IELTS Guide Phil

In the IELTS Listening test, one of the most common and important question types is Form, Note, Table, Flow-chart, and Summary Completion. These questions assess your ability to listen for specific information and complete missing details accurately using the information you hear.

What Are These Completion Tasks?

These question types ask you to fill in gaps in a given format (form, notes, table, flow-chart, or summary) based on what you hear in the audio. They’re designed to mirror real-life tasks such as taking notes, filling out forms, or understanding processes.

You might be asked to:

• Complete a form (e.g., an application or booking form)
• Fill in lecture notes
• Add details to a table of information
• Finish a flow-chart showing a sequence or process
• Complete a summary of what’s been said

What Skills Are Being Tested?

• Listening for specific facts or key points
• Understanding main ideas and supporting details
• Recognizing synonyms or paraphrased information
• Following the order of information as it is presented in the recording

Example Questions

Example 1 – Form Completion

Audio context: A student is booking a room at a student accommodation office.
Form:

Name: Anna Preston Course: International Business Start Date: 5th _______________ Room Type: Single Ensuite Weekly Rent: _______________

Answers:

• September
• £150

Example 2 – Summary Completion

Audio context: A lecture about the lifecycle of a butterfly.
Summary:

“The process begins when the butterfly lays its eggs on a leaf. The eggs hatch into _______________, which feed on leaves before forming a _______________ and eventually emerging as an adult butterfly.”

Answers:

• caterpillars
• chrysalis

Strategies and Tips for Success

Before You Listen:

• Read the instructions carefully. Check how many words you can use (e.g., “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER”).
• Skim the gaps and predict the type of information required: is it a noun, number, verb, etc.?
• Underline keywords before each gap to help you focus during the audio.

While Listening:

• Listen for paraphrased information. The wording in the audio won’t always match the question.
• Write answers as you go. The recording is played only once.
• Pay attention to word stress and tone, which often highlight important points.

After Listening:

• Check grammar and spelling. Your answer must be grammatically correct and spelled accurately.
• Stay within the word limit. If the instruction says “ONE WORD ONLY,” writing “a large building” will be marked wrong.

Dos and Don’ts

Do:

• Practice note-taking with speed and accuracy.
• Familiarize yourself with different accents (British, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, American).
• Use capital letters if you’re unsure about proper nouns or spelling.
• Check your answers for plurals, articles (a/the), and units (kg, km).

Don’t:

• Leave blanks. Even a guess might earn a point.
• Write more words than allowed.
• Copy phrases exactly from the question without confirming they match what you heard.
• Panic if you miss a gap — stay focused for the next one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mishearing numbers or dates (e.g., “fifteen” vs “fifty”)
• Incorrect spelling (e.g., “adress” instead of “address”)
• Writing more than the allowed word limit
• Not following grammar (e.g., writing a singular when a plural is needed)
• Missing cues due to distraction or lack of focus

Tips to Improve Your Performance

• Practice with real tests and transcripts to see how answers are paraphrased.
• Pause and repeat parts of audio to catch tricky information.
• Use IELTS practice apps or YouTube channels for targeted practice.
• Listen to academic talks, interviews, and instructions to train your ear.
• Join a listening study group or partner up with someone preparing for IELTS.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many words should I write in the gap?

A: Always check the instruction! It may say:

• NO MORE THAN ONE WORD
• NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER

Q: Will I lose marks for spelling?

A: Yes. Incorrect spelling = no point, even if the word is correct in meaning.

Q: Are answers in the same order as the audio?

A: Yes. The answers come in order, so if you miss one, move on quickly to avoid missing more.

Q: Can I write in all capital letters?

A: Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable and can help avoid confusion.

Q: What accents are used in the test?

A: The IELTS Listening test includes a variety of English accents — British, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and American.

Practice Activity

Try this practice:

Summary:

“To apply for the gym membership, the applicant must bring two _______________ and a _______________. Payment can be made by card or _______________.”

Predict the answers before listening: What types of words do you expect in each blank?

Answer after listening:

• photographs
• form of ID
• cash

Final Thoughts

The Form/Note/Table/Flow-chart/Summary Completion tasks in IELTS Listening are not just about hearing the right word — they’re about understanding context, recognizing paraphrasing, and being accurate with spelling and grammar. With consistent practice and smart strategies, you can master this question type and gain a strong edge in your IELTS Listening test.

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