Strategies To Solve Blanks In IELTS Reading
Read the Instructions Carefully
Check the word limit (e.g., NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER).
If you write three words when only two are allowed, it will be marked wrong even if the meaning is correct.
2. Skim the Passage First
Quickly look at the text to understand the topic, main ideas, and structure.
This helps you know where to look for the answers later.
3. Look for Keywords in the Question
Identify nouns, dates, numbers, or unique terms in the question before scanning the passage.
Example: If the blank is “The discovery was made in ___”, focus on scanning for time expressions like years, months, or days.
Strategies To Solve Blanks In IELTS Reading
4. Scan, Don’t Read Every Word
Move your eyes quickly to find keywords or synonyms in the passage.
IELTS often uses paraphrasing.
Example: Question: “The project was completed in ___.”
Text: “The project was finished in 1998.”
Answer: 1998
5. Use Grammar Clues
Check if the blank needs a noun, verb, adjective, or number.
Example: “She is very ___.” → needs an adjective.
6. Predict the Answer Before Checking
Try to guess the type of word that fits logically and grammatically before looking at the text.
This narrows your focus and saves time.
7. Watch Out for Synonyms & Paraphrasing
IELTS rarely copies words directly from the passage.
Example:
Passage: “The medicine reduced the risk of infection.”
Question: “The drug lowered the ___ of infection.”
Answer: risk
Strategies To Solve Blanks In IELTS Reading
8. Check Spelling and Plurals
Spelling mistakes = incorrect answer.
Pay attention to singular/plural forms.
Example: Passage: “several technologies” → Question: “New ___ were introduced” → Answer: technologies (not technology).
9. Eliminate Wrong Options (if Multiple Choice is Given)
If it’s a box of words, cross out words that clearly don’t fit grammatically or contextually.
10. Re-Read the Sentence After Filling
Insert your answer back into the blank.
If the sentence is grammatically correct and makes sense, it’s likely right.
Strategies To Solve Blanks In IELTS Reading