## **Learning Outcomes**

After reading this article, you will be able to identify IELTS Listening sentence and summary completion questions, understand exactly what information these questions require, and select correct answers by predicting, listening for, and transferring key words from audio. You will practise strategies to avoid typical errors, such as incorrect answer length, poor grammar, or choosing words not actually heard.

## **IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus**

For IELTS Listening, you must be familiar with sentence and summary completion questions. For revision, focus on these syllabus points:

- Identify sentence and summary completion tasks, and interpret the requirements of each.
- Accurately transfer single words, phrases, or numbers from the recording without adding or omitting required information.
- Predict the type and form of answer (e.g., noun, verb, number) based on context and grammar.
- Listen for synonyms and paraphrases to locate relevant information in the audio.
- Apply correct spelling and grammar when writing your answers.
- Observe and carefully follow instructions about the maximum number of words or numbers allowed in each answer.

## **Test Your Knowledge**

_Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision._

1. In IELTS Listening, if the instructions state "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER," how should you check your answer length?
2. True or false: You are allowed to write words not spoken in the recording as long as they make sense.
3. What is the best first step when tackling a summary completion question?
4. Why is it important to consider grammar in sentence completion answers?

## **Introduction**

Sentence and summary completion questions are common in IELTS Listening. These formats require you to write short answers in gaps within sentences or a short summary, strictly based on the recording. Unlike other question types, these answers must be copied directly from what you hear, observing specific instructions for the number of permitted words or numbers. Careful reading, prediction, and active listening are essential for success.

> **Key Term: Sentence Completion**
> A question requiring you to fill a gap in a sentence with a short answer, using information recorded in the listening audio.
>
> **Key Term: Summary Completion**
> A question requiring you to complete a summary with missing words or numbers, using information recorded in the listening audio.

## Types of Sentence and Summary Completion Questions

You may encounter gaps within single sentences, multiple sentences, or a short paragraph summary covering part of the audio. The gaps may appear:

- At the end, middle, or beginning of a sentence.
- In a short passage summarizing a section of the audio.

Instructions will state how many words and/or numbers are allowed in each gap—often one, two, or three words and/or a number. Answers must be taken directly from the recording.

> **Key Term: Word Limit**
> The maximum number of words and/or numbers you can write in a gap, as specified in the instructions.

### What Are Examiners Looking For?

Your answer must be:

- Correctly spelled and grammatically accurate.
- No longer than the permitted number of words and/or numbers.
- Directly taken from what is heard in the audio.

## Approaching Sentence and Summary Completion Tasks

Before listening, carefully read all instructions and examine the sentences or summary:

1. Underline or note keywords before and after each gap.
2. Predict what type of word or phrase (noun, verb, number, etc.) is needed to fit grammatically and logically.
3. Note gaps requiring numbers, dates, proper nouns, or specific vocabulary.

During listening, be alert for synonyms and paraphrased information—the audio may use different wording from the written text. As the recording plays, listen for the context in the script that matches the part of the question, and write the exact words or numbers you hear.

After listening, double-check your answers against the word limit and grammar in the sentence or summary.

> **Key Term: Paraphrase**
> A rewording of an idea using different vocabulary or structure but keeping the same meaning.

### Avoiding Common Pitfalls

- Do not use words not spoken in the recording.
- Do not exceed the stated word/number limit.
- Do not change the form of the word if it makes the sentence grammatically wrong.
- Be mindful of spelling; incorrect spelling leads to a wrong answer.

### **Worked Example 1.1**

During the first semester, students are assigned a mentor to help them become familiar with university life. Most students meet with their mentor every (1) **\_\_**, either in a classroom or a quiet space in the (2) **\_\_**. The mentor provides guidance on managing study schedules, using the (3) **\_\_**, and finding academic support services.

<ResourceAudioTranscript src="ielts-question-types-in-listening-sentence-and-summary-completion_00.mp3">
Mentor sessions are held every week, sometimes in a classroom, but more often in the library where it is quieter. Students can discuss their study schedule with the mentor, who can also offer advice on making the best use of the library's resources and helps them locate academic support where needed.
</ResourceAudioTranscript>

**Questions:**
Complete the sentences with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

1. Students meet their mentor every **\_\_**.
2. Meetings often take place in the **\_\_**.
3. The mentor helps students use the **\_\_** and find academic support.

> **Answer:**
>
> 1. week
> 2. library
> 3. library

**Explanation:**  
The answers are taken exactly from the audio ("every week", "library"). No extra words are added.

### **Worked Example 1.2**

The summary below relates to a university sports day. Complete it with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

_On Sports Day, each participant should arrive by (1) **\_\_\_\_** and bring their (2) **\_\_\_\_** form. The 100-metre race begins at (3) **\_\_\_\_**, with the award ceremony immediately after._

<ResourceAudioTranscript src="ielts-question-types-in-listening-sentence-and-summary-completion_01.mp3">
All athletes must arrive no later than nine thirty. Be sure to have your registration form with you. Our first event, the one hundred metre dash, is scheduled for ten o'clock, followed by the prize-giving right away.
</ResourceAudioTranscript>

> **Answer:**
>
> 1. nine thirty
> 2. registration
> 3. ten o’clock

**Explanation:**  
Respond with the words and numbers heard, keeping within three words and/or a number per the instructions.

### **Exam Warning**

> Many candidates lose marks by exceeding the word or number limit, or by changing the word form so that the answer no longer fits the sentence grammatically. Always check: Is my answer the right length and does it make sense in the sentence?

### **Revision Tip**

> When predicting the missing word, focus on the grammar before and after the gap. If the sentence requires a plural, make sure your answer is plural unless the recording gives only a singular.

## **Key Point Checklist**

_This article has covered the following key knowledge points:_

- Recognize sentence and summary completion question types in IELTS Listening.
- Predict the type and form of missing information using sentence context and grammar clues.
- Listen for synonyms and paraphrased information in the recording.
- Transfer answers using direct words or numbers from the audio, keeping within the specified word/number limit.
- Carefully follow all instructions regarding spelling, grammar, and answer length.
- Avoid writing words or information not spoken or implied in the audio.

## **Key Terms and Concepts**

- Sentence Completion
- Summary Completion
- Word Limit
- Paraphrase


Question types in listening - Sentence and summary completion