PTE Academic Practice Questions — All Questions

The study aims to ___ the relationship between sleep and memory. Which word best fits?

• a.conceal
• b.postpone
• c.investigate✓
• d.ignore

'Investigate' means to examine carefully, which fits the purpose of a study. The other verbs would not describe research aims.

The results were ___ with the researchers' original predictions. Which word best fits?

• a.curious
• b.abundant
• c.consistent✓
• d.reluctant

'Consistent with' means in agreement with, which fits results matching predictions. The other adjectives do not collocate with 'with' in this sense.

The author presents a ___ argument, supported by extensive evidence. Which word best fits?

• a.trivial
• b.compelling✓
• c.vague
• d.hesitant

A 'compelling' argument is convincing and strong, which fits being backed by extensive evidence. 'Vague' and 'trivial' would suggest a weak argument.

Further research is needed to ___ these preliminary findings. Which word best fits?

• a.exaggerate
• b.confirm✓
• c.dismiss
• d.ignore

To 'confirm' findings is to verify them, which is the goal of further research. The other verbs would undermine or overstate the findings.

The two theories offer ___ explanations for the same phenomenon. Which word best fits?

• a.grateful
• b.silent
• c.competing✓
• d.identical

'Competing' explanations are rival accounts of the same thing, which fits two different theories. 'Identical' would mean they are the same.