What Is a Summary Completion Question?

In this question type, you are given a short summary of part of the passage with several blanks. You must fill in the blanks with the correct word(s) from the passage.

You may see:

A box with a list of words to choose from
Or no box — you must find the word(s) directly from the passage

Always follow the word limit, e.g. “No more than TWO words and/or a number.”

What Is the Examiner Testing?

Summary Completion tests whether you can:

Identify key ideas from a longer section
Recognise paraphrasing
Use context and grammar to fill gaps
Follow strict instructions (word count, source)

Common Mistakes Students Make

Guessing from the word box without reading the passage
Copying the wrong form of the word (e.g. plural instead of singular)
Breaking the word limit
Matching based on keywords instead of meaning
Ignoring the grammar of the full sentence

Step-by-Step Strategy

Step 1: Read the Summary First
- Get a full picture of the topic and what’s missing.
Step 2: Predict the Type of Missing Word
- Is it likely to be:
  - A noun?
  - A date?
  - A cause or reason?
  - A number?
- This speeds up your scanning.
Step 3: Use Keywords to Locate the Passage
- Look for the part of the text that matches the summary’s theme. Pay attention to paraphrasing.
Step 4: Find the Exact Word(s) in the Text
- Match both meaning and grammar. The summary must read smoothly and logically.
Step 5: Follow the Word Limit
- If it says “No more than TWO words,” and you write three — it’s wrong, even if the meaning is correct.

Cambridge-Style Example with Explanation

Passage:

Many researchers believe that music improves memory. A study at Oxford University found that students who listened to classical music before a test performed better than those who studied in silence. The reason, scientists say, is that music reduces anxiety and helps the brain focus.

Summary:

Listening to music before an exam may improve 1.

A study showed better test performance when students heard 2.

Experts believe music helps the brain by lowering 3.

Show Answer

Answers:

memory
classical music
anxiety

Band 5 vs Band 8 Thinking

Band 5 Learner	Band 8 Learner
Picks word from summary only	Locates the matching phrase in text
Chooses similar word from word box	Matches meaning + grammar
Breaks word limit	Checks and counts every word
Copies without checking context	Ensures sentence is logical and correct

Tricky Traps

Trap	Why It’s Wrong
Picking based on keywords only	Paraphrasing often hides the answer
Changing the word form	You must copy exactly
Guessing from box words	Not all word box options are correct
Overlooking grammar fit	Grammar helps eliminate wrong answers

Quick Tips – Do vs Don’t

Do	Don’t
Follow word count strictly	Add extra words or guesses
Confirm grammar and meaning	Copy without thinking
Locate answer in passage	Depend only on the word list
Check plural/singular	Assume close = correct

Mini Quiz

Paragraph:

Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia and quickly spread to the Middle East. It became popular in Europe in the 17th century. Today, it’s one of the most widely consumed drinks globally.

Summary:

Coffee originated in 1.

It reached Europe during the 2.

It is now among the most 3.

Show Answer

Answers:

Ethiopia
17th century
consumed

Related Resources

🔗 Sentence Completion →
🧠 Skimming and Scanning Guide →
🧮 IELTS Band Score Calculator →
📄 Next: Table Completion →

Final Advice from Your Tutor

Summary Completion is all about thinking like a detective. The answers are there — you just need to follow the clues.

Your job is to:

“Find the exact word or phrase that completes the logic, fits the grammar, and respects the limit.”

Stay calm. Practice identifying paraphrased ideas. And with enough repetition, this type becomes one of the easiest to score well on.