Module 7: Summary Completion

Introduction

Summary Completion tasks in the IELTS Reading Academic module test your ability to understand, extract, and paraphrase key information from the passage. These tasks require filling in blanks in a summary of part of the passage, either using a provided word bank or choosing words directly from the text. This module focuses on strategies and techniques to tackle Summary Completion questions effectively and accurately.

Objectives

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

1. Understand the requirements and format of Summary Completion tasks.
2. Develop effective strategies to identify and extract relevant information from passages.
3. Recognize synonyms, paraphrasing, and contextual clues to locate the correct answers.
4. Apply techniques to manage time effectively during these tasks.

Overview of Summary Completion Tasks

Task Format

1. You are presented with a summary of part of the passage with several blanks.
2. You must complete the blanks using:
   • Words directly from the passage.
   • Words from a provided word bank.
3. Instructions specify the word limit, e.g., “ONE WORD ONLY” or “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.”

What is Assessed?

• Your ability to identify and comprehend key ideas.
• Your vocabulary knowledge, including recognizing synonyms and paraphrasing.
• Your ability to summarize and link ideas coherently.

Step-by-Step Strategy

Step 1: Read the Instructions Carefully

• Pay close attention to the word limit and whether words must be chosen from the text or a word bank.

Step 2: Skim the Summary

• Quickly read the summary to understand the general topic and context.

Step 3: Analyze Each Blank

• Note what kind of information (e.g., noun, verb, number) is required to fill each blank.

Step 4: Locate the Relevant Section in the Passage

• Use keywords from the summary to locate the corresponding information in the passage.
• Look for synonyms or paraphrased expressions in the passage.

Step 5: Cross-Check Your Answer

• Ensure the word(s) fit grammatically and contextually.
• Double-check the word limit.

Step 6: Write the Answer

• If the answer comes from the word bank, ensure it matches the context of the summary.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Examples and Practice

Sample Passage Excerpt

“The invention of the steam engine revolutionized transport, allowing goods and people to travel long distances quickly. Early engines were powered by coal, which was abundant but contributed to pollution. Later, cleaner fuels such as oil and electricity replaced coal in most transportation systems.”

Sample Summary Completion Task

Complete the summary below. Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The steam engine greatly improved (1) _______ by enabling faster travel over long distances. Initially powered by (2) _______, it was later replaced by cleaner sources like (3) _______ and electricity.

Answer Key

1. transport
2. coal
3. oil

Activities

Activity 1: Guided Practice

1. Provide learners with a short passage and a summary completion task.
2. Work through the first question as a class, highlighting keywords and strategies.

Activity 2: Independent Task

1. Learners complete a summary completion task independently.
2. Peer review to discuss strategies and compare answers.

Activity 3: Group Activity

• Divide learners into small groups.
• Assign each group a summary completion exercise.
• Groups present their reasoning for their answers to the class.

Assessment

• A timed practice test with a summary completion task from a sample IELTS Reading Passage 3.
• Use the IELTS band descriptors to provide feedback, focusing on accuracy and efficiency.

Closing Notes

Mastering Summary Completion tasks requires understanding the text, attention to detail, and the ability to identify paraphrased ideas. With consistent practice, learners can approach these tasks with confidence, significantly improving their chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Reading Academic test.

Resources

• Practice materials with answer keys.
• Synonym and paraphrasing reference sheets.
• Sample passages and summaries from past IELTS exams.