Hi, I’m Hiroshi Tanaka, and today we’ll look at Sentence Completion questions in the IELTS General Training Reading test.
This question type appears in everyday contexts such as letters, notices, advertisements, or information sheets. You’ll complete unfinished sentences using exact words from the passage, following strict word-limit and grammar rules. It’s one of the most precise tasks in GT Reading — but also one of the easiest once you understand the method.
You’re given incomplete sentences summarising information from the text. You must fill each blank with words taken directly from the passage.
Example:
Complete the sentence using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
“Visitors must purchase tickets ________ arrival.”
✅ Answer: on
This question checks whether you can locate details and understand sentence logic.
1️⃣ Read the Instructions Carefully
Always underline the word limit.
“NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER” means three words = zero marks.
2️⃣ Skim the Sentences First
Read all sentences before the passage. Predict what kind of word fits each blank – a noun, verb, number, or phrase.
Example:
“All students must submit forms ________ Friday.” → Expect a preposition (by).
3️⃣ Find Keywords and Synonyms
Underline unique nouns or verbs: submit, forms, Friday.
Then look for rephrased forms in the passage: hand in, documents, before the end of the week.
4️⃣ Scan the Text in Order
Answers follow the text sequence. When you locate a sentence with the same idea, check it word-for-word.
5️⃣ Check Grammar and Meaning
The completed sentence must:
6️⃣ Copy Exactly
Use the exact words and spelling from the passage. IELTS doesn’t allow synonyms for this task.
Passage Extract:
“Customers are required to pay a deposit when booking a hotel room.”
Question:
Customers must pay a deposit ________ a room.
✅ Answer: when booking
Check | Example | Purpose |
Word limit | “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS” → by Friday ✅ | Prevents errors |
Grammar fit | “must be completed ________” → online ✅ | Ensures structure |
Logical fit | “The meeting will take place ________ Monday.” → on ✅ | Keeps meaning |
Spelling accuracy | centre vs center | Must follow British English |
Passage | Question Form |
“Applicants need to send forms before the deadline.” | “Forms must be sent ________ the deadline.” |
“The office closes at 5 p.m.” | “The office is open until ________.” |
“You can obtain tickets from the reception desk.” | “Tickets are available ________ reception.” |
Recognising paraphrasing is key to locating answers fast.
Mistake | Reason | Fix |
Adding extra words | Ignoring word limit | Read instructions twice |
Wrong word form | Not checking grammar | Test sentence aloud |
Using synonyms | Rewriting instead of copying | Copy directly |
Misspelling | Writing in haste | Check every letter |
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Predict word type | Decide noun/verb/adjective before search | Improves accuracy |
Underline clues | Highlight prepositions & verbs | Speeds scanning |
Answer grouping | Solve 2–3 linked sentences together | Saves time |
Reverse check | Read completed sentence again | Confirms fit & grammar |
Text:
“Participants must arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the event.”
Question:
Participants should arrive ________ the event starts.
✅ Answer: before / 15 minutes before
Allocate 1 minute per blank.
If uncertain, skip and return later – answers follow passage order, so context helps you locate missed ones.
Band 8–9 candidates read grammatically, not just visually. They predict the type of word before scanning and always re-check that their answers fit both grammar and logic within the limit. Accuracy matters more than speed.
Sentence Completion in IELTS GT Reading tests your precision and understanding of context. Read for meaning, predict the missing word, and copy exactly as it appears in the text.
Next, continue with Short-Answer Questions to learn how to extract concise factual answers from everyday texts.
Or revisit the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy page for your full foundation.
For official practice, visit the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests resource.
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…
