Learn How to Solve Summary Completion Questions in the IELTS Academic and General Training Reading Test.
Summary Completion questions in the IELTS Reading Test require you to fill in the gaps within a summary by using words either from the passage or from a given word box. Mastering this question type can significantly boost your reading score. Here’s a step-by-step guide, along with some pro tips, to help you tackle these questions effectively.
Tips for Solving Summary Completion Questions:
- Identify the Type of Word Needed:
- Pro Tip: Start by determining whether the missing word should be a noun, verb, adjective, or another part of speech. This helps you narrow down your options and focus on the relevant section of the text.
- Locate the Information in the Passage:
- Pro Tip: Use skimming and scanning techniques to find the section of the passage that corresponds to the summary. Look for keywords or phrases from the summary in the text. Reading the sentences before and after the potential answers will give you a better context.
- Check the Number of Words Allowed:
- Pro Tip: Carefully read the instructions regarding the number of words permitted for each gap. Whether it’s one word, two, or three, adhering to the word limit is crucial. Exceeding the limit will result in a wrong answer.
- Understand the Sequence of Answers:
- Pro Tip: Answers in summary completion questions typically follow the order of information in the passage. This means the first gap’s answer is found earlier in the text than the answer for the second gap, and so on. This order can be used as a strategic guide while scanning the passage.
- Ensure Grammatical Correctness:
- Pro Tip: The word you choose must fit grammatically into the summary. Read the completed sentence to ensure it makes sense and that the grammar is correct. This will help you eliminate incorrect options.
Additional Pro Tips:
- Synonyms and Paraphrasing: The words in the summary might not be identical to those in the passage. The test often uses synonyms or paraphrases. Be prepared to recognize different ways of expressing the same idea.
- Practice Timing: Summary Completion questions can be time-consuming. Practice with a timer to ensure you can efficiently locate answers within the passage without rushing.
- Use Context Clues: If you’re unsure about a word, use the surrounding context in the summary and the passage to make an educated guess. Sometimes, understanding the overall meaning can guide you to the correct answer.
By following these strategies and tips, you can approach Summary Completion questions with confidence. Practice regularly, and you’ll improve your ability to quickly and accurately complete summaries, boosting your overall IELTS Reading Test score.
