Question type 5 of 6: Other completion questions in IELTS listening. On this page, we will look at the fifth of the 6 types of question used in the IELTS listening test – Other completion questions in IELTS listening.

What do I have to do for Other completion questions in IELTS listening?

For this question type, you need to complete the missing information in forms, notes, tables, flowcharts and summaries.

Here are some examples:

Example 1: Summary completion

Questions 11-13

Complete the summary below

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

Mediterranean-style food has been proven to be good for health and can increase likelihood of a longer life by (11)_______

 

Example 2: Table completion

Questions 15-17

Complete the summary below

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

Train Number	Platform	Departure	Destination
12	6	16___ pm	London
5	15____	12.05pm	16___

What is this question type testing my ability to do?

With this question type, you are being tested on your ability to identify specific information, follow a description and understand a spelled word.

What are the best steps for answering Other completion questions in IELTS listening?

There are 7 steps that we recommend following for this question type:

Step 1 – Instructions: Read the instruction words carefully regarding the number of words / numbers you need.

Step 2 – Keywords: Identify keywords and consider how they might be rephrased and what they suggest you will need to listen for

Step 3 – Predict: Predict the type of answer you are looking for – what word group (adjective / noun etc)? Is it a number? A name?

Step 4 – Prepare: Look at the next question. This is an essential step in the IELTS listening test. If you are aware of what the next question is about and then you hear it, you know you’ve missed the answer you were waiting for! Although that’s not good news, it’s better than waiting for an answer that’s already gone and missing subsequent answers.

Step 5 – Follow: As you listen follow the information already given in the question

Step 6 – Listen: Identify your answer

Step 7 – Write / Type: Write or type your answer but keep listening

 

What useful tips are there for this question type?

• TIP 1: Follow the instructions for the number of words
• TIP 2: Wrong spelling will cost you a point
• TIP 3: Consider the grammar of the section you are completing
• TIP 4: You may have to put information from two sentences together
• TIP 5: Read the answer in context

Now practice!

Click the link in the table below to test your skills with Other completion questions in IELTS listening.