How to Solve Form, Note, Table, Flow-Chart, and Summary Completion Questions in the IELTS Listening Test: Tips and Strategies
Form, note, table, flow-chart, and summary completion questions in the IELTS Listening Test are common and require you to fill in missing information while listening. Both the Academic and General Training modules include these types of questions, which test your ability to understand details and key points.
This is how to approach them effectively:
1. Understand the Question Types
In these completion tasks, you will be asked to complete missing information in forms, notes, tables, flow-charts, or summaries. The missing words or numbers will come directly from the audio, and you need to write them in the spaces provided. The instructions will specify the word limit, such as “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS” or “ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER.”
2. Read the Instructions Carefully
Pay close attention to the instructions, particularly regarding the word limit. If you exceed the word count, your answer will be marked incorrect, even if the information is correct. For example, if the instruction says “NO MORE THAN ONE WORD,” make sure your answer is a single word.
3. Skim Through the Information Before Listening
Before the audio starts, take a moment to scan the form, note, table, flow-chart, or summary. Identify the key areas where information is missing, and focus on the surrounding text to understand what kind of information is required (e.g., names, dates, numbers, or specific details).
4. Focus on Keywords and Synonyms
While listening, focus on the keywords in the questions that are likely to be paraphrased in the audio. IELTS Listening often uses synonyms or rephrases sentences, so train yourself to recognize these variations. For example, if the form asks for “arrival time,” the speaker might say “We will get there by 3 PM.”
5. Write Answers as You Listen
In completion tasks, the answers generally appear in the same order as the audio. Write down the missing information as you hear it. Be precise and pay attention to the word limit. If you miss an answer, don’t panic—keep listening and try to catch the next one.
6. Be Mindful of Numbers and Dates
If the task requires numbers, amounts, or dates, listen carefully for specific figures. For example, you may need to fill in prices, percentages, or dates in a table or flow-chart. Ensure you write them correctly, as mishearing a number can lead to an incorrect answer.
7. Check for Spelling and Grammar
While completing the task, make sure that the words you fill in fit grammatically within the sentence. Incorrect spelling or grammar can lead to marks being deducted, even if the information is otherwise correct.
Pro Tips for Completion Questions in IELTS Listening
- Practice Active Listening: Focus intently on the audio, as the answers come quickly and in sequence. Regular practice with completion questions will help you get used to identifying the right information.
- Use the Given Time to Predict: Use the time before the audio begins to predict the type of information that might fill the gaps. For example, is the missing information likely to be a date, a number, or a noun? This will help you stay focused while listening.
- Be Cautious of Distractors: The speaker may mention information that sounds correct but is not the actual answer. Stay focused on the exact question and ensure your answer matches the required detail.
- Stay Calm and Don’t Rush: If you miss an answer, stay calm and focus on the next one. Rushing can cause you to miss multiple answers. It’s better to focus and get the majority right.
Form, note, table, flow-chart, and summary completion questions in the IELTS Listening Test require attention to detail and the ability to follow along with the audio. Keep practicing, and these completion tasks will become easier to manage over time.
