Hello, I’m Chen Wei, and today we’ll master Sentence Completion — one of the most practical question types in the IELTS Reading test.
This task tests both your reading comprehension and your ability to identify specific details such as facts, figures, or definitions. Many students lose marks by copying wrong words or missing grammatical clues. In this guide, I’ll show you how to locate answers efficiently, follow grammar logic, and apply examiner-level accuracy to every blank.
In this task, you’ll see incomplete sentences that summarise key ideas from the passage. You must fill in each blank with words taken directly from the text.
Example:
Complete the sentence using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
The report concluded that the main cause of pollution was ___________.
✅ Answer: vehicle emissions
Always read the instruction carefully — the word limit is strict. If it says NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS, using three will make your answer wrong even if it’s correct in meaning.
What Sentence Completion Tests
IELTS uses this question to test accuracy and comprehension under time pressure.
1️⃣ Read the Instructions Carefully
Note the word limit — it’s usually “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER.”
Underline it to avoid accidental errors.
2️⃣ Read All the Sentences Before Reading the Passage
Identify what kind of information each blank requires — a reason, person, place, date, or object.
Example:
“The scientists concluded that ________ caused the change.” → You’re looking for a cause (noun phrase).
3️⃣ Predict Possible Answers
Before scanning, predict logically what could fit: a reason, number, or concept. This primes your brain for focused searching.
4️⃣ Scan for Clues in the Passage
Locate synonyms or paraphrases of words near the blank.
For example:
“main cause” ↔ “primary reason,” “key factor,” “chief source.”
Questions usually follow passage order, so find one, then move forward.
5️⃣ Check Grammar and Word Form
The inserted word(s) must make the sentence grammatically correct.
For example:
“The city is famous for its ______.”
✅ “architecture” (noun)
❌ “architectural” (adjective)
6️⃣ Copy Exactly from the Passage
Always use the exact spelling and word form from the text.
IELTS does not allow synonyms here — you must copy directly, within the limit.
Instruction: NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
Sentence: The experiment demonstrated that light exposure increases ________ in plants.
Passage Extract:
“Researchers observed that plants exposed to sunlight showed higher rates of photosynthesis.”
✅ Answer: photosynthesis
Explanation: The concept “higher rates of photosynthesis” completes the sentence grammatically and logically.
Check | Example | Purpose |
Grammatical fit | “The research was conducted in ______.” → needs a place | Prevents structural errors |
Word limit check | “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS” → “climate change” ✅ “change in climate” ❌ | Ensures compliance |
Logical fit | “The main advantage was ______.” → look for a benefit, not a date | Avoids meaning mismatch |
Spelling | “environmental” vs “enviromental” | IELTS penalises spelling errors |
Mistake | Reason | Fix |
Exceeding word limit | Adding unnecessary articles/prepositions | Read limit carefully |
Using synonyms | Rewriting in your own words | Copy directly from text |
Wrong grammar fit | Selecting wrong form | Test the sentence aloud |
Inaccurate spelling | Rushing or miscopying | Double-check each letter |
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Predict before scanning | Think logically before reading | Improves accuracy |
Underline clues | Highlight nouns and verbs around the blank | Narrows search area |
Group questions | Solve 2–3 from same section together | Saves time |
Check before transferring | Reconfirm every answer fits grammatically | Avoids last-minute errors |
Text:
“The study revealed that regular exercise improves memory and overall brain function.”
Question:
Regular exercise enhances ________.
✅ Answer: brain function
Spend 1 minute per blank.
If unsure, leave a short mark and continue — unanswered questions can be revisited later since they follow passage order.
High-band candidates always respect word limits and test grammatical logic. They don’t guess — they confirm by checking the surrounding sentence pattern. Remember: it’s not vocabulary knowledge but accurate reading that earns marks here.
In short, Sentence Completion rewards precision. Understand the grammar pattern, locate key phrases quickly, and copy the correct words exactly as they appear.
Next, continue with Summary Completion to learn how to complete short summaries with contextual accuracy.
Or revisit the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy page for your full Reading foundation.
For authentic IELTS practice, explore the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests section.
Get the latest IELTS reading tips and practice materials directly to your inbox.
Your dedicated path to Band 7+ IELTS success. Master every skill with expert guidance and tailored…
