PTE lesson · Reading

PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks notesPreposition blanks in Reading

When the gap is a preposition, the word before it decides: six drills. This PTE lesson is a deck of 10 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 10 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 13 October 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: look left, say the pair, read on and read back. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 10 cards

Preview

  1. PTEReading · Fill in the Blanks

    Four small words, one right answer

    meaning won't pick the preposition

    When every option is a preposition, they all look possible. Guessing from meaning is slow and often wrong. The word just before the gap is the clue.

    Varrowmere is famousdecides gap 1 ______ its lantern boats, and most visitors are keendecides gap 2 ______ the night market.

    Two gaps, two different prepositions. Look left of each.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 10
  2. PTEReading · Fill in the Blanks

    What the test gives you

    the drop-down gaps, both tracks

    PTE AcademicPTE Core
    TimePart of the section clockPart of the section clock
    Scored on1 per correct blank1 per correct blank
    Counts forReadingReading + Writing

    Timings: Pearson's test format. Scoring and skills: its Score Guides (Academic July 2025, Core January 2026).

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 10
  3. Card 3 of 10 onwards

    Card 3 is free too

    Create a free account for card 3; the other 7 come with any plan.

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10 cards

Contents

  1. 1Four small words, one right answermeaning won't pick the prepositionIn the preview
  2. 2What the test gives youthe drop-down gaps, both tracksIn the preview
  3. 3Look left, then read onfour moves for any preposition gapFree account
  4. 4Q1: a verb before the gappassage 1 of 6 · drop-downWith a plan
  5. 5Q2: an adjective firstpassage 2 of 6 · drop-downWith a plan
  6. 6Q3: a noun, then read onpassage 3 of 6 · drag and dropWith a plan
  7. 7Two traps to swapmeaning and the words after can misleadWith a plan
  8. 8Your turn: Q4 to Q6three new passages · look left firstWith a plan
  9. 9Pairs from todaylearn each pair wholeWith a plan
  10. 10Save thisthe preposition-gap checklistWith a plan

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Questions

FAQ

Is the Preposition blanks in Reading lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

Can I download the Preposition blanks in Reading PDF?+

The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team. It is original BandLadder material from our own study library, not copied from books or other websites.

Is it for PTE Academic or PTE Core?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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