Sentence completion is a common task type in the IELTS Listening and Reading sections. In this task, candidates are given a set of sentences with missing words or phrases. Their job is to fill in the blanks with appropriate words, usually taken directly from the text or audio. The instructions often specify a word limit, such as 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS and/or A NUMBER.'
Importance in the IELTS Test
- Assesses comprehension: This task measures how well candidates understand specific details or main ideas in the listening or reading material.
- Tests accuracy: Candidates must pay attention to exact wording, spelling, and grammar, as incorrect answers may be marked wrong even if the meaning is similar.
- Reflects real-life skills: The ability to extract precise information from spoken or written sources is relevant for academic and everyday situations.
Example of Sentence Completion
- Listening: After hearing a short talk about city transport, a sentence might read: 'The new bus service starts at ________ in the morning.' Candidates must listen for the correct time mentioned in the recording.
- Reading: From a passage about climate, a sentence could be: 'The average temperature in July is ________ degrees Celsius.' Candidates find and copy the number from the text.
Sentence completion tasks require careful reading or listening and attention to instructions. They contribute to a candidate’s overall band score by evaluating specific comprehension skills.
