This the first of five kinds of listening questions where you need to fill in the gaps in a listening text. The remaining 4 gap-fill question types are
Table of Contents
1. Form Completion in IELTS Listening
For form completion, you will add missing information to a form. The information will include numerical and factual details such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc.
This is a very common question type, especially in listening Part 1. You will hear many kinds of conversations and other audio recordings. Occasionally, you will be given a word bank from which to choose your answers.
2. This is how the question will appear on your question paper:
3. Helpful Tips
- The gaps will be in the same order as the audio recording
- Keep to the word limit stated in the instructions.
- Use the EXACT WORDS you hear in the recording
- Focus on the main points which a listener would normally record in this kind of situation.
3.1 Tips Before You Listen:
Here are some tips that will help you before you listen to the audio:
- Read the instructions carefully! Don’t write any more words and numbers than what the instructions allow you to write. If you do, your answer will be incorrect, even if you technically have the correct answer.
- You will have time to read the notes before the recording plays.
- You will need to listen for specific details and key words.
- Mark key words from the sentences, so you can listen for them.
- Based on the form, predict the topic and possible content of the audio you are about to hear.
- Reading the headings and subheadings will give you a good idea of what you need to listen for.
- Be sure to also read the lines of the form that have no gaps. This will help you keep your place in the audio as you listen.
3.2. While you Listen:
Here are tips to consider as you are listening:
- The gaps will be in the same order as the information you hear.
- Write numbers in numerical form to prevent spelling mistakes.
- Use the EXACT WORDS you hear in the audio recording.
- Focus on the main points which a listener would normally record in this kind of situation.
- It is allowed and advisable to write your answers in all capital letters. They are easier to read, and you can avoid incorrect capitalization, which would be marked incorrect.
If you have trouble with a question, make an educated guess and move on. You don’t want to lose your place in the audio and risk missing even more questions. Don’t leave any answers blank, even if you have to guess.
4. Ready to try a sample question?
First, read through the form quickly, paying special attention to the words and numbers around each gap. Then, click play and listen to the audio to find the answers. During the actual exam, you will only be able to hear the audio once, so try to answer the questions as you listen one time. Of course, since you are practicing, you may listen to the audio multiple times to become more familiar with the question type and how to answer it.
Ready? Here are the questions.
Questions 1-5
Complete the summary below.
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Now, listen to the audio and answer the question.