PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop)

PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop)

sample questions in English. In this task type, you must drag words from the word bank into the gaps in the passage. There are more words than gaps, so some words are distractors.

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Instructions

• Each passage has 4 blanks.
• The word bank contains 6–8 words.
• Choose the correct word for each blank.
• Answers and explanations are provided at the end of each set.

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Practice Set 1: The Importance of Bees

Bees play a vital role in agriculture and natural ecosystems. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar, they (1) _______ pollen, which allows plants to reproduce. Roughly one-third of the food we eat depends on this process. In recent years, however, bee populations have (2) _______ sharply in many regions. Scientists blame a combination of pesticides, disease, and habitat loss. Without urgent action, crop yields could (3) _______ significantly, threatening food supplies. Farmers are therefore being encouraged to (4) _______ wildflower margins around their fields.

Word Bank:

decline · transfer · plant · declined · reduce · suffer · restore

Blank	Answer
(1)	transfer
(2)	declined
(3)	decline
(4)	restore

Explanations:

• (1) transfer – bees transfer pollen (base verb after "they").
• (2) declined – present perfect "have declined" (past participle).
• (3) decline – modal "could" + base verb.
• (4) restore – "restore wildflower margins" is the natural collocation.

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Practice Set 2: Urban Tree Canopy

Cities measure tree canopy from above, which means a street of mature planes can (1) _______ higher cover than a park planted with young trees. Most authorities use aerial imagery, which is cheap and repeatable but systematically (2) _______ narrow street trees whose crowns are hidden by buildings. A few use lidar, which captures height and therefore volume, at roughly ten times the (3) _______. The choice matters, because targets are set against whatever the baseline method (4) _______.

Word Bank:

register · reported · undercounts · cost · overstates · expense · recorder

Blank	Answer
(1)	register
(2)	undercounts
(3)	cost
(4)	reported

Explanations:

• (1) register – modal "can" + base verb.
• (2) undercounts – third-person singular verb, contrast with "overstates."
• (3) cost – "ten times the cost" is the fixed expression.
• (4) reported – past participle in passive relative clause.

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Practice Set 3: Beavers in Britain

Beavers were hunted to extinction in Britain by the sixteenth century. Their (1) _______ four hundred years later has been welcomed by flood managers, because a cascade of beaver dams (2) _______ water during a storm and releases it slowly. Not all landowners agree. Where farmland lies at the same level as a dammed stream, the raised water table can (3) _______ fields, and the costs fall on the landowner while the benefits (4) _______ to communities downstream.

Word Bank:

accrue · return · stores · waterlog · departure · consumes · drain

Blank	Answer
(1)	return
(2)	stores
(3)	waterlog
(4)	accrue

Explanations:

• (1) return – noun needed; "their return" (not "departure").
• (2) stores – third-person singular, contrasts with "releases."
• (3) waterlog – modal "can" + base verb.
• (4) accrue – fixed collocation "benefits accrue to."

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Practice Set 4: The Science of Sleep

Sleep is not simply a period of inactivity. During deep sleep, the brain (1) _______ memories and clears out waste products that accumulate during the day. People who consistently sleep fewer than six hours a night are at a (2) _______ risk of heart disease and diabetes. Despite this, many people (3) _______ sleep as a luxury rather than a necessity. Experts recommend that adults (4) _______ between seven and nine hours each night.

Word Bank:

consolidates · higher · treat · aim · lower · regard · achieve

Blank	Answer
(1)	consolidates
(2)	higher
(3)	treat
(4)	aim

Explanations:

• (1) consolidates – third-person singular; "consolidate memories" is the collocation.
• (2) higher – comparative adjective before "risk."
• (3) treat – "treat sleep as" is the correct collocation.
• (4) aim – "aim for" is the natural verb here.

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Practice Set 5: Remote Work

Remote work has become increasingly common in many industries. Advances in technology have (1) _______ it possible for employees to work from home. This flexibility can improve work-life balance, but it can also (2) _______ to feelings of isolation. Companies must therefore find ways to keep remote workers (3) _______ and connected. Regular video meetings and virtual social events can help to (4) _______ this problem.

Word Bank:

made · lead · engaged · solve · enabled · cause · address

Blank	Answer
(1)	made
(2)	lead
(3)	engaged
(4)	address

Explanations:

• (1) made – "have made it possible" is the fixed structure.
• (2) lead – "lead to" is the correct phrasal verb.
• (3) engaged – "keep workers engaged" is the natural collocation.
• (4) address – "address a problem" means to deal with it.

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Practice Set 6: Plastic Pollution

Plastic waste has become a serious environmental problem. Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic (1) _______ up in oceans and landfills. This waste can (2) _______ harm to marine animals, which often mistake it for food. Many countries have now introduced laws to (3) _______ the use of single-use plastics. Consumers can also help by (4) _______ reusable bags and bottles.

Word Bank:

pile · cause · limit · choosing · reduce · make · using

Blank	Answer
(1)	pile
(2)	cause
(3)	limit
(4)	using

Explanations:

• (1) pile – "pile up" is the correct phrasal verb.
• (2) cause – "cause harm" is the standard collocation.
• (3) limit – "limit the use" is the natural phrase.
• (4) using – preposition "by" + gerund.

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Practice Set 7: Climate Change and Agriculture

Climate change is having a significant impact on global agriculture. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are making it more difficult for farmers to (1) _______ consistent crop yields. In some regions, droughts have become more frequent, while in others, flooding has destroyed valuable farmland. Scientists are working on developing crops that can (2) _______ extreme weather conditions. However, these solutions take time to develop and may not be available to farmers in developing countries. Without urgent action, food security could be (3) _______ in many parts of the world. Governments must therefore (4) _______ in climate-resistant farming methods.

Word Bank:

achieve · withstand · threatened · invest · tolerate · endangered · spend

Blank	Answer
(1)	achieve
(2)	withstand
(3)	threatened
(4)	invest

Explanations:

• (1) achieve – "achieve consistent crop yields" is the natural collocation.
• (2) withstand – "withstand extreme weather" is the standard phrase.
• (3) threatened – "food security could be threatened" is the correct passive.
• (4) invest – "invest in" is the correct prepositional verb.

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Practice Set 8: The Value of Teamwork

Working in a team can be more effective than working alone. When people collaborate, they can (1) _______ ideas and solve problems more quickly. However, teamwork also requires good communication and mutual respect. Without these, conflicts can (2) _______ and productivity may suffer. Successful teams usually have a clear leader who can (3) _______ everyone focused on the same goal. Regular feedback also helps to (4) _______ trust among team members.

Word Bank:

exchange · arise · keep · build · share · rise · maintain

Blank	Answer
(1)	exchange
(2)	arise
(3)	keep
(4)	build

Explanations:

• (1) exchange – "exchange ideas" is the correct collocation.
• (2) arise – "conflicts arise" is the standard phrase.
• (3) keep – "keep everyone focused" is the natural structure.
• (4) build – "build trust" is the correct collocation.

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Practice Set 9: The Effects of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a growing problem in modern cities. Constant exposure to loud sounds can (1) _______ to hearing loss and increased stress levels. Traffic, construction work, and loud music are common sources of noise. Unlike air pollution, noise is often (2) _______ because it cannot be seen. Governments should therefore introduce stricter rules to (3) _______ noise levels in residential areas. Individuals can also (4) _______ by using earplugs in noisy environments.

Word Bank:

lead · overlooked · reduce · help · cause · ignored · lower

Blank	Answer
(1)	lead
(2)	overlooked
(3)	reduce
(4)	help

Explanations:

• (1) lead – "lead to" is the correct phrasal verb.
• (2) overlooked – "often overlooked" means not noticed.
• (3) reduce – "reduce noise levels" is the natural collocation.
• (4) help – "can also help" fits the context.

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Practice Set 10: Online Shopping

Online shopping has transformed the way people buy goods. It offers convenience, lower prices, and a wider (1) _______ of products than traditional stores. However, it has also led to the decline of many high-street shops. Some consumers worry about the security of their personal data when shopping online. Retailers must therefore (2) _______ strong measures to protect customer information. As technology improves, online shopping is likely to (3) _______ even more popular in the future. Shoppers should also (4) _______ to check the reputation of unfamiliar sellers.

Word Bank:

range · adopt · become · remember · variety · take · grow

Blank	Answer
(1)	range
(2)	adopt
(3)	become
(4)	remember

Explanations:

• (1) range – "a wider range" is the standard phrase.
• (2) adopt – "adopt measures" is the correct collocation.
• (3) become – "become popular" is the natural verb.
• (4) remember – "remember to check" fits the meaning.

Practice Set 11: The Importance of Forests

Forests are often called the lungs of the Earth. They absorb carbon dioxide and (1) _______ oxygen, which all living things need to survive. Forests also provide habitats for countless species of animals and plants. However, deforestation is (2) _______ these vital ecosystems at an alarming rate. Trees are cut down to make way for agriculture, housing, and roads. This destruction (3) _______ to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. Governments and communities must work together to (4) _______ forests for future generations.

Word Bank:

release · destroying · leads · protect · absorb · creating · contributes

Blank	Answer
(1)	release
(2)	destroying
(3)	leads
(4)	protect

Explanations:

• (1) release – forests release oxygen (contrast with "absorb").
• (2) destroying – present continuous after "is."
• (3) leads – "leads to" is the correct phrasal verb.
• (4) protect – "protect forests" is the natural collocation.

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Practice Set 12: The Benefits of Exercise

Regular physical activity is essential for good health. Exercise helps to (1) _______ strong muscles and bones, and it also improves heart function. People who exercise regularly are less likely to (2) _______ from depression and anxiety. Even a short walk each day can make a significant (3) _______ to your overall well-being. Experts recommend that adults should (4) _______ at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.

Word Bank:

build · suffer · difference · aim · make · achieve · impact

Blank	Answer
(1)	build
(2)	suffer
(3)	difference
(4)	aim

Explanations:

• (1) build – "build muscles" is the correct collocation.
• (2) suffer – "suffer from" is the standard phrase.
• (3) difference – "make a difference" is the fixed expression.
• (4) aim – "aim for" means to target.

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Practice Set 13: The Rise of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular in recent years. Unlike traditional petrol-powered cars, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which helps to improve air (1) _______ in cities. However, the widespread adoption of EVs still faces several (2) _______, including limited charging infrastructure and high upfront costs. Battery technology has improved significantly, allowing modern EVs to travel hundreds of kilometres on a single charge. As prices continue to (3) _______, it is likely that more drivers will make the (4) _______ to electric power.

Word Bank:

quality · barriers · fall · switch · condition · rise · change

Blank	Answer
(1)	quality
(2)	barriers
(3)	fall
(4)	switch

Explanations:

• (1) quality – "air quality" is the standard collocation.
• (2) barriers – means obstacles/challenges.
• (3) fall – "prices fall" is the natural collocation.
• (4) switch – "make the switch" is the fixed expression.

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Practice Set 14: The Importance of Reading

Reading for pleasure is one of the most beneficial habits a person can develop. Studies have shown that regular reading can (1) _______ stress levels and improve concentration. Unlike passive activities such as watching television, reading requires the brain to actively process information, which helps to (2) _______ cognitive function over time. Reading also exposes people to new ideas and perspectives, making them more (3) _______ of other cultures. For these reasons, parents and teachers should (4) _______ children to read widely from an early age.

Word Bank:

reduce · maintain · tolerant · encourage · increase · aware · persuade

Blank	Answer
(1)	reduce
(2)	maintain
(3)	tolerant
(4)	encourage

Explanations:

• (1) reduce – "reduce stress levels" is the correct collocation.
• (2) maintain – "maintain cognitive function" fits best.
• (3) tolerant – "tolerant of other cultures" is the correct phrase.
• (4) encourage – "encourage children to read" is natural.

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Practice Set 15: The Problem of Air Pollution

Air pollution is a major health risk in many cities around the world. It is caused by a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels. Long-term exposure to polluted air can (1) _______ to respiratory diseases and heart problems. Children and the elderly are especially (2) _______ to these effects. Governments must therefore (3) _______ stricter limits on pollution levels. Individuals can also help by using public transport and (4) _______ energy at home.

Word Bank:

lead · vulnerable · impose · conserving · cause · saving · reduce

Blank	Answer
(1)	lead
(2)	vulnerable
(3)	impose
(4)	conserving

Explanations:

• (1) lead – "lead to" is the correct phrasal verb.
• (2) vulnerable – "vulnerable to" is the standard collocation.
• (3) impose – "impose limits" is the correct collocation.
• (4) conserving – "conserving energy" is the natural gerund.

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Practice Set 16: The Value of Volunteering

Volunteering is a rewarding activity that benefits both the volunteer and the community. People who volunteer regularly often (1) _______ a sense of purpose and satisfaction. It also provides opportunities to (2) _______ new skills and meet new people. For students, volunteering can be a valuable way to (3) _______ work experience before entering the job market. Employers often (4) _______ volunteering experience when evaluating job candidates.

Word Bank:

gain · develop · acquire · value · achieve · learn · ignore

Blank	Answer
(1)	gain
(2)	develop
(3)	acquire
(4)	value

Explanations:

• (1) gain – "gain a sense of purpose" is the natural collocation.
• (2) develop – "develop new skills" is the standard phrase.
• (3) acquire – "acquire work experience" is the correct collocation.
• (4) value – "value experience" fits the context.

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Practice Set 17: The Impact of Social Media

Social media has changed the way people communicate. It allows users to (1) _______ in touch with friends and family across the world. However, excessive use of social media can (2) _______ negative effects on mental health, especially among young people. Experts recommend that users should (3) _______ their screen time to protect their well-being. Parents should also (4) _______ their children about the risks of online addiction.

Word Bank:

stay · have · limit · educate · keep · make · reduce

Blank	Answer
(1)	stay
(2)	have
(3)	limit
(4)	educate

Explanations:

• (1) stay – "stay in touch" is the fixed expression.
• (2) have – "have negative effects" is the correct collocation.
• (3) limit – "limit screen time" is the natural phrase.
• (4) educate – "educate children about" is the standard collocation.

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Practice Set 18: Climate Change and the Oceans

The world's oceans are under threat from climate change. Rising temperatures are causing sea levels to (1) _______, which puts coastal cities at risk. Warmer water also damages coral reefs, which support a huge variety of marine life. Scientists warn that unless we (2) _______ action soon, the damage may become irreversible. Individuals can help by reducing their carbon (3) _______. Governments must also (4) _______ in renewable energy to reduce emissions.

Word Bank:

rise · take · footprint · invest · raise · make · spend

Blank	Answer
(1)	rise
(2)	take
(3)	footprint
(4)	invest

Explanations:

• (1) rise – "sea levels rise" (intransitive).
• (2) take – "take action" is the fixed collocation.
• (3) footprint – "carbon footprint" is the standard phrase.
• (4) invest – "invest in renewable energy" is correct.

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Practice Set 19: The Advantages of Public Transport

Public transport offers many benefits for both individuals and society. It is often cheaper than driving a car and can (1) _______ the amount of traffic on the roads. This, in turn, helps to (2) _______ air pollution in cities. However, public transport systems require significant investment to remain efficient and reliable. Governments must therefore (3) _______ that buses and trains run on time and are affordable for everyone. Individuals can also (4) _______ to use public transport instead of private cars.

Word Bank:

reduce · lower · ensure · choose · increase · guarantee · decide

Blank	Answer
(1)	reduce
(2)	lower
(3)	ensure
(4)	choose

Explanations:

• (1) reduce – "reduce traffic" is the natural collocation.
• (2) lower – "lower pollution" is the correct phrase.
• (3) ensure – "ensure that" is the standard structure.
• (4) choose – "choose to use" fits the meaning.

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Practice Set 20: The Importance of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important in the digital age. Cyberattacks can (1) _______ serious damage to businesses and individuals. Hackers often target personal data such as passwords and bank details. To stay safe, people should (2) _______ strong passwords and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Companies must also (3) _______ in advanced security systems to protect their customers. Governments should (4) _______ laws to punish cybercriminals.

Word Bank:

cause · use · invest · pass · make · spend · create

Blank	Answer
(1)	cause
(2)	use
(3)	invest
(4)	pass

Explanations:

• (1) cause – "cause damage" is the correct collocation.
• (2) use – "use strong passwords" is natural.
• (3) invest – "invest in security systems" is correct.
• (4) pass – "pass laws" is the standard collocation.

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Practice Set 21: The Benefits of Cycling

Cycling is one of the most environmentally friendly forms of transport. It does not (1) _______ any pollution and helps to reduce traffic congestion in cities. Cycling is also excellent exercise and can (2) _______ to better cardiovascular health. Many cities are now building more cycle lanes to (3) _______ people to choose this healthy option. Employers can also (4) _______ cycling by providing showers and secure bike parking.

Word Bank:

produce · contribute · encourage · support · make · lead · help

Blank	Answer
(1)	produce
(2)	contribute
(3)	encourage
(4)	support

Explanations:

• (1) produce – "produce pollution" is the correct collocation.
• (2) contribute – "contribute to" is the standard phrase.
• (3) encourage – "encourage people to" is natural.
• (4) support – "support cycling" fits the context.

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Practice Set 22: The Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is a growing problem in modern society. People who do not get enough sleep may (1) _______ difficulty concentrating and making decisions. Long-term sleep loss can also (2) _______ the immune system, making people more vulnerable to illness. Experts recommend establishing a regular bedtime routine to (3) _______ better sleep quality. Avoiding caffeine and screens before bed can also (4) _______.

Word Bank:

experience · weaken · achieve · help · have · damage · improve

Blank	Answer
(1)	experience
(2)	weaken
(3)	achieve
(4)	help

Explanations:

• (1) experience – "experience difficulty" is the correct collocation.
• (2) weaken – "weaken the immune system" is standard.
• (3) achieve – "achieve better sleep quality" is natural.
• (4) help – "can also help" fits the meaning.

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Practice Set 23: The Importance of Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is a vital life skill that many people lack. Understanding how to (1) _______ money wisely can prevent debt and financial stress. People should learn to (2) _______ a budget and save for emergencies. Schools should also (3) _______ financial education into their curriculum to prepare students for adulthood. Governments can (4) _______ by providing free financial advice services.

Word Bank:

manage · create · incorporate · help · handle · make · support

Blank	Answer
(1)	manage
(2)	create
(3)	incorporate
(4)	help

Explanations:

• (1) manage – "manage money" is the natural collocation.
• (2) create – "create a budget" is the standard phrase.
• (3) incorporate – "incorporate into" is the correct verb.
• (4) help – "can help by" fits the structure.

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Practice Set 24: The Benefits of Music Education

Music education offers numerous benefits for children. Learning to play an instrument can (1) _______ cognitive development and improve memory. It also teaches discipline and patience, as mastering a piece of music takes practice. Studies show that children who study music often (2) _______ better academically. For these reasons, schools should (3) _______ music programmes in their curriculum. Parents can also (4) _______ by encouraging their children to listen to a variety of music.

Word Bank:

enhance · perform · maintain · help · boost · achieve · support

Blank	Answer
(1)	enhance
(2)	perform
(3)	maintain
(4)	help

Explanations:

• (1) enhance – "enhance cognitive development" is correct.
• (2) perform – "perform academically" is the standard phrase.
• (3) maintain – "maintain programmes" is natural.
• (4) help – "can also help" fits the context.

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Practice Set 25: The Challenges of Urban Transportation

Urban transportation is a major challenge for city planners. As populations grow, traffic congestion becomes more (1) _______. This leads to longer commute times and increased air pollution. Many cities are investing in public transport to (2) _______ this problem. Others are introducing congestion charges to (3) _______ people to use their cars less. Technology can also (4) _______ by improving traffic light timing and providing real-time travel information.

Word Bank:

severe · address · encourage · help · serious · solve · persuade

Blank	Answer
(1)	severe
(2)	address
(3)	encourage
(4)	help

Explanations:

• (1) severe – "severe congestion" is the correct collocation.
• (2) address – "address a problem" means to deal with it.
• (3) encourage – "encourage people to" is natural.
• (4) help – "can also help" fits the structure.