IELTS Reading Test Summary Completion with Words from a List
Summary completion questions are often found in the IELTS Reading Test.
You will be given a summary of information from the text and there will be some missing words in that summary.
There are two types of summary completion question types.
- Where you need to complete the summary with words from a list.
- Where you need to complete the summary with words from the reading passage.
Read the instructions carefully as they will tell you what is required.
In today’s free materials, we will practise summary completion with words from a list.
When you are required to select words from a list, these words can be synonyms (words of similar meaning) or antonyms (words that have opposite meaning) of the words that appear in the text, or they can be taken directly from the text.
Read the IELTS reading passage extract that follows and try to complete the summary to test your skills.
Remember this is only an extract. In the real test you will need to locate the relevant section from the whole passage that contains the information you need to complete the summary!
The Most Effective Methods for Learning New Skills
Learning new skills is a fundamental aspect of personal and professional development. However, not all learning methods are equally effective. Historically, traditional methods such as attending lectures or reading textbooks were predominant. While these methods provide foundational knowledge, they often lack practical application, leading to limited skill acquisition. In contrast, modern approaches emphasise experiential learning and active engagement, facilitating deeper understanding and retention of skills.
One of the most effective strategies for learning a new skill is practice and repetition. By performing tasks associated with the skill again and again, individuals reinforce neural connections, leading to skill mastery over time. This method is particularly effective for skills that require muscle memory, such as playing a musical instrument or sports.
Active learning involves engaging with the material through problem-solving, discussions, or interactive activities. Unlike passive learning, where information is simply absorbed, active learning encourages critical thinking and application of knowledge. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of concepts and promotes long-term retention of skills.
Receiving feedback from instructors or peers is crucial for skill development. Constructive criticism helps individuals identify areas for improvement and refine their techniques. Moreover, the iterative process of receiving feedback, making adjustments, and practicing further enhances skill proficiency.
Collaborating with others who share similar interests or expertise can also accelerate the learning process. Through collaboration, individuals exchange knowledge, share insights, and provide support, creating a dynamic learning environment.
While the best method for learning a new skill may vary depending on individual preferences and the nature of the skill itself, incorporating a combination of practice, active engagement, feedback, technology, and collaboration can maximise learning outcomes. By embracing diverse learning strategies, individuals can develop proficiency in various skills and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Questions 1-5
Complete the summary using the list of words, A-I, below.
Write the correct letter, A-I, in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.
A combination of approaches suited to the individual improves learning skills
While classroom learning provides a basic understanding of a subject, by itself, it often fails to provide adequate 1……………… experience. Practising a more practical skill 2………………. will often be more 3…………….. than simply reading theory about it, for example.
Active learning also challenges the learner in a positive way as this 4……………… them to evaluate information, ask questions and think about how theory can be applied in practice. Input from lecturers and classmates is also important for developing knowledge and skills, participation in 5………………… being especially valuable as a means of sharing information and creating an interesting and accommodating learning environment.
(A) teamwork
(B) discourages
(C) stimulates
(D) repeatedly
(E) real world
(F) occasional
(G) impractical
(H) useful
(I) autonomy
Answers
- E
- D
- H
- C
- A
A combination of approaches suited to the individual improves learning skills
While classroom learning provides a basic understanding of a subject, by itself, it often fails to provide adequate 1. real world experience. Practising a more practical skill 2. repeatedly will often be more 3. useful than simply reading theory about it, for example.
Active learning also challenges the learner in a positive way as this 4. stimulates them to evaluate information, ask questions and think about how theory can be applied in practice. Input from lecturers and classmates is also important for developing knowledge and skills, participation in 5. teamwork being especially valuable as a means of sharing information and creating an interesting and accommodating learning environment.
Tips
To help you with summary completion questions in the IELTS test here are some tips!
Read the question before reading the text. A summary completion question will be quite short, so you will be able to read it quickly.
Pay attention to the heading of the summary completion question. This will be helpful when you are facing a full IELTS reading passage as it will help direct you to which part of the text you need to be focussing on.
Underline or circle key information words in the summary – for example, online communication channels, information, disinformation, social media, spread, lack of control, vulnerable.
Think of what word groups the missing words might belong to. For example, the first gap indicates that the word will be a noun (the… something). The second gap seems to be an adjective – a word that will describe the downside of disinformation spread.
Think about linking words, adverbs or conjunctions that might indicate a reason, a contrast or comparison – for example, while, although etc.
Look at the list of words – there are 8 words, and only 5 gaps to fill. In this example there are some adjectives, nouns, verbs and adverbs. You should be able to dismiss some of those words for each answer because they are not the correct kind of word. That narrows your choices to select the correct the answer.
Next use your skimming and scanning skills as you work through the text. Focus on some of the key information words you underlined in the summary to find the part of the passage you need to spend time on. Think about synonyms and antonyms for the words you read and see if they or others are in the provided list.
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