Sentence Completion questions in the IELTS Reading test check your ability to locate specific information and complete sentences accurately using words from the passage. These may look simple, but they test your reading skills, grammar awareness, and attention to detail — all in one!
Let’s break it down so you can approach this question type with confidence and strategy.
What is IELTS Reading Sentence Completion?
In this task, you are given incomplete sentences based on the reading passage. Your job is to fill in the blanks with the correct words from the text.
The instructions will clearly tell you how many words or numbers you can use:
- “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS”
- “ONE WORD ONLY”
- “NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER”
These questions are paraphrased from the text, so they require careful matching of ideas and grammar.
Example
Instructions: Complete the sentence below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Sentence:
The ancient temple was built to honor a ______.
Relevant Text in Passage:
“The structure, erected in the 5th century BCE, served as a tribute to a sea goddess worshipped by local villagers.”
Answer: sea goddess
Fits grammatically
No more than two words
Correctly reflects the passage
Key Strategies for Success
1. Read the Instructions Carefully
Check how many words you are allowed to write — the most common limit is ONE, TWO, or THREE words and/or a number. Writing more means an automatic zero for that item.
2. Identify the Sentence Structure
Understand the grammatical structure of the sentence so that the words you insert fit correctly.
3. Locate Keywords
Underline or highlight keywords in the sentence to help you scan the passage and locate the relevant section quickly.
4. Pay Attention to Synonyms
The language in the passage will often be paraphrased in the question. Look for similar meanings, not exact matches.
5. Copy Words Exactly
Your answer must exactly match the words in the passage — no spelling changes, no plural/singular changes unless grammatically required.
Dos and Don’ts
DO:
- Check the word limit strictly.
- Use the exact words from the passage.
- Make sure the completed sentence is grammatically correct.
- Use correct spelling and capitalization (if required).
DON’T:
- Use your own words or synonyms.
- Write more words than allowed.
- Guess without confirming from the passage.
- Ignore grammar structure — it must make sense.
Common Mistakes
- Exceeding Word Limit
- Wrong: “a local sea goddess” (3 words when only 2 allowed)
- Correct: “sea goddess”
- Grammatical Mismatch
- Passage: “experiments were conducted”
- Question: “The scientist carried out several ______”
- Wrong: “conducted” (verb does not fit)
- Correct: “experiments”
- Spelling Errors
- Spelling must be 100% accurate — even a missing letter can cost you marks.
- Copying Irrelevant Details
- Avoid including extra context that isn’t necessary for the sentence to make sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I write more than one answer?
A: No. Each blank requires a specific number of words. Follow the instructions exactly.
Q: Are the answers in order?
A: Yes! The answers typically follow the order of the text. If you answered Question 5 from paragraph 3, then Question 6 is likely in paragraph 4 or nearby.
Q: Can I paraphrase the answer?
A: No. You must use the exact words from the passage.
Q: Will the grammar affect my score?
A: Yes. If the word doesn’t fit grammatically in the sentence, even if it’s in the passage, your answer will be marked incorrect.
Quick Practice Examples
Example 1
Instructions: Complete the sentence using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
Sentence:
The research focused on the impact of ______ on memory retention.
Passage:
“Researchers aimed to measure how different types of background music influence memory retention in students.”
Answer: background music
Example 2
Instructions: Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER.
Sentence:
The flight duration from Tokyo to Sydney is approximately ______ hours.
Passage:
“Travelers should expect a flight time of around nine and a half hours between Tokyo and Sydney.”
Answer: 9 and a half
Final Tips
- Always refer back to the passage and double-check that your answer:
- Matches the word limit
- Makes grammatical sense
- Uses exact wording from the text
- Practice paraphrasing to improve your ability to spot synonymous expressions in questions vs. the text
- Use scanning and skimming strategies to quickly locate relevant sections
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