In summary-completion questions, you fill gaps in a short summary of the passage. The answers may come from a word list or directly from the reading text. A word list usually contains more choices than you need.
The summary covers information found in the passage, but it may express that information in different words. Look for matching meaning, not just matching vocabulary.
These questions test whether you can understand the summary, locate relevant details, and recognize paraphrases.
Common Mistakes
- Reading the whole passage in detail before checking what the summary asks for
- Searching only for the exact words used in the summary
- Ignoring grammar when choosing a word
- Selecting an answer because it appears in the passage, without checking whether it fits the gap
- Spending too long on one difficult gap
Tips
- Check the instructions for the word limit and whether answers must come from the passage or a word list.
- Read the full summary to understand its overall meaning.
- Before looking for an answer, consider what kind of word the gap needs, such as a noun, verb, or adjective.
- Use grammar and meaning to rule out options that do not fit.
- Look for paraphrased ideas in the passage.
- If a word list is provided, check how each option fits with the words around the gap.
- Questions often follow the order of the information in the passage.
- If you cannot find an answer quickly, make a note and move on. Return to it later.
A Step-by-Step Strategy
- Read the instructions and note the word limit.
- Read the summary from beginning to end.
- Predict the type of information each gap needs.
- If there is a word list, remove options that do not fit the meaning or grammar.
- Scan the passage for ideas that match the summary, including synonyms and paraphrases.
- Read the relevant section closely and choose the answer.
- Put the answer into the gap and check that the sentence makes sense and follows the instructions.