Day 3 PTE Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

PTE Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

Comprehensive Guide, Exam Strategies, Useful Tips & 5 Practice Sets

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1. Exam Format, Scoring & Key Facts

What is this task?

• You will see a passage of up to 300 words with 4–6 blanks.
• Each blank has a dropdown menu with 4–5 options.
• You must choose the correct word for each blank from the dropdown list.

Key Facts

• Number of Questions: You will get 5–6 of these passages in the exam.
• Time: The entire Reading section has 29–30 minutes. This task is combined with the Reading section, so manage your time wisely. Spend no more than 2–3 minutes per passage.
• Scoring: This task contributes to both your Reading and Writing scores. Each correct answer gives you 1 point. There is no negative marking.

Why is this task important?

• It tests both your vocabulary and grammar skills.
• It contributes to two sections of your overall PTE score (Reading & Writing), making it highly valuable.

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2. Effective Strategies for Success

Step-by-Step Approach

Step	Action	Why?
1	Skim the passage first	Read the entire passage quickly to understand the topic, tone, and overall meaning. This helps you predict what type of word fits in each blank.
2	Read the sentence with the blank	Focus on the specific sentence. Read it carefully, including the words before and after the blank.
3	Predict the answer	Before looking at the options, try to guess what word fits grammatically and logically. This helps you eliminate wrong options quickly.
4	Eliminate incorrect options	Cross out options that are grammatically incorrect, semantically wrong, or contain collocation errors.
5	Select the best option	Choose the word that fits both grammatically and logically in the context of the entire passage.
6	Re-read the completed sentence	Once you have filled all blanks, read the entire passage again to ensure it makes sense and sounds natural.

Common Grammar Rules to Check

Grammar Rule	Example
Subject-Verb Agreement	If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. e.g., "The researcher conducts experiments."
Tense Consistency	If the passage is in the past tense, all verbs should generally be in the past tense. e.g., "The scientist discovered a new species."
Prepositions	Certain words require specific prepositions. e.g., "Interested in," "Dependent on," "Contribute to."
Articles	Check if the blank needs an article (a/an/the) or if the word itself is the correct choice.
Part of Speech	Determine if you need a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. e.g., "The rapid (adjective) growth" vs. "grow rapidly (adverb)."

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Pro Tips for Success

Tip	Explanation
Read a lot	The more you read academic texts, the more familiar you become with collocations and natural word pairings.
Focus on collocations	Learn common word combinations. e.g., "Commit a crime," "Make a decision," "Take responsibility."
Watch for signpost words	Words like "however," "therefore," "moreover," and "consequently" give clues about the relationship between ideas.
Don't spend too much time	If you are unsure, make an educated guess and move on. You have limited time.
Use the process of elimination	Even if you don't know the answer, you can often eliminate 1–2 options based on grammar alone.
Trust your ear	If a word "sounds" right in the sentence, it often is. This comes from reading practice.

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3. Practice Sets

5 Passages with Options and Answers

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Set 1

Passage

The concept of "emotional intelligence" has gained significant (1) ______ in recent years, particularly in the field of organizational psychology. Unlike traditional measures of cognitive ability, emotional intelligence (2) ______ to an individual's capacity to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions, as well as those of others. Research suggests that individuals with high emotional intelligence are often more (3) ______ at building relationships, resolving conflicts, and (4) ______ leadership qualities. Consequently, many corporations have begun to (5) ______ emotional intelligence training into their professional development programs.

Dropdown Options

Blank	Options
(1)	[ traction / rejection / confusion / dismissal ]
(2)	[ refers / applies / relates / directs ]
(3)	[ capable / skillful / successful / proficient ]
(4)	[ demonstrating / demonstrating / displaying / showing ]
(5)	[ integrate / incorporate / include / combine ]

Answers with Short Reasons

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	traction	"Gained traction" is a common collocation meaning becoming popular or accepted. "Rejection," "confusion," and "dismissal" would make the sentence negative, contradicting the later positive statements.
(2)	refers	"Refers to" is the correct prepositional phrase meaning "is about" or "indicates." "Applies to" is possible but "refers to" is more precise for defining a concept. "Directs" does not fit the context.
(3)	successful	"Successful at" is the correct collocation. "Capable at" is less common (usually "capable of"), and "skillful" and "proficient" usually take "in" or "at" but "successful at" is the most natural fit here.
(4)	demonstrating	"Demonstrating leadership qualities" is a natural collocation. All options are similar, but "demonstrating" is the most formal and commonly used in academic texts.
(5)	integrate	"Integrate into" is a strong collocation meaning to combine or bring together. "Incorporate into" is also possible, but "integrate" is more formal and fits the context of organizational training.

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Set 2

Passage

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has (1) ______ concerns about its potential impact on employment. While some experts argue that AI will (2) ______ to the creation of new job categories, others fear that automation will (3) ______ significant labor displacement. History suggests that technological revolutions do not (4) ______ eliminate jobs but rather transform the nature of work. However, the pace of current change is unprecedented, and many governments are (5) ______ with the challenge of ensuring their workforce is adequately prepared for the future.

Dropdown Options

Blank	Options
(1)	[ raised / created / caused / sparked ]
(2)	[ lead / refer / apply / direct ]
(3)	[ cause / create / bring / result ]
(4)	[ entirely / completely / fully / wholly ]
(5)	[ grappling / dealing / fighting / struggling ]

Answers with Short Reasons

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	raised	"Raised concerns" is a very common collocation. "Sparked" is also possible, but "raised" is the most formal and frequently used in academic contexts.
(2)	lead	"Lead to" is the correct prepositional phrase meaning to result in. The other options do not take "to" in this context.
(3)	cause	"Cause displacement" is a natural collocation. "Create" is also possible, but "cause" implies a direct negative consequence, which fits the tone.
(4)	entirely	"Entirely" means completely and fits the context of the sentence. "Completely" is also possible, but "entirely" is more commonly used in academic writing.
(5)	grappling	"Grappling with" is a strong collocation meaning struggling to deal with a difficult problem. "Dealing with" is possible but less emphatic. "Grappling" conveys the intensity of the challenge.

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Set 3

Passage

The concept of "sustainable development" has become a (1) ______ principle in international policy discourse. It aims to (2) ______ economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. Critics argue that the term has become overly (3) ______, with governments and corporations using it to justify policies that are not genuinely sustainable. Nonetheless, the (4) ______ of sustainable development remains a crucial framework for addressing global challenges such as climate change and inequality. Achieving these goals requires a (5) ______ effort from all sectors of society.

Dropdown Options

Blank	Options
(1)	[ central / minor / peripheral / secondary ]
(2)	[ balance / equate / combine / merge ]
(3)	[ diluted / vague / ambiguous / broad ]
(4)	[ principle / concept / theory / framework ]
(5)	[ concerted / combined / unified / joint ]

Answers with Short Reasons

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	central	"Central principle" is a strong collocation meaning a key or core idea. "Minor," "peripheral," and "secondary" are opposites and contradict the sentence's meaning.
(2)	balance	"Balance economic growth with protection" is a common collocation. "Equate" means to make equal, which is not the intended meaning here.
(3)	diluted	"Diluted" means weakened or made less effective. The sentence suggests the term is being used loosely. "Vague" and "ambiguous" are synonyms but "diluted" best captures the idea of losing original meaning due to overuse.
(4)	framework	"Framework" means a basic structure or system. "Principle," "concept," and "theory" are related, but "framework" is the most comprehensive term for addressing global challenges.
(5)	concerted	"Concerted effort" is a very strong collocation meaning a combined, determined effort by multiple parties. "Combined," "unified," and "joint" are similar but "concerted" is the most formal and common in this context.

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Set 4

Passage

The phenomenon of "urban heat islands" is a (1) ______ consequence of rapid urbanization. As cities expand, natural landscapes are replaced with heat-absorbing materials such as concrete and asphalt. These surfaces (2) ______ solar radiation during the day and release it slowly at night, leading to significantly higher temperatures in urban areas compared to their rural (3) ______. This temperature disparity can exacerbate the effects of heatwaves, (4) ______ energy consumption for cooling, and degrade air quality. Mitigation strategies include increasing green spaces and using reflective building materials to (5) ______ the absorption of heat.

Dropdown Options

Blank	Options
(1)	[ direct / indirect / significant / minor ]
(2)	[ absorb / reflect / emit / radiate ]
(3)	[ counterparts / equivalents / parallels / opposites ]
(4)	[ increase / decrease / maintain / stabilize ]
(5)	[ reduce / eliminate / prevent / avoid ]

Answers with Short Reasons

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	direct	"Direct consequence" is a strong collocation meaning a result that follows immediately from a cause. "Significant" is also possible, but "direct" best captures the causal relationship between urbanization and heat islands.
(2)	absorb	"Absorb radiation" is the correct scientific term. "Reflect" is the opposite meaning, and "emit" and "radiate" refer to releasing heat, not taking it in.
(3)	counterparts	"Rural counterparts" is a common academic collocation meaning the equivalent or corresponding areas. "Equivalents" is similar but "counterparts" is more standard in comparative contexts.
(4)	increase	The context of "exacerbate" and "degrade" suggests a negative effect. The heat would "increase energy consumption," not decrease, maintain, or stabilize it.
(5)	reduce	"Reduce absorption" is logical because the goal is to mitigate the heat effect. "Eliminate" and "prevent" are too absolute, and "avoid" does not fit the grammatical structure.

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Set 5

Passage

The study of history is not merely a (1) ______ of facts and dates, but a dynamic process of interpretation and analysis. Historians (2) ______ on primary sources, such as letters, government documents, and artifacts, to construct narratives about the past. However, these sources are often (3) ______, reflecting the biases and perspectives of their creators. Thus, historians must critically evaluate their sources and consider multiple (4) ______ before drawing conclusions. This rigorous methodology is what distinguishes academic history from mere (5) ______ or storytelling.

Dropdown Options

Blank	Options
(1)	[ collection / compilation / catalog / gathering ]
(2)	[ rely / depend / count / base ]
(3)	[ subjective / objective / neutral / accurate ]
(4)	[ perspectives / viewpoints / angles / facets ]
(5)	[ speculation / assumption / opinion / guesswork ]

Answers with Short Reasons

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	collection	"Collection of facts" is a natural collocation. "Compilation," "catalog," and "gathering" are similar, but "collection" is the most formal and commonly used in academic contexts.
(2)	rely	"Rely on" is a very strong collocation meaning to depend on. "Depend on" is also possible, but "rely" is more commonly used in this specific context. "Base" requires "on" and is usually passive ("is based on").
(3)	subjective	"Subjective" means influenced by personal feelings or opinions, which fits the context of bias. "Objective" and "neutral" are the opposite, and "accurate" does not address the issue of bias.
(4)	perspectives	"Multiple perspectives" is a common academic phrase meaning different ways of viewing a situation. "Viewpoints" is also possible, but "perspectives" is more formal and fits the context of historical analysis.
(5)	speculation	"Mere speculation" is a strong collocation meaning guessing without evidence. "Assumption," "opinion," and "guesswork" are similar, but "speculation" is the most precise term to contrast with rigorous methodology.

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4. Summary Checklist for Exam Day

Action	Time
Skim the passage	30 seconds
Read each sentence with the blank	30 seconds per blank
Eliminate incorrect options	30 seconds per blank
Re-read the completed passage	20 seconds
Total	Approx. 2–3 minutes per passage

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Final Tips

• If you are unsure, make an educated guess. There is no negative marking, so never leave a blank empty.
• Pay attention to collocations. Words that often go together are frequently tested.
• Check grammar first. Eliminating grammatically incorrect options often narrows your choices to 1–2 options.
• Read the entire passage before filling in blanks. Understanding the overall meaning helps you choose the correct word for each blank.
• Practice regularly. The more you practice, the faster and more accurate you become.

 

PTE Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

10 More Tough & Realistic Practice Sets

Sets 39–48 | Mixed Grammar, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Tense & Collocations

Each set contains a short academic-style passage with 4 blanks, followed by options and answers with short, clear reasons.

Set 6 — Mixed (Tough)

Passage

The proliferation of misinformation on digital platforms (1) ______ (have / has / having / had) become a pressing concern for policymakers worldwide. While some argue that fact-checking initiatives (2) ______ (is / are / was / were) effective, critics contend that such measures often (3) ______ (lag / lags / lagging / lagged) behind the rapid spread of false content. Last year, several governments (4) ______ (propose / proposes / proposed / proposing) new legislation to address this issue, but implementation remains inconsistent.

Answers

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has	"Proliferation" is singular, so the verb must be singular: has become.
(2)	are	"Initiatives" is plural, so the verb must be plural: are.
(3)	lag	"Measures" is plural, so the verb must be plural: lag. The sentence is in the present tense.
(4)	proposed	"Last year" clearly indicates the simple past, so proposed is correct.

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Set 7— Mixed (Tough)

Passage

The success of any organization (1) ______ (depend / depends / depending / depended) heavily on its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Employees who (2) ______ (possess / possesses / possessing / possessed) strong problem-solving skills are particularly valuable in this regard. However, the management team (3) ______ (face / faces / facing / faced) significant challenges in retaining top talent. Last quarter, the company (4) ______ (implement / implements / implemented / implementing) a new retention strategy to address this issue.

Answers

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	depends	"Success" is singular, so the verb must be singular: depends.
(2)	possess	"Employees" is plural, so the verb must be plural: possess.
(3)	faces	"Team" is a singular collective noun in this sentence, so faces is appropriate.
(4)	implemented	"Last quarter" indicates the simple past, so implemented is correct.

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Set 8 — Prepositions & Collocations (Tough)

Passage

The study (1) ______ (on / of / for / about) climate change has revealed alarming trends in global temperature patterns. Scientists have called (2) ______ (for / on / to / with) immediate action to reduce carbon emissions. However, political leaders often fail to agree (3) ______ (on / at / about / for) the specific measures required. This lack of consensus has resulted (4) ______ (in / at / on / from) minimal progress over the past decade.

Answers

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	of	Study of is a standard academic collocation. "Study on" is also possible in some contexts, but of fits the intended construction best.
(2)	for	Call for means to demand or request something.
(3)	on	Agree on is used when referring to a particular issue, decision, or measure.
(4)	in	Result in means to cause or lead to a particular consequence.

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Set 9 — Conjunctions & Tense (Tough)

Passage

The company decided to expand its operations overseas, (1) ______ (but / so / because / although) it faced significant financial risks. The board of directors (2) ______ (was / were / have / has) initially hesitant to approve the plan. However, the CEO argued that (3) ______ (unless / if / although / because) the company failed to take risks, it would lose its competitive edge. Ultimately, the expansion (4) ______ (was / were / has / have) approved, and the project proceeded as planned.

Answers

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	although	Although introduces a contrast between the decision to expand and the financial risks involved.
(2)	was	"Board" is treated as a singular collective noun here: was initially hesitant.
(3)	unless	Unless means "if not" and creates the correct conditional meaning: if the company did not take risks, it would lose its competitive edge.
(4)	was	"Expansion" is singular, so the passive form is was approved.

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Set 11 — Collocations & Subject-Verb Agreement (Tough)

Passage

The rapid growth of urban populations (1) ______ (pose / poses / posing / posed) significant challenges for infrastructure planning. City governments (2) ______ (struggle / struggles / struggling / struggled) to provide adequate housing and transportation. Last year, a new initiative (3) ______ (was / were / have / has) launched to address these issues. However, the project's success (4) ______ (depend / depends / depending / depended) on continued funding from the central government.

Answers

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	poses	The head noun is "growth," which is singular: growth poses.
(2)	struggle	"Governments" is plural, so struggle is required.
(3)	was	"Initiative" is singular, and "last year" signals the past: was launched.
(4)	depends	The subject "success" is singular: success depends.

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Set 12 — Prepositions & Phrasal Verbs (Tough)

Passage

The effectiveness of online learning depends (1) ______ (on / at / for / with) several factors, including student motivation and access to technology. Many educators have called (2) ______ (for / on / to / with) greater investment in digital infrastructure. However, some critics argue that traditional methods are superior (3) ______ (to / than / of / for) online approaches. This debate has led (4) ______ (to / at / for / with) a divide in educational policy.

Answers

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	on	Depend on is the correct fixed expression.
(2)	for	Call for means to demand or advocate for something.
(3)	to	The correct construction is superior to, not "superior than."
(4)	to	Lead to means to result in or cause something.

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Set 13 — Tense & Conjunctions (Tough)

Passage

The environmental impact of plastic waste (1) ______ (become / becomes / became / becoming) a major global concern in recent years. While recycling programs (2) ______ (has / have / had / having) been implemented in many countries, their effectiveness varies widely. Last month, a new treaty (3) ______ (was / were / have / has) signed by over 50 nations. However, environmental groups argue that (4) ______ (unless / if / although / because) stricter regulations are enforced, the problem will persist.

Answers

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has become	"In recent years" normally calls for the present perfect. Because "impact" is singular, the correct form is has become.
(2)	have	"Programs" is plural, so have been implemented is correct.
(3)	was	"Treaty" is singular and "last month" requires the simple past: was signed.
(4)	unless	Unless means "if not": if stricter regulations are not enforced, the problem will persist.

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Set 14 — Collocations & Subject-Verb Agreement (Tough)

Passage

The implementation of new technologies (1) ______ (require / requires / requiring / required) significant investment in employee training. Companies that (2) ______ (fail / fails / failing / failed) to provide adequate training often experience productivity losses. Last quarter, a major corporation (3) ______ (announce / announces / announced / announcing) a comprehensive training program. However, the success of such programs (4) ______ (depend / depends / depending / depended) on employee engagement and participation.

Answers

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	requires	The head noun "implementation" is singular: implementation requires.
(2)	fail	"Companies" is plural, so the relative clause requires fail.
(3)	announced	"Last quarter" indicates the simple past: announced.
(4)	depends	"Success" is singular: success depends.

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Set 15 — Prepositions & Conjunctions (Tough)

Passage

The debate over immigration policy has persisted (1) ______ (for / since / during / throughout) decades. Proponents of stricter controls argue (2) ______ (for / against / about / over) the protection of national security. Opponents, (3) ______ (however / therefore / moreover / consequently), contend that immigration contributes significantly to economic growth. This disagreement has resulted (4) ______ (in / at / on / from) a political stalemate that shows no signs of resolution.

Answers

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	for	For decades expresses a duration of time. "Since" normally requires a specific starting point.
(2)	for	Argue for means to support or advocate a particular position.
(3)	however	However signals the contrast between the position of the proponents and that of the opponents.
(4)	in	Result in means to cause or lead to a particular result.

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Set 16 — Tense & Subject-Verb Agreement (Tough)

Passage

The field of artificial intelligence (1) ______ (has / have / had / having) advanced rapidly over the past decade. Researchers who (2) ______ (specialize / specializes / specializing / specialized) in this area often collaborate across disciplines. Last year, a groundbreaking study (3) ______ (was / were / have / has) published in a leading journal. However, many experts believe that the technology (4) ______ (is / are / was / were) still in its early stages of development.

Answers

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has	"Field" is singular, and "over the past decade" supports the present perfect: has advanced.
(2)	specialize	"Researchers" is plural, so the verb must be plural: specialize.
(3)	was	"Study" is singular, and "last year" indicates the past: was published.
(4)	is	"Technology" is an uncountable singular noun, so is is correct.

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4. Summary Checklist for Exam Day

Action	Time
Skim the passage	30 seconds
Read each sentence with the blank	30 seconds per blank
Eliminate incorrect options	30 seconds per blank
Re-read the completed passage	20 seconds
Total	Approx. 2–3 minutes per passage

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Final Tips

1. If you are unsure, make an educated guess.

There is no negative marking, so never leave a blank empty.

2. Pay attention to collocations.

Words that naturally occur together are frequently tested.

Examples:

• raise concerns
• pose a threat
• play a role
• reach a conclusion
• make a decision
• take measures
• conduct research
• draw attention
• have an impact
• provide evidence

3. Check grammar first.

Before considering meaning, ask:

What type of word does the blank require?

Then check:

• Singular or plural?
• Present or past?
• Active or passive?
• Noun, verb, adjective, or adverb?
• Which preposition follows the word?

4. Learn fixed preposition patterns.

Expression	Correct Preposition
depend ___	on
result ___	in
contribute ___	to
participate ___	in
rely ___	on
focus ___	on
consist ___	of
benefit ___	from
superior ___	to
responsible ___	for
interested ___	in
concerned ___	about
capable ___	of
associated ___	with
compatible ___	with

5. Watch for time expressions.

Time Expression	Likely Tense
last year	Simple Past
yesterday	Simple Past
last month	Simple Past
in 2020	Simple Past
since 2020	Present Perfect
for several years	Present Perfect / Perfect Continuous
over the past decade	Present Perfect
recently	Often Present Perfect
currently	Present
nowadays	Present

6. Watch the real subject.

Do not be distracted by words between the subject and verb.

The impact of social media has increased.

Not:

The impact of social media have increased.

The subject is impact, not social media.

7. Master conjunction logic.

• Although / Even though → contrast
• Because / Since → reason
• Therefore / Consequently → result
• However → contrast
• Moreover / Furthermore → addition
• Unless → condition meaning "if not"
• Whereas / While → contrast
• Therefore → consequence

8. Use the three-check method.

For every blank, ask:

GRAMMAR → COLLOCATION → MEANING

If all three agree, your answer is usually strong.

Grammar: Is the form correct?
Collocation: Do the words naturally go together?
Meaning: Does it make sense in the passage?

This three-step method is especially effective for difficult PTE Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks questions.

 

 

PTE Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

20 Tough Practice Sets — Sets 1–20

Each set mixes subject-verb agreement, tense, prepositions, conjunctions, and collocations at an advanced level. Each set includes 4 blanks, options, and answers with short, clear reasons after each set.

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Set 1

Passage:

The phenomenon of global migration (1) ______ (have / has / having / had) reshaped demographics across continents in recent decades. While some countries welcome immigrants, others (2) ______ (impose / imposes / imposing / imposed) strict restrictions on entry. Last year, the European Union (3) ______ (announce / announces / announced / announcing) new policies to manage the influx of asylum seekers. The effectiveness of these measures, however, (4) ______ (remain / remains / remaining / remained) uncertain.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has	"Phenomenon" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("has"). "In recent decades" indicates present perfect tense.
(2)	impose	"Countries" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("impose").
(3)	announced	"Last year" indicates simple past tense ("announced").
(4)	remains	"Effectiveness" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("remains").

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Set 2

Passage:

The development of renewable energy sources (1) ______ (depend / depends / depending / depended) heavily on government subsidies and technological innovation. Countries that (2) ______ (invest / invests / investing / invested) in solar and wind infrastructure often see long-term economic benefits. However, the volatility of fossil fuel prices (3) ______ (affect / affects / affecting / affected) the pace of this transition. Last decade, many nations (4) ______ (commit / commits / committed / committing) to ambitious carbon reduction targets.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	depends	"Development" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("depends").
(2)	invest	"Countries" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("invest").
(3)	affects	"Volatility" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("affects").
(4)	committed	"Last decade" indicates simple past tense ("committed").

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Set 3

Passage:

The rise of e-commerce (1) ______ (transform / transforms / transforming / transformed) traditional retail practices over the past twenty years. While online platforms (2) ______ (offer / offers / offering / offered) convenience, brick-and-mortar stores face increasing competition. Last month, a major retail chain (3) ______ (file / files / filed / filing) for bankruptcy protection. Analysts believe that the future of retail (4) ______ (hinge / hinges / hinging / hinged) on the integration of digital and physical experiences.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has transformed	"Rise" is singular, and "over the past twenty years" indicates present perfect tense.
(2)	offer	"Platforms" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("offer").
(3)	filed	"Last month" indicates simple past tense ("filed").
(4)	hinges	"Future" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("hinges").

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Set 4

Passage:

The effectiveness of online education (1) ______ (vary / varies / varying / varied) significantly depending on student engagement and access to resources. Institutions that (2) ______ (provide / provides / providing / provided) robust support systems often achieve higher success rates. Last semester, a new learning platform (3) ______ (introduce / introduces / introduced / introducing) interactive features to enhance participation. However, the quality of instruction (4) ______ (remain / remains / remaining / remained) the most critical factor.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	varies	"Effectiveness" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("varies").
(2)	provide	"Institutions" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("provide").
(3)	introduced	"Last semester" indicates simple past tense ("introduced").
(4)	remains	"Quality" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("remains").

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Set 5

Passage:

The aging population in developed nations (1) ______ (pose / poses / posing / posed) significant challenges for healthcare systems. Governments that (2) ______ (fail / fails / failing / failed) to adapt their policies may face fiscal crises. Last year, several countries (3) ______ (reform / reforms / reformed / reforming) their pension systems to address this issue. The sustainability of these reforms (4) ______ (depend / depends / depending / depended) on long-term economic growth.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	poses	"Population" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("poses").
(2)	fail	"Governments" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("fail").
(3)	reformed	"Last year" indicates simple past tense ("reformed").
(4)	depends	"Sustainability" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("depends").

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Set 6

Passage:

The preservation of endangered species (1) ______ (require / requires / requiring / required) international collaboration and dedicated funding. Organizations that (2) ______ (work / works / working / worked) in this field often face logistical challenges. Last decade, a global treaty (3) ______ (sign / signs / signed / signing) to protect biodiversity. However, the enforcement of such agreements (4) ______ (remain / remains / remaining / remained) inconsistent across regions.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	requires	"Preservation" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("requires").
(2)	work	"Organizations" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("work").
(3)	was signed	"Last decade" indicates simple past tense, and "treaty" is singular, so "was signed" is correct.
(4)	remains	"Enforcement" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("remains").

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Set 7

Passage:

The proliferation of digital devices (1) ______ (has / have / having / had) profoundly changed the way people consume information. While some experts argue that this trend (2) ______ (enhance / enhances / enhancing / enhanced) cognitive abilities, others warn of its detrimental effects. Last year, a landmark study (3) ______ (publish / publishes / published / publishing) in a leading journal highlighted these concerns. The findings of the study (4) ______ (call / calls / calling / called) for greater awareness of screen time.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has	"Proliferation" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("has").
(2)	enhances	"Trend" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("enhances").
(3)	was published	"Last year" indicates simple past tense, and "study" is singular, so "was published" is correct.
(4)	call	"Findings" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("call").

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Set 8

Passage:

The concept of sustainable development (1) ______ (gain / gains / gaining / gained) momentum in policy circles over the past decade. Governments that (2) ______ (prioritize / prioritizes / prioritizing / prioritized) environmental protection often see economic benefits. Last year, a major summit (3) ______ (focus / focuses / focused / focusing) on climate action. However, the implementation of these policies (4) ______ (require / requires / requiring / required) substantial investment.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has gained	"Concept" is singular, and "over the past decade" indicates present perfect tense.
(2)	prioritize	"Governments" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("prioritize").
(3)	focused	"Last year" indicates simple past tense ("focused").
(4)	requires	"Implementation" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("requires").

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Set 9

Passage:

The debate over genetic engineering (1) ______ (continue / continues / continuing / continued) to polarize public opinion. Scientists who (2) ______ (support / supports / supporting / supported) this technology emphasize its potential benefits. Last month, a new regulatory framework (3) ______ (introduce / introduces / introduced / introducing) to oversee research in this field. Critics, however, (4) ______ (argue / argues / arguing / argued) that the long-term risks remain unknown.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	continues	"Debate" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("continues").
(2)	support	"Scientists" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("support").
(3)	was introduced	"Last month" indicates simple past tense, and "framework" is singular, so "was introduced" is correct.
(4)	argue	"Critics" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("argue").

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Set 10

Passage:

The rapid expansion of urban areas (1) ______ (lead / leads / leading / led) to significant environmental degradation in many regions. Cities that (2) ______ (implement / implements / implementing / implemented) green infrastructure projects often mitigate these effects. Last decade, several municipalities (3) ______ (adopt / adopts / adopted / adopting) innovative sustainability plans. However, the success of these plans (4) ______ (hinge / hinges / hinging / hinged) on community participation.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has led	"Expansion" is singular, and the context suggests present perfect tense ("has led").
(2)	implement	"Cities" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("implement").
(3)	adopted	"Last decade" indicates simple past tense ("adopted").
(4)	hinges	"Success" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("hinges").

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Set 11

Passage:

The globalization of trade (1) ______ (create / creates / creating / created) both opportunities and challenges for developing economies. Countries that (2) ______ (embrace / embraces / embracing / embraced) open markets often experience rapid growth. However, the volatility of global commodity prices (3) ______ (pose / poses / posing / posed) significant risks. Last year, many nations (4) ______ (seek / seeks / seeking / sought) to diversify their export portfolios.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has created	"Globalization" is singular, and the context suggests present perfect tense ("has created").
(2)	embrace	"Countries" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("embrace").
(3)	poses	"Volatility" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("poses").
(4)	sought	"Last year" indicates simple past tense ("sought").

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Set 12

Passage:

The study of ancient civilizations (1) ______ (provide / provides / providing / provided) valuable insights into human history. Archaeologists who (2) ______ (specialize / specializes / specializing / specialized) in this field often uncover remarkable artifacts. Last year, a significant discovery (3) ______ (make / makes / made / making) in the Andes region. The implications of this find (4) ______ (challenge / challenges / challenging / challenged) existing historical narratives.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	provides	"Study" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("provides").
(2)	specialize	"Archaeologists" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("specialize").
(3)	was made	"Last year" indicates simple past tense, and "discovery" is singular, so "was made" is correct.
(4)	challenge	"Implications" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("challenge").

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Set 13

Passage:

The effectiveness of public health campaigns (1) ______ (depend / depends / depending / depended) heavily on community engagement. Programs that (2) ______ (target / targets / targeting / targeted) vulnerable populations often achieve better outcomes. Last decade, a nationwide initiative (3) ______ (launch / launches / launched / launching) to combat chronic diseases. However, funding for such programs (4) ______ (fluctuate / fluctuates / fluctuating / fluctuated) over time.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	depends	"Effectiveness" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("depends").
(2)	target	"Programs" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("target").
(3)	was launched	"Last decade" indicates simple past tense, and "initiative" is singular, so "was launched" is correct.
(4)	fluctuates	"Funding" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("fluctuates").

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Set 14

Passage:

The evolution of social media (1) ______ (change / changes / changing / changed) the landscape of interpersonal communication. Platforms that (2) ______ (prioritize / prioritizes / prioritizing / prioritized) user engagement often gain widespread popularity. Last year, a new app (3) ______ (emerge / emerges / emerged / emerging) as a dominant player in the market. However, concerns about data privacy (4) ______ (persist / persists / persisting / persisted) among users.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has changed	"Evolution" is singular, and the context suggests present perfect tense ("has changed").
(2)	prioritize	"Platforms" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("prioritize").
(3)	emerged	"Last year" indicates simple past tense ("emerged").
(4)	persist	"Concerns" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("persist").

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Set 15

Passage:

The preservation of cultural heritage (1) ______ (require / requires / requiring / required) sustained effort from governments and communities. Organizations that (2) ______ (work / works / working / worked) in this field often face funding shortages. Last decade, a landmark agreement (3) ______ (sign / signs / signed / signing) to protect world heritage sites. However, enforcement of the agreement (4) ______ (remain / remains / remaining / remained) challenging.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	requires	"Preservation" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("requires").
(2)	work	"Organizations" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("work").
(3)	was signed	"Last decade" indicates simple past tense, and "agreement" is singular, so "was signed" is correct.
(4)	remains	"Enforcement" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("remains").

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Set 16

Passage:

The growing demand for renewable energy (1) ______ (drive / drives / driving / driven) innovation in battery storage technology. Companies that (2) ______ (invest / invests / investing / invested) in research and development often lead the market. Last year, a breakthrough (3) ______ (achieve / achieves / achieved / achieving) in solid-state battery design. The commercial viability of this technology (4) ______ (depend / depends / depending / depended) on manufacturing costs.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has driven	"Demand" is singular, and the context suggests present perfect tense ("has driven").
(2)	invest	"Companies" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("invest").
(3)	was achieved	"Last year" indicates simple past tense, and "breakthrough" is singular, so "was achieved" is correct.
(4)	depends	"Viability" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("depends").

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Set 17

Passage:

The integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare (1) ______ (hold / holds / holding / held) promise for improving diagnostic accuracy. Systems that (2) ______ (analyze / analyzes / analyzing / analyzed) medical data with machine learning have shown impressive results. Last month, a new algorithm (3) ______ (develop / develops / developed / developing) to detect early signs of disease. However, ethical concerns (4) ______ (surround / surrounds / surrounding / surrounded) the use of AI in medicine.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	holds	"Integration" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("holds").
(2)	analyze	"Systems" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("analyze").
(3)	was developed	"Last month" indicates simple past tense, and "algorithm" is singular, so "was developed" is correct.
(4)	surround	"Concerns" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("surround").

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Set 18

Passage:

The rise of remote work (1) ______ (reshape / reshapes / reshaping / reshaped) corporate culture in fundamental ways. Companies that (2) ______ (embrace / embraces / embracing / embraced) flexible policies often attract top talent. Last quarter, a major corporation (3) ______ (adopt / adopts / adopted / adopting) a permanent hybrid model. However, the long-term effects of this shift (4) ______ (remain / remains / remaining / remained) unclear.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has reshaped	"Rise" is singular, and the context suggests present perfect tense ("has reshaped").
(2)	embrace	"Companies" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("embrace").
(3)	adopted	"Last quarter" indicates simple past tense ("adopted").
(4)	remain	"Effects" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("remain").

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Set 19

Passage:

The debate over universal basic income (1) ______ (intensify / intensifies / intensifying / intensified) as automation threatens traditional jobs. Economists who (2) ______ (support / supports / supporting / supported) the policy argue that it provides a safety net. Last year, a pilot program (3) ______ (conduct / conducts / conducted / conducting) in several cities to test its feasibility. However, the results of the program (4) ______ (vary / varies / varying / varied) significantly across regions.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	has intensified	"Debate" is singular, and the context suggests present perfect tense ("has intensified").
(2)	support	"Economists" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("support").
(3)	was conducted	"Last year" indicates simple past tense, and "program" is singular, so "was conducted" is correct.
(4)	varied	"Results" is plural, and the context refers to completed findings, so "varied" is correct.

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Set 20

Passage:

The impact of climate change on agriculture (1) ______ (threaten / threatens / threatening / threatened) global food security. Farmers who (2) ______ (adopt / adopts / adopting / adopted) sustainable practices can mitigate some risks. Last decade, many regions (3) ______ (experience / experiences / experienced / experiencing) unprecedented weather patterns. The adaptation strategies employed by these communities (4) ______ (offer / offers / offering / offered) valuable lessons for others.

Answers:

Blank	Answer	Reason
(1)	threatens	"Impact" is singular, so the verb must be singular ("threatens").
(2)	adopt	"Farmers" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("adopt").
(3)	experienced	"Last decade" indicates simple past tense ("experienced").
(4)	offer	"Strategies" is plural, so the verb must be plural ("offer").

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Summary Checklist for Exam Day

Action	Time
Skim the passage	30 seconds
Read each sentence with the blank	30 seconds per blank
Eliminate incorrect options	30 seconds per blank
Re-read the completed passage	20 seconds
Total	Approx. 2–3 minutes per passage

Final Tips:

• If you are unsure, make an educated guess. There is no negative marking, so never leave a blank empty.
• Pay attention to collocations. Words that often go together are frequently tested.
• Check grammar first. Eliminating grammatically incorrect options often narrows your choices to 1–2 options.
• Read the entire passage before filling in blanks. Understanding the overall meaning helps you choose the correct word for each blank.
• Practice regularly. The more you practice, the faster and more accurate you become.