The IELTS listening exam includes completion type questions in the last section, Section 4. In this section, you will encounter a monologue, where a single person discusses an academic topic, such as a lecture or a speech. To effectively tackle completion type questions, which involve filling in blanks after listening to an audio conversation, consider the following helpful tips:

1. Underline Words Near the Blanks:

When you encounter completion type questions, you will find short statements with blanks to be filled from the audio conversation. A useful strategy is to underline or highlight words near the blanks. These words are likely to appear in the audio in the same order as in the question. By doing this, you can easily identify relevant answers from the audio. For instance:

Example Question:

Boris Worm, 2005

Identified hotspots for sharks

Discovered that ocean hotspots

-Were not always found to be rich in……………….

-Were found to be having higher temperatures at the………………………

-Were found to have sufficient…………………….in the water

By underlining the key words like “rich in,” “higher temperatures at,” and “sufficient,” you can focus on them while listening to the audio conversation.

2. Concentrate to Avoid Skipping Audio:

A common mistake is skipping parts of the audio due to distraction or loss of concentration. Train yourself to maintain focus throughout the audio to avoid missing any crucial information and complete all the questions accurately. Regular practice can help improve your concentration level.

3. Keep in Mind Word Instruction:

Always pay attention to the word instruction provided at the top of the question. It may consist of one word or more, depending on the specific requirement. Underline or highlight the word instruction to ensure you fulfill the criteria when providing your answers.

4. Use Rough Work:

You are allowed to make rough notes on the question paper while listening to the audio. Write down the words you hear and cross them out or replace them as you progress through the conversation. This habit helps you stay attentive and prevents you from skipping any part of the audio.

By following these tips, you can enhance your approach to completion type questions in the IELTS listening exam. Improved focus, effective highlighting of keywords, and mindful attention to word instructions will contribute to better performance and accuracy in completing the questions.