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IELTS Reading · Guide

Sentence Completion in IELTS Reading: finding the exact words

You complete sentences with words taken from the passage. The sentences paraphrase the text, so you must recognise the idea before you can find the word. It tests careful reading and accuracy, because your answer must be the exact word or words from the passage and must fit the sentence grammatically.

About Reading practice

Format

  • Usually 4 to 6 sentences in a set, in any passage. The instruction sets a limit such as ONE WORD ONLY, NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS or NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER.
  • The sentences follow the order of the passage.
  • Answers are exact words from the passage, in the form in which they appear.
  • A hyphenated word counts as one word, and a number written in figures counts as one number.
  • On computer you type into a box within the sentence. Spelling matters, and capital letters do not.

Strategy

  1. Read the instruction and note the limit. Highlight it, because limit errors are among the most avoidable losses in the test.
  2. For each sentence, predict the kind of word needed from the grammar and meaning: a singular noun, a plural noun, an adjective, a verb in the past participle, a number.
  3. Choose anchor words in the sentence, and scan the passage in order for them or for their synonyms. The sentence paraphrases the text, so you may need to look for 'purchase' where the passage says 'buying'.
  4. Read the surrounding sentences closely. Look for the word of the type you predicted, in the position the sentence suggests.
  5. Copy the word exactly as it appears. Do not change a plural to a singular, or a noun to a verb, even if the sentence looks as if it needs it.
  6. Read the completed sentence back. It should be grammatical, say what the passage says and not repeat a word that already appears next to the gap.
  7. Count the words. If the passage has a longer phrase, such as 'the northern coast', cut it down to the key words within the limit.

Common traps

  • Changing the form of the word. 'Transport' is not 'transported', and the answer must be the word as it is written in the text.
  • Choosing the right word type from the wrong place. A different noun fits grammatically, but the anchor words show it belongs to another fact.
  • Writing too many words, including an article or a modifier that pushes you over the limit.
  • Writing a word that is in the passage but does not match the meaning of the sentence, when the sentence is a paraphrase of a different part.
  • Copying with a spelling error. You are copying from the page, so there is no excuse.

Practise it inside a real Reading section

Practice on PrepFreely is always a complete section, so you meet this question type in the same place and proportion as on test day. Random sections never repeat until you've done them all. Every answer is explained.

Practise Reading Take the Reading course

FAQ

Can I change the word form so that it fits better?

No. The answer must be the word in the passage. If it does not fit grammatically, you have probably found the wrong word.

Do articles count towards the limit?

Yes. If you write 'the axe' under ONE WORD ONLY, it is two words. Articles are rarely part of the answer.

Is a number a word?

In a limit such as NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER, a number is counted separately from the words and may be written as figures.

Are the sentences in order?

Yes. That helps you locate each answer after the previous one.

Is spelling marked?

Yes. A misspelt word does not score, even though the correct spelling is on the page.

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