Tip to Solve Summary Completion in IELTS Reading
1. Understand the Summary Type
There are two types:
With a box: You choose words from given options.
Without a box: You take words directly from the passage (follow word limit strictly — usually “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS”).
2. Read Instructions Carefully
Check:
The word limit (e.g., NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS).
Whether you need to take answers from the text or from the box.
3. Skim the Summary First
Quickly read the summary to understand:
What it is about (main topic).
The grammatical structure — this helps you predict what type of word (noun, verb, adjective) fits each blank.
4. Predict Before Reading the Passage
Try to guess what kind of information fits each blank before searching.
Example:
“The experiment was conducted to ______ the effects of pollution.”
→ Likely answer: measure / test / observe.
5. Locate the Relevant Section
Use keywords or synonyms from the summary to find the right area in the passage.
Remember: IELTS often uses paraphrased words, not exact matches.
Tip to Solve Summary Completion in IELTS Reading
6. Read Carefully Around the Keywords
Once you find the section, read a few lines before and after to get the context — the exact answer will often be hidden in that area.
7. Check Grammar and Meaning
After writing the answer, read the sentence again to see if it:
Makes grammatical sense.
Fits the meaning of the sentence naturally.
8. Manage Time Wisely
Don’t spend too long on one blank — move on and return later if needed.
You can usually find all answers in one or two paragraphs of the passage.
Extra Tip
If it says “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS,” and your answer has three words (e.g., a new policy), it’s automatically wrong even if it’s correct in meaning.
Tip to Solve Summary Completion in IELTS Reading