The four layouts
| Type | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Summary | A paragraph that retells part of the passage, with gaps |
| Note | Short notes under headings, with gaps |
| Table | A table with some cells left empty |
| Flow-chart | A sequence of steps (a process), with gaps |
Two versions: words from the passage, or from a box
From the passage: copy words exactly, within the word limit, as in sentence completion.
From a box: choose from a list of words or phrases (A–H, say). The box usually has more options than gaps, and the options are often not the words the passage uses: you match meaning.
Read the instructions twice
In the box version, write the letter if the instructions ask for letters. Writing the word instead can cost the mark.
A 4-step method
- Read the summary first to see which part of the passage it covers. It is usually one section, not the whole text.
- Predict each gap's word type from the grammar around it.
- Work through that part of the passage in order. Answers usually follow the order of the text.
- Check each filled gap for grammar, meaning and the word limit.
Worked example
From plant to cup
Coffee plants grow best at high altitudes in tropical regions, where cool nights slow the ripening of the fruit and give the beans more time to develop flavour. After harvest, the fruit is either dried whole in the sun or washed so that the beans can be removed before drying. Washed coffee usually tastes cleaner and brighter, while sun-dried coffee often has a heavier, fruitier taste.
Complete the flow-chart. Write ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Flow-chart
- Coffee grown at high 1 ___ in tropical regions
- Cool nights slow ripening, so beans develop more 2 ___
- Fruit either dried whole in the 3 ___ or washed first
- Washed coffee: cleaner taste · Sun-dried coffee: heavier, 4 ___ taste
| Answer | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | altitudes | “Grow best at high altitudes”; the plural fits “high ___ in”. |
| 2 | flavour | “Give the beans more time to develop flavour.” |
| 3 | sun | “Dried whole in the sun.” |
| 4 | fruitier | “A heavier, fruitier taste.” Keep the passage's exact form. |
British and American spelling
Both flavour and flavor are generally accepted, but copying the passage's spelling avoids any doubt.
Questions
Are summary completion answers in order?+
Usually, within the part of the passage the summary covers. The box version is less predictable, so read the whole relevant section.
What is the difference between note, table and flow-chart completion?+
Only the layout. All three ask you to complete a shortened version of part of the passage with words from the passage (or from a box), within the word limit.
Should I write the word or the letter when there is a box?+
Follow the instructions. If they ask for the correct letter, write the letter.