Subsidize
Choose the word for each blank.
Governments also frequently subsidize local industries to help them compete in the global market. Subsidies come 1 tax credits or direct payments. The most commonly used are farm subsidies. That allows producers to lower the price of local goods and services. This makes the products cheaper even when shipped overseas. Subsidies work even better than tariffs. This method works best for countries that rely mainly on exports. But sometimes subsidies can have the opposite effect. The Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 2 the government to pay farmers 3 to grow crops or livestock. The government wanted to control supply and increase prices. Farmers could also let their fields rest and regain nutrients due to overproduction. It helped the agriculture industry but 4 food costs during the Depression.
Options for each gap (alphabetical)
- 1 as · in the form of · through · via
- 2 allowed · enabled · permitted · sanctioned
- 3 avoid · not · refrain · to not
- 4 elevated · heightened · increased · raised
Opens question #120464 in the RealPTE practice screen.
More Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks questions
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks format (Pearson)
Pearson's name: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown)
| Prompt | Text up to 200 words |
|---|---|
| Time to answer | Not set per question (Part 2 lasts 23–30 minutes) |
| Skills assessed | Reading, Writing |
How it is scored
- Partial credit applies: a partly correct response still scores.
Source: Pearson, PTE Academic & UKVI test format, Part 2: Reading, checked 9 October 2026.