FAQ:IELTS Reading: Sentence Completion Practice

What is Sentence Completion in the IELTS Reading test?

Sentence Completion asks you to fill gaps in standalone sentences using words taken directly from the passage. Each answer must observe the stated word limit and preserve the original spelling and form from the text. The task evaluates your ability to locate specific details, understand paraphrase, and maintain grammatical accuracy when inserting the missing word or phrase. Because answers generally appear in order within the relevant passage section, careful scanning and verification against the original wording are essential for consistent accuracy.

How do I interpret word limit instructions correctly?

Read the rubric carefully and obey it exactly. If the instruction is “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS,” then “industrial workers” is acceptable but “the industrial workers” is wrong because it uses three words. If it says “ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER,” then valid answers include a single word (migration), a single number (1957), or a word plus a number (Route 66). Hyphenated forms typically count as one word unless separated by spaces in the passage. When in doubt, copy the spacing from the text and never exceed the limit.

Do I have to copy the words exactly as they appear?

Yes. You must take the answer exactly from the passage without changing word form, tense, or number unless the instructions explicitly allow it (they rarely do). For instance, if the text uses “innovations,” writing “innovation” will usually be marked incorrect. Keep capitalization only where required for proper nouns or sentence-initial position. Above all, spelling must match the text. Small deviations that seem harmless to you can still lead to a lost mark in the official marking scheme.

What skills does Sentence Completion primarily test?

It measures targeted reading skills: scanning for location using keywords (names, dates, figures), recognizing paraphrase (synonyms and structural rewording), and confirming local meaning by reading a few lines before and after the likely spot. It also checks grammatical awareness, since your inserted word must complete a correct sentence, as well as attention to detail under time pressure. Successful candidates combine quick navigation with careful final checks to avoid avoidable errors.

What step-by-step method should I use during the test?

1. Underline the word limit and note whether numbers are allowed.
2. Read all incomplete sentences first and predict the part of speech or format (year, percentage, noun phrase).
3. Extract distinctive keywords and potential paraphrases.
4. Scan the passage to locate the relevant paragraph using those anchors.
5. Read a little above and below the anchor to capture the precise wording.
6. Insert the candidate answer and check grammar and meaning.
7. Verify spelling and count the words before moving on.

How can I quickly find the right area of the passage?

Build a keyword ladder: start with rare terms (proper nouns, dates, technical vocabulary), then support with secondary cues (cause/effect signals, contrasting adverbs, or thematic nouns). Use visual markers like numerals and capitalized names to anchor your search. If a keyword is too common, pair it with a second, rarer term. Remember that Sentence Completion items commonly follow the order of the text, so the next question often appears after the previous one’s location.

How do I avoid grammar mismatches when inserting answers?

Before finalizing, read the full sentence aloud in your head. Check subject–verb agreement, article usage, and countability. If the gap precedes a plural verb, your answer likely needs a plural noun. If the sentence already includes an article or preposition right before the gap, do not add another one unless the instruction allows multiple words and the passage’s phrase naturally includes it. When two answers feel possible, choose the one that forms a complete, natural structure without adding extra function words.

What are the most common mistakes candidates make?

• Ignoring the word limit: adding an extra article or adjective.
• Spelling errors: especially with unfamiliar names and hyphenations.
• Over-paraphrasing: inventing synonyms instead of copying from the text.
• Weak verification: failing to re-read the sentence with the inserted answer.
• Rushing order: not using the typical sequential flow of answers.

How can I train my paraphrase recognition for this task?

Create a two-column notebook: in the left column, place common exam prompt phrases (e.g., “as a result,” “led to an increase,” “primarily due to”), and in the right column, collect authentic synonyms from reading practice. Regularly rewrite source sentences with three different paraphrases while preserving meaning. During practice, highlight where the question stem rephrases the text and underline the original words that survive unchanged; this habit sharpens your eye for which parts you must copy verbatim for the answer.

What timing strategy works best on test day?

Allocate a small, fixed window per block of questions (for example, two to three minutes for a short set) and move on if a single item stalls you. Place a subtle mark next to any skipped number and return after you have gained more context from later items. Because answers often appear in order, later questions may point you back to the correct area. Reserve a final five-minute buffer to verify spelling, counts, and any doubtful insertions across all sections.

Should I prioritize accuracy or speed for Sentence Completion?

Aim for accurate speed. This task can yield high accuracy if you follow the instructions precisely, but spending too long on one blank harms your overall score. Develop a rhythm: rapid location using keywords, careful extraction of a phrase within the word limit, then an immediate grammar and spelling check. With repetition, these micro-steps become automatic, allowing you to finish faster without sacrificing precision.

How do I deal with hyphenated words, numerals, and units?

Treat hyphenated compounds as one word unless the official test specifies otherwise; mirror the passage’s formatting. Numbers are acceptable when the rubric allows “a number” or “and/or a number.” For measurements, copy the unit exactly as printed (e.g., “km,” “kilometres,” “%”). If the text uses symbols, replicate them; if it spells out words, do the same. Consistency with the source text prevents unnecessary penalties, particularly in technical or scientific passages.

What should I do if multiple phrases seem correct?

Prefer the shortest exact phrase that satisfies the grammar and remains within the limit. Then cross-check against the immediate context to ensure you did not miss a contrast, exception, or qualifier elsewhere in the sentence. If two candidates remain, choose the one that matches the passage’s wording most literally. Remember, invented paraphrases—even if semantically close—are not credited. When uncertain, re-scan one sentence above and below to confirm the author’s specific formulation.

How can I practice effectively at home?

Use timed sets from authentic sources and keep a meticulous error log. For every mistake, label its cause: “exceeded word limit,” “spelling,” “wrong location,” or “grammar mismatch.” Rewrite the flawed item correctly and annotate the exact line in the passage where the answer was found. Supplement this with daily micro-drills: five-minute scanning sprints for names and figures, and short paraphrase-matching exercises. Over several weeks, this targeted routine raises both speed and reliability.

Any final checks before I move to the next section?

Perform a three-point audit: (1) Limit—count words and verify any numbers. (2) Form—copy spelling and morphology exactly from the text. (3) Fit—read the full sentence to confirm grammatical and logical coherence. If your answer passes all three checks, proceed. If not, re-locate the source sentence and compare options again. This closing routine, consistently applied, protects hard-earned marks and builds exam-day confidence.