What do you need to do?
- You hear a recording lasting about 20-70 seconds.
- The final word or phrase is replaced by a beep.
- You choose the option that best completes the recording.
Keep in mindPreparation: Listen once. Response: No separate item timer. Scored skills: Listening.
What should your answer do?
Predict an ending that fits the whole message.
How to answer
- Follow the direction
Listen from the start for the topic and whether the speaker is explaining, contrasting or drawing a conclusion.
- Attend to the final clause
Keep the last sentence structure in memory when the beep replaces the ending.
- Predict the missing meaning
Decide what idea should complete the thought before comparing the options closely.
- Check meaning and grammar
Select the word or phrase that fits both the final clause and the overall recording.
Practise each part of Select Missing Word
Use these focused exercises to work on one part at a time, then bring them together in a complete attempt.
Predicting the ending
Use cause, contrast and conclusion signals to anticipate the missing idea.
Word and phrase options
Read the final clause mentally with each candidate and check both structure and meaning.
Sample-style missing-word options
a short trial period
a different species
an unexpected holiday
a faster internet connection
This is an original PrepEx example designed to demonstrate the response format. It is not an official Pearson test item.
Common mistakes to watch for
- Waiting until the beep before paying attention
- Choosing an option that fits the last phrase but not the whole recording
- Ignoring discourse markers that signal the conclusion
- Overthinking when one option clearly completes the argument
How to improve your next answer
Use one playback and write a short reason for the ending you choose. After checking, explain the discourse clue and why another grammatically possible ending fails. Try a new recording.
- Check whether the answer fits the complete argument as well as the last few words.
- Separate a grammar mismatch from a plausible phrase that contradicts the speaker’s direction.
Change one thing, then try a new question. A better repeat on a familiar prompt is useful rehearsal; a fresh prompt shows whether you can apply the skill.
Review previous attempts to see whether the same issue keeps returning.
What your response is scored on
Correct or incorrect
The correct selection earns one point.
No partial credit
Incorrect or blank responses receive zero.
Listening score
The task contributes to Listening performance.
Read the feedback alongside the number and use it to choose your next exercise. A PrepEx score is a practice estimate, not an official PTE score. Only Pearson can issue an official result.
Check the rules before test day
Read the official Pearson task instructions before your test. Follow Pearson's current instructions if the format changes.
Task instructions and timing checked October 15, 2026. The exercises and study suggestions on this page are independent preparation guidance.