The six programs represented here report that word of mouth…
Choose the word for each blank.
The six programs represented here report that word of mouth is by far their most effective recruitment tool, particularly because it typically yields candidates who are similar to previously successful candidates. Moreover, satisfied candidates and school systems are likely to 1 the word without any special 2 on the part of their program. Other, less personal advertising approaches, such as radio and television spots and local newspaper advertisements, have also proven fruitful, 3 for newer programs. New York uses a print advertising campaign to inspire dissatisfied professionals to become teachers. Subway posters send provocative 4 to burned-out or disillusioned professionals. "Tired of diminishing returns? Invest in NYC kids" was just one of many Madison Avenue-inspired invitations. News coverage has also proven to be a 5 to alternative programs. When the New York Times, for example, ran a story about the district's alternative route program, 2,100 applications flooded in over the next six weeks.
Options for each gap (alphabetical)
- 1 deepen · splay · spread · unfold
- 2 effect · effort · emotion · errand
- 3 especially · likely · rarely · totally
- 4 messages · stories · telling · warning
- 5 boon · burden · charge · facet
Answers
| Gap | Answer | In the text |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | spread | …systems are likely to spread the word without… Not: deepen, unfold, splay |
| 2 | effort | …word without any special effort on the part… Not: effect, errand, emotion |
| 3 | especially | …have also proven fruitful, especially for newer programs.… Not: rarely, totally, likely |
| 4 | messages | …Subway posters send provocative messages to burned-out or… Not: telling, warning, stories |
| 5 | boon | …proven to be a boon to alternative programs.… Not: facet, charge, burden |
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.
Questions about this question
What is the answer to PTE Reading FIB (Dropdown) #825019?
The answers in order are: spread, effort, especially, messages, boon.
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 #825019 with scoring?
Yes. The practice button on this page opens question #825019 in the RealPTE practice screen, where your answer is scored when you finish.
Opens question #825019 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.