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IELTS, Reading

IELTS Reading Sentence and Summary Completion

You complete sentences or a summary with words from the passage, within a word limit.

Format and scoring

IELTS Reading Sentence and Summary Completion format
SkillReading
Word limit per answerNo more than 2 words
How it's scoredOne mark per correct answer. Spelling and the word limit count.
Weight (estimate)About 20% of your reading score

How to answer Reading Sentence and Summary Completion

  1. 1Check the word limit.
  2. 2Find the section using keywords.
  3. 3Copy the exact word and check the grammar fits.

Common mistakes

  • Changing the word's form so it no longer matches the passage.

Sample question

Before refrigeration: the ice house

Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer. Ice houses were mostly built below ground, often on a north-facing slope or under trees. Meltwater was removed through a _____ at the bottom of the chamber. To prevent warm air from entering, the passage leading inside had several _____. In winter, ice was taken from lakes and ponds, cut into blocks and packed with _____ between the blocks to reduce heat transfer. The ice was seldom used to preserve food; it mainly served to cool drinks and to produce _____ for visitors. When local supplies became insufficient, large amounts of ice were brought in from _____.