PTE Select Missing Word : A Predictive Method to Answer

At the end of a short audio clip in the PTE exam, you hear a sudden beep. The final word or phrase is missing, and you have to choose the correct ending from a list of options. This is the challenge of Select Missing Word (SMW), a task that tests your ability to think ahead and predict what a speaker will say next.

Many students find this task tricky because it relies on quick comprehension rather than just memory. You can’t just listen for keywords; you have to understand the logical direction of the speaker’s argument.

This guide will give you a clear and predictive method to solve this task. You will learn how to actively listen for clues in the audio that signal where the speaker is going, helping you anticipate the correct ending before you even see the options.

What is Select Missing Word in PTE Exam?

First, let’s establish the mechanics of the task, SMW.

• The Format: You will listen to a short audio recording, which is typically 20 to 70 seconds long.
• The Task: The very last word or group of words in the recording will be replaced by a [beep] sound. Your job is to select the option from a list of 3 to 5 words that correctly completes the sentence.
• The Time: This is a quick task. You must choose your answer a few seconds after the audio finishes.

How Select Missing Word (SMW) is Scored

The scoring of SMW is simple and direct.

• The Points: This is a single-answer question. You receive 1 point for selecting the correct option.
• Negative Marking: There is no negative marking. You get 0 points for an incorrect answer.
• The Impact: The point you earn contributes solely to your Listening score. While its impact is lower than dual-skill tasks, every point counts towards your final total.

The Core Skill: Predictive Listening

The key to success in this task is to stop being a passive listener. You must become a predictive listener. This means you actively analyze the speaker’s words, tone, and sentence structure as you listen to anticipate their conclusion.

Your goal is to have a good idea of what the missing word will be before you even read the options. The options are there to confirm your prediction, not to give you the answer from scratch.

Your Predictive Toolkit: Clues to Listen For

To predict the ending, you need to listen for specific clues that signal the direction of the argument.

H3: Clue #1: The Power of Transition Words

Transition words are signposts that tell you where the speaker is heading. Pay close attention to them.

• Cause and Effect: If you hear words like because, therefore, as a result, consequently, you know the end of the sentence will be a logical result of the first part.
  • Example: “The company’s profits declined sharply in the first quarter; therefore, several cost-cutting measures were…” [beep].
  • Prediction: The missing word must be a result of the decline, like implemented, introduced, or necessary.
• Contrast: If you hear words like however, but, although, on the other hand, you know the end of the sentence will present an opposing or contrasting idea.
  • Example: “Many people believe that technology is the solution to all our problems; however, others argue it creates a whole new set of…” [beep].
  • Prediction: The missing word must be a contrasting idea, like issues, challenges, or complications.

Clue #2: The Speaker’s Tone

Sometimes, the speaker’s tone of voice gives you a major clue about the missing word. Is their tone positive, negative, or neutral?

• Example: “The project was a complete disaster. The budget was overrun, the deadlines were missed, and the final product was simply…” [beep].
• Prediction: The speaker’s tone is clearly negative. The missing word must also be negative, like unacceptable, unusable, or disappointing.

Clue #3: The Logic of Collocations and Definitions

Often, the sentence is structured like a definition, where the first half defines a term that appears at the end.

• Example: “The study of the Earth’s physical structure, including its rocks and minerals, is known as…” [beep].
• Prediction: This is a direct definition. The missing word must be geology.

A Systematic Approach to Answering SMW

1. Listen and Predict (During Audio): As the audio plays, use the clues above to form a prediction in your mind about the missing word. Don’t wait until the end.
2. Match Your Prediction (After Audio): Once the audio finishes, immediately look at the options. Scan the list for the word that most closely matches the prediction you already made.
3. Eliminate the Illogical: If your prediction doesn’t match perfectly, use the process of elimination. Quickly dismiss any options that do not make logical sense in the context of the sentence.

From Practice to Prediction: A Training Method

You can train your brain to become a better predictive listener.

Start by practicing this task with the transcript visible. Read along as you listen on our PTE Select Missing Word practice page. This helps you see the connection between the transition words and the sentence’s conclusion. As you improve, hide the transcript and rely only on your ears.

Next, you need to build your listening stamina. This task often appears when you are already deep into the Listening section. Practice it within the full context of the PTE Listening practice section to get used to the mental effort required.

Finally, a PTE Listening Sectional Mock Test is the best way to simulate the real exam. It will test your ability to switch between different listening tasks and apply your predictive skills under time pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How many Select Missing Word questions are there in the exam?

You will typically get 2 to 3 of these questions in the test.

Q2. What if I don’t know the vocabulary in the options?

This can happen. If the topic is unfamiliar, it can be difficult. In this situation, use the process of elimination. Even if you don’t know the correct word, you might be able to identify 2-3 options that are definitely wrong based on the context. Then, make your best educated guess from the remaining options.

Q3. Is it better to focus on the beginning or the end of the audio?

While you should listen to the whole recording to understand the context, the most important clues often appear in the second half of the audio, right before the beep. Pay extra attention to any transition words that appear near the end.

This task rewards active and intelligent listening. By training yourself to listen for clues and predict the speaker’s path, you can turn a challenging task into a consistent source of points for your Listening score.

Ready to see how you perform in a full test simulation? Take a free, full-length PTE mock test with a complete score report. See how your accuracy in this task contributes to your overall Listening score.