Marriage Decline
Choose the word for each blank.
The 1 in marriage rates and increase in divorce rates has led to a 2 in the proportion of the population that is formally married. In 1986, 60% of the population aged 15 years and over were married; by 2001 this proportion had decreased to 55%. 3 the proportion of the population aged 15 years and over who were never married 4 from 29% in 1986 to 32% in 2001. At the same time, the proportion of the population who were divorced increased, from 5% in 1986 to 7% in 2001, while the proportion of the population who were widowed remained at around 6%.
Options for each gap (alphabetical)
- 1 calculation · decline · decrease · significance
- 2 change · decrease · multiplication · view
- 3 Consequently · Conversely · So · Therefore
- 4 divided · doubled · increased · rounded
Answers
| Gap | Answer | In the text |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | decline | …The decline in marriage rates… Not: calculation, significance, decrease |
| 2 | decrease | …has led to a decrease in the proportion… Not: view, change, multiplication |
| 3 | Conversely | …had decreased to 55%. Conversely the proportion of… Not: So, Therefore, Consequently |
| 4 | increased | …who were never married increased from 29% in… Not: doubled, rounded, divided |
For each gap, read the words on both sides: the right option fits the grammar (word form, preposition, tense) and the meaning of the sentence.
RealPTE numbers
- Student reports: Common (8 reports)
From RealPTE practice records and students’ “I sat this” reports, counted weekly (last count 2026-10-31). Reports are what students tell us; predictions are not guaranteed.
Questions about this question
What is the answer to PTE Reading FIB (Dropdown) #825009?
The answers in order are: decline, decrease, Conversely, increased.
How do I get full marks on this Reading FIB (Dropdown) question?
Choose the option that fits both the grammar and the meaning of the sentence. Each correct gap scores one point.
Can I practise #825009 with scoring?
Yes. The practice button on this page opens question #825009 in the RealPTE practice screen, where your answer is scored when you finish.
Opens question #825009 in the RealPTE practice screen.
Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) format (Pearson)
| Prompt | Text up to 200 words |
|---|---|
| Time to answer | Not set per question (Part 2 lasts 23–30 minutes) |
| Skills assessed | Reading |
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.