Hello, I’m Chen Wei, and in this lesson we’ll look at one of the most technical yet high-scoring IELTS Reading question types — Note / Table / Flowchart Completion.
This task tests your ability to extract key details and understand logical structure in short summaries or visuals. Whether it’s a list of research results, a process description, or a sequence of events, success depends on clear strategy, accurate word choice, and strong scanning skills.
In these questions, you complete a partially filled outline — such as a note set, data table, or flowchart — using words taken directly from the passage.
Examples:
Example question:
Complete the flowchart below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
“Plants absorb water → Water moves to leaves → _______ occurs.”
✅ Answer: photosynthesis
You must read carefully to find precise details in the text, following logical order.
This task measures your ability to:
It rewards accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to visualise structure.
1️⃣ Read the Instructions First
Underline the word limit (e.g., “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER”).
IELTS examiners are strict — writing three words when the limit is two means 0 marks.
2️⃣ Study the Diagram or Table Carefully
Understand the structure before reading the passage:
Look for arrows, headings, or labels — these show sequence and topic boundaries.
3️⃣ Identify Keywords
Underline main nouns and verbs around the blanks.
For example:
“The researchers first collected ______ from volunteers.”
→ keyword: collected → expect a noun (data, samples, feedback).
4️⃣ Predict Before Reading
Predict what type of information fits — a number, process, item, or description.
This mental “preloading” speeds up your scanning later.
5️⃣ Scan the Passage Systematically
The answers appear in order.
Use scanning to locate key phrases — especially technical words, dates, or numbers.
Visual Type | Look For | Example |
Notes | Headings and sub-points | “Advantages of X” |
Tables | Numerical values, measurements | “20% increase” |
Flowcharts | Sequence markers | “first,” “then,” “as a result” |
6️⃣ Check Grammar and Meaning
Insert your chosen word(s) into the blank. Read the full sentence aloud mentally — does it sound correct and logical?
Also ensure you’ve followed the word limit exactly.
Instruction: NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
Table:
Stage | Observation |
Initial phase | Subjects reported mild _______ |
Final phase | Energy levels increased noticeably |
Passage Extract:
“During the first week, participants experienced mild headaches, which disappeared by the second stage. Later, they showed greater vitality.”
✅ Answer: headaches
The plural form and grammatical fit confirm correctness.
Diagram Word | Passage Paraphrase |
“cause” | “lead to,” “result in,” “trigger” |
“advantage” | “benefit,” “positive outcome” |
“problem” | “issue,” “challenge” |
“increase” | “rise,” “growth” |
“reduce” | “lower,” “decrease” |
Always think of synonyms when scanning — the text rarely repeats the exact phrasing from the question.
Mistake | Reason | Fix |
Writing more than allowed | Ignoring word limit | Always check instructions |
Incorrect grammar | Wrong part of speech | Test the sentence aloud |
Ignoring plural/singular | Copying carelessly | Match exactly: effect ≠ effects |
Misreading order | Skipping visual sequence | Follow arrows or column order |
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Directional reading | Follow arrows or sequence words | Maintains logical flow |
Numeric anchors | Use numbers, years, and measurements as scanning clues | Improves speed |
Highlight heading keywords | Focus on labels above blanks | Prevents confusion |
Group answers | Work on all blanks from one section together | Saves time |
Flowchart:
Passage:
“All findings were entered into a central database for comparison.”
✅ Answer: database
Spend about 7–8 minutes on this question type.
If unsure, skip and return later — the order of answers helps you locate missing ones quickly.
Band 8–9 candidates visualise the diagram first before reading. They understand the logic of flow — how each blank connects to the next. This prevents confusion and reduces scanning time. Accuracy, not guessing, earns high marks.
Note / Table / Flowchart Completion questions test how efficiently you connect textual information to structured data. Practise predicting grammar types, scanning for paraphrased clues, and reading diagrams carefully.
Next, continue with Diagram / Map / Plan Completion to master questions involving visuals and spatial understanding.
Or revisit the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy page for your full foundation guide.
For official materials, explore the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests section.
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