IELTS Listening · Ch 04
Sentence Completion
Grammar agreement · collocation traps · word-limit rule
Topic & Why It Matters
Sentence Completion asks you to fill gaps inside short statements while listening to a talk, conversation, or lecture. Unlike form questions, the answer is controlled by the grammar of the whole sentence, so you must understand both the audio meaning and the printed words around the blank.
This type often looks easy because each blank is short, but it punishes careless copying. A correct-sounding word can be wrong if it repeats printed text, breaks the sentence grammar, or exceeds the word limit.
Knowledge Points
The sentence is a grammar frame
In Sentence Completion, the printed sentence tells you the grammar of the answer. A blank after an article usually needs a noun; a blank after a verb may need an object, adjective, or short noun phrase.
Words around the blank are anchors
The words before and after the blank help you predict the answer and check it afterwards. Read the whole sentence, not only the empty space.
Answers follow audio order
Sentence-completion blanks normally appear in the same order as the audio. If you miss one, move on quickly so you can catch the next sentence.
Paraphrase is common
The printed sentence often paraphrases the audio. For example, the audio may say 'people can borrow bikes,' while the question says 'visitors may rent bicycles.'
Collocation limits the answer
Some blanks can only be completed by words that naturally fit the printed phrase, such as 'make a booking,' 'take a break,' or 'receive a discount.'
Word limits override memory
If the instruction says "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS," a three-word phrase is wrong even if it appears in the audio. Compress the answer to the required missing words.
Plural and word form matter
The answer must fit the printed sentence grammatically. Singular/plural endings, adjective versus noun form, and verb tense can change the score.
Step-by-Step Strategy
1
Read each sentence fully
Before listening, read from the capital letter to the full stop. The completed sentence must sound natural as a whole.
2
Predict the grammar
Mark whether the blank needs a noun, adjective, number, place, date, reason, or short phrase. This narrows what your ear is waiting for.
3
Underline stable anchors
Choose two or three printed words near each blank that are unlikely to change completely, such as names, technical terms, or dates.
4
Listen for paraphrase
Do not wait only for the exact printed words. The audio may express the same idea with synonyms or a changed sentence structure.
5
Write only the missing part
If the question prints a unit, preposition, or article, do not repeat it in your answer. Complete the gap, not the whole audio phrase.
6
Move on after each blank
Sentence Completion is order-based. If one answer is unclear, leave a quick guess or mark and catch the next anchor.
7
Check grammar during transfer
Read every completed sentence aloud in your head. Remove repeated words, fix plurals, and confirm the answer stays within the word limit.
Common Pitfalls
| Mistake | Corrective Rule |
|---|---|
| Copying too much from the audio | Write the smallest phrase that completes the printed sentence and stays inside the word limit. |
| Ignoring the word after the blank | Check both sides of the gap; the following word often decides singular/plural or preposition use. |
| Waiting for exact words | Track meaning, not just wording. IELTS frequently paraphrases the sentence stem. |
| Writing an ungrammatical form | Make the final sentence grammatical, even when the audio used a different structure. |
| Staying stuck on a missed answer | Move to the next sentence as soon as the audio moves on; one lost mark should not become three. |
Vocabulary Bank
| Expression / Signpost | Usage Note |
|---|---|
| The reason is that | Introduces a cause or explanation |
| This means that | Signals a paraphrase or consequence |
| As a result | Introduces an effect |
| The main benefit is | Signals an advantage phrase |
| The problem with this is | Signals a disadvantage or issue |
| Participants are required to | Often introduces an action after a modal/passive stem |
| It is recommended that | Signals advice or a necessary action |
| Instead of | Signals replacement or contrast |
| In particular | Highlights a specific detail likely to answer a blank |
| For safety reasons | Introduces a reason connected to rules or restrictions |
| Available to | Signals eligibility or user group |
| Suitable for | Signals who or what something fits |
| A small charge applies | Signals cost or payment detail |
| By appointment only | Signals booking requirement |
| At least | Signals a minimum number, time, or age |
| No longer | Signals a changed policy or removed option |
Practice Question
Instructions: Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Practice Audio Script — Community Garden Project
■ Coordinator (male)In the real test you hear this once. Play first and attempt the exercise, then read the script to verify.
Model Answer
| # | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | car park | The coordinator says the garden was created on land that used to be a car park. The question paraphrases this as 'built on a former,' so the missing noun phrase is 'car park.' |
| 2 | soil | The audio states that the soil had to be replaced before planting began. The printed sentence already contains 'had to be replaced,' so the answer is the noun 'soil.' |
| 3 | briefing | Volunteers must attend a short safety briefing before using tools. Because 'safety' is printed in the question, only 'briefing' completes the collocation. |
| 4 | 9:30 | The Saturday morning group meets at half past nine. A time can be written as '9:30,' and alternatives such as 'nine thirty' keep the same meaning. |
| 5 | watering | The Wednesday afternoon session is for people who want to help with watering. The sentence needs a gerund after 'involves,' so 'watering' fits grammatically. |
| 6 | gloves | The coordinator asks volunteers to bring gloves if possible. 'Spare pairs' is extra information, not the item requested by the sentence. |
| 7 | growth | Children can learn about insects and plant growth. Since 'plant' is already printed, the missing word is only 'growth.' |
| 8 | food bank | Surplus vegetables are donated to the local food bank. The phrase is two words, which fits the instruction and completes the sentence naturally. |
Self-Check
Answer these from memory before looking back. If you cannot answer all three, re-read the relevant section.
- Why should you read the word after a sentence-completion blank before listening?
- How can the printed sentence paraphrase the audio while still requiring the same answer?
- If the question says "plant ___" and the audio says "plant growth," what exactly should you write?
Answers: (1) It often decides the word form, number, or preposition fit. (2) The sentence may change wording, but the missing meaning stays the same. (3) Write only "growth" because "plant" is already printed.