Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The task
You see a passage with gaps and a box of words below it. You drag words into the gaps; there are more words than gaps, so some are left over. You can move words between gaps, or drag one back to the box to remove it (Pearson).
Do not confuse it with Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown), the item formerly called Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks, where each gap has its own list. That task is covered in our Dropdown scoring guide.
How it is scored
Pearson judges your ability to use context and grammar cues to complete a reading text. All blanks right gives the maximum; any wrong blank means partial credit (Pearson). The scoring rule and item counts are from Pearson's PTE Academic Test Taker Score Guide; task details are from Pearson's test format pages. Both read on 30 October 2026. The tips are our own, not Pearson's.
| Item | Per test | Scoring | Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop) | 4–5 | 1 point per correct blank, minimum 0 | Reading only |
| Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) | 5–6 | 1 point per correct blank, minimum 0 | Reading (see note) |
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What that means for your answers
Because a wrong word only costs that blank's point, fill every gap even if you are unsure. Pearson's own tips are to think about collocation (words that often go together) and to rule out options that are the wrong part of speech before choosing on meaning.
Note: Pearson's Reading page says the Dropdown item affects your reading score and does not test writing. The Score Guide table also lists it under Reading (Score Guide).
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks?+
No. Each correct blank scores 1 point and the minimum is 0.
How many Reading Fill in the Blanks are in PTE?+
Pearson's Score Guide lists 4–5 Drag and Drop items and 5–6 Dropdown items.
Does Reading Fill in the Blanks affect writing?+
No. Pearson says the Drag and Drop item affects reading only.
Are there extra words in Reading Fill in the Blanks?+
Yes. There are more words in the box than gaps, so you will not use them all.
Keep reading
Related
- PTE Dropdown Fill in the Blanks scoring
- PTE Reorder Paragraph scoring
- Practise Reading Fill in the Blanks
- PTE scoring criteria
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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