact word(s) which you hear in the lecture. In fact, this is the obvious wrong answer!
- Rushing when choosing options. Remember, it’s good practice to spend up to 20 seconds on this question type after the lecture.
Practise the best way to do it
- Skim read the topic and the options to help you focus on the topic.
- Take brief notes while listening. Ask yourself what the topic is and what the main points are.
- As you take notes, notice the use of linking words (e.g., however, because, therefore, but, in conclusion, etc).
- Concentrate on the linking word and content when the lecture is nearing the end.
- After the lecture is cut off (the beep), take around 20 seconds to systematically eliminate answer choices which are opposite in tone.
- Let’s say the tone of the lecture is favourable, but you hear ‘However’ towards the end, so you need to find a word/phrase with a negative sense. Also, note whether you have to choose a strong or weak word.
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