What is Summary Completion?
Summary completion is an IELTS reading task where a summary of the passage is provided with blanks, and you must fill each blank using words from the original text. This task tests your understanding of main ideas and ability to match information.
Summary completion requires you to fill gaps in a summary paragraph using exact words from the passage. Words must be used in their original form and the summary must make sense.
Step-by-step worked examples
Passage: 'Climate change is causing rising sea levels due to melting ice caps.' Summary: 'Climate change leads to ___ sea levels.' What word fills the blank?
Identify the key concept in the passage: 'rising sea levels' Find the exact word that fits: 'rising' Write: rising
Passage: 'Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.' Summary: 'Plants use ___ to create energy.' What word completes it?
Look for the process/method in the passage: 'convert sunlight' Identify the word that describes this: 'photosynthesis' Write: photosynthesis
Passage: 'The ancient library housed thousands of scrolls and manuscripts.' Summary: 'The library contained ___ documents.' What word works?
Find the descriptor in the passage: 'thousands' Check if it fits the blank: Yes Write: thousands
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Passage: 'The technology revolutionized communication.' Summary: 'Technology ___ the way people communicate.' What word fits best?
Q2.In summary completion, can you paraphrase words from the passage?
Q3.What skill does summary completion primarily test?
Q4.Passage has: 'gradually increasing.' Summary: 'The rate was ___.' Which word works?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What is Summary Completion?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Using a synonym instead of the exact word from the passage. — Correct: Copy the exact word as it appears in the text.
Changing the word form (verb tense, singular/plural). — Correct: Use the original form; do not modify word endings.
Using multiple words when only one blank is shown. — Correct: Fill each blank with exactly one word.
Skipping blanks because you cannot find a perfect fit. — Correct: Read more carefully; the word is in the passage.
FAQ
What is the rule for words in summary completion?
Words must be taken exactly from the passage, in their original form, without paraphrasing.
Can the same word from the passage be used twice?
Usually no. Each blank typically requires a different word, but check the specific instructions.
What if a word in the passage is a proper noun?
Use it exactly as shown, with proper capitalization.
How many words fill one blank?
Typically one, but instructions may specify 'up to two words.' Always follow the task instructions.