English guide
IELTS Summary Completion: identify word type, scan passage for keywords, copy exactly (Type 1) or match word list (Type 2). Follow word limit strictly — 3 words when 2 allowed = 0 marks. 5-step technique.
What this guide covers
Summary Completion asks you to fill blanks in a summary of a passage using ONE/TWO words. Two variants: (1) words from the passage, (2) words from a provided word list. Always identify word type expected (noun, verb, adjective) before scanning. Follow the word limit EXACTLY — 3 words when 2 allowed = 0 marks.
Identifies which paragraph(s) the summary covers. Some summaries cover the full passage; others just one section.
For each blank, identify:
Example: > "Scientists believe the changes are caused by ___." Expected: NOUN (climate change, pollution, etc.)
Before each blank, find 2-3 keywords nearby. These guide your passage scan.
Locate the paragraph/section the summary covers. Don''t read in full — scan for keywords.
Your chosen word must:
> Passage: "The research team discovered that mice could recognize human faces." > Summary: "Scientists found that mice are able to ___." > Answer: recognize human faces (from passage)
The summary paraphrases "discovered" → "found" — don''t get distracted.
> Passage mentions: "temperature rise," "climate increase," "global warming." > Which is the answer? Depends on the specific summary context.
> Word list: A) reduce B) increase C) stabilize D) fluctuate > Multiple look reasonable — check passage carefully.
> "TWO words or fewer" and you write "climate change effects" (3 words) = 0 marks.
Don''t spend 3 minutes on one blank. Skip and come back.
Passage excerpt: > "A recent study found that ocean pollution is primarily caused by plastic waste washed down from rivers. Researchers estimate that 80% of ocean plastic originates from just 10 river systems globally. The Yangtze, Ganges, and Indus contribute the largest share."
Summary with blanks: > "Ocean pollution is largely caused by ___ (1) coming from ___ (2). Scientists found that ___ (3)% of ocean plastic comes from ___ (4) river systems."
Answers:
Follow the word limit exactly.
Passage: "Global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C since 1880."
Summary: "Global temperatures have ___ (1) significantly since 1880."
Word list: A) decreased B) stabilized C) risen D) fluctuated
Answer: C) risen (direct match from passage)
| Instruction | Valid | |-------------|-------| | "ONE word only" | Exactly 1 word | | "TWO words or fewer" | 1 or 2 words | | "NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS" | 1, 2, or 3 words | | "FROM THE PASSAGE" | Must be exact |
Q: Can I change the form of a word? A: No for Type 1 (from passage). Exact match only. Yes if indicated for Type 2.
Q: What counts as one word? A: A single word or hyphenated compound ("well-known" = 1 word).
Q: Are numbers allowed? A: Yes — "80%" counts as one word.
Q: Can the same word from word list appear twice? A: No — each word is used only once.
Q: How strict is "from the passage"? A: Extremely — any variation is wrong.
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