What Are Table & Note Completion Questions?

These question types ask you to fill in missing words in a table or a set of notes using information from the passage.

Table Completion: Structured with rows/columns and clear categories (e.g. time, place, data).
Note Completion: Organised as key points, headings, and short descriptions.

You must complete the blanks using words from the passage, and usually follow a word limit (e.g., No more than TWO words).

What Is the Examiner Testing?

These questions check your ability to:

Locate specific factual details
Understand structure and sequence of ideas
Recognise paraphrasing
Identify and match data, names, or terms to categories
Follow instructions with precision

Common Mistakes Students Make

Ignoring the word limit
Choosing words that are grammatically incorrect in the table/note
Failing to spot paraphrased ideas
Guessing based on keyword match without checking meaning
Copying three words when two are allowed

Step-by-Step Strategy

Step 1: Understand the Topic and Format
- Is it a table or a set of notes? What do the columns/headings tell you?
Step 2: Read the Instructions Carefully
- Check the word limit. If it says “No more than TWO words and/or a number”, stick to it strictly.
Step 3: Predict the Type of Word
- Look at the blank in context. Ask yourself:
  - Is this a place?
  - A number?
  - A cause or reason?
Step 4: Scan the Passage for Each Blank
- Use the keywords surrounding the blank to locate the correct part of the passage.
Step 5: Match Meaning + Grammar
- Make sure the word you choose:
  - Has the same meaning as required
  - Fits grammatically in the sentence or column
  - Is spelled correctly

Cambridge-Style Example with Explanation

Passage Excerpt:

In the 1950s, the antibiotic penicillin was introduced widely, saving millions of lives. It was particularly effective in treating infections caused by bacteria. However, overuse led to the emergence of resistant strains by the 1980s.

Table:

Year	Medical Discovery	Effect
1950s		Saved millions of lives
1980s	Bacterial resistance	Caused by overuse of

Show Answer

Answers:

penicillin
antibiotics

Why?

Penicillin is directly linked to the 1950s life-saving discovery
“Overuse” of antibiotics caused resistance in the 1980s

Band 5 vs Band 8 Thinking

Band 5 Learner	Band 8 Learner
Matches exact keywords	Tracks paraphrased meaning
Guesses from visible words	Scans for evidence
Ignores word limit	Counts words exactly
Doesn’t check grammar	Reads full sentence structure

Common Traps to Avoid

Trap	What to Do Instead
Word copied incorrectly	Always double-check spelling
Extra word or number	Stick to given word limit
Guessing from your knowledge	Use only information from the passage
Ignoring column/row logic	Understand how the information fits together

Quick Tips – Do vs Don’t

Do	Don’t
Predict what kind of word is missing	Rush to fill based on partial match
Use words from the passage only	Use your own vocabulary
Count the number of words	Assume “one phrase” = one word
Read across rows and down columns	Focus only on one cell at a time

Mini Practice Quiz

Passage:

Chocolate was first consumed as a bitter drink in Central America. It became sweetened and popular in Europe by the 18th century. Today, dark chocolate is often praised for its high antioxidant content.

Note Completion (No more than TWO words):

1. Originally consumed as a

2. Chocolate was sweetened in

3. Dark chocolate contains

Show Answer

Answers:

bitter drink
Europe
antioxidants

Related Resources

🔗 Summary Completion →
🧠 Skimming and Scanning Techniques →
📊 IELTS Band Score Calculator →
📄 Next: Flowchart Completion →

Final Advice from Your Tutor

Table and Note Completion requires attention to detail and organization.
Each blank is connected to real, testable facts — your job is to find them and copy exactly.
Remember:
- “Correct idea + wrong grammar or word limit = wrong answer.”
Use this question type to train your scanning accuracy, and it’ll boost your performance across the entire Reading section.