IELTS Summary Completion Practice Questions

Quick answer

Fill the gaps in a short summary of one section of the passage, using words from the text (or from a lettered word bank). The summary paraphrases the passage, so hunt for synonyms rather than identical wording.

Summary Completion condenses one part of a passage and removes key words. You must follow the summary as a connected explanation, not solve each blank as an isolated vocabulary puzzle.

Updated August 2026

What do Summary Completion questions test?

It tests your understanding of a section’s main ideas, logical flow and paraphrasing, along with grammatical fit.

How do you answer Summary Completion questions?

  1. 1Read the full summary first and identify which passage section it covers.
  2. 2Predict the grammar and meaning required in every blank.
  3. 3If a word list is supplied, group options by part of speech before matching.
  4. 4Confirm each choice against the passage and then reread the entire completed summary.

What are the common traps to avoid?

  • Choosing an option only because it repeats a passage word.
  • Ignoring articles, verb agreement or singular/plural fit.
  • Looking across the entire passage when the summary covers one compact section.
  • Using the same option twice unless instructions allow it.

How long should you spend on them?

Spend one minute mapping the summary to the passage, then about 45 seconds per blank. Context often resolves two neighbouring blanks together.

Practise Summary Completion passages

Practise other reading question types