Reading: Fill in the Blanks · Part 2: Reading

Stress

117 students marked "I sat this"Added 16 Apr 2020Question #110011

Drag words into the blanks.

Stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to. When you are stressed, your body 1 as though you are in danger. It makes 2 that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight stress 3. Some stress is normal and even useful. Stress can help if you need to work hard or react quickly. For example, it can help you win a race or finish an 4 job on time. But if stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can have bad effects. It can be linked to headaches, an upset stomach, back pain, and trouble sleeping. It can weaken your 5 system, making it harder fight off 6. If you already have a health problem, stress may make it worse. It can make you moody, tense, or depressed. Your relationships may suffer, and you may not do well at work or school.

Word box (alphabetical)

bacteriacompetediseasehormonesimmuneimportantrespondingrespondsresponsevitamins

More Reading: Fill in the Blanks questions

Reading: Fill in the Blanks format (Pearson)

Pearson's name: Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop)

PromptText up to 80 words
Time to answerNot set per question (Part 2 lasts 23–30 minutes)
Skills assessedReading

How it is scored

  • The box has more words than there are gaps.
  • Partial credit applies: a partly correct response still scores.

Source: Pearson, PTE Academic & UKVI test format, Part 2: Reading, checked 9 October 2026.