Table Completion Questions – IELTS Listening
This article will give you a deep insight into strategy and tips for Table Completion Questions in IELTS Listening.
1. Introduction to Table Completion Questions IELTS Listening
Table Completion Questions in the IELTS Listening test are often in the form of a table made up horizontally or vertically of several columns and rows with a variety of missing words. The information in the table is generally categorised into groups with the same features, which makes it more feasible for you to follow the audio.
With this question type, you are required to fill in the gaps with information in the recording.
As long as you prepare a suitable strategy to follow and pay attention to some tips, Table Completion Questions may give you a great opportunity to get a high band score in the IELTS Listening test.
2. Table Completion Questions Strategies
2.1. Read the questions and requirements carefully
You should bear in mind that the requirements should be prioritised when you first look at the Table Completion Questions and other types of questions as well. Underline or circle the word limit written as ONLY ONE WORD or NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS or NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER to ensure your final answers.
2.2. Read the table and Identify keywords
With Table Completion Questions, you had better run through the information in the table and focus more on the headings of the rows and columns (e.g. Name of places, Of particular interest, Open) since they will help you locate the information more effortlessly whilst listening. Highlight or underline those and continue with the next step.
On the other hand, try to think of synonyms or paraphrases for changeable keywords because the speaker will use different languages in the recording.
>>> Read more: IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions
2.3. Predict the answers
Try to predict the gaps by utilizing the time given for preparation. You should first identify the word type of each blank and note down beside it.
In some cases, you can guess the answer for a gap based on the context and your background knowledge. Write down possible answers right beside the blank as the speaker may mention exactly what you have thought of.
2.4. Listen and fill in the blanks
Now, get ready to listen to the audio and do the Table Completion Questions. Make sure that you listen in detail and thoroughly to the recording, take more notice when the keywords or paraphrases, synonyms are mentioned and your answers will show up then.
2.5. Double-check answers
At the end of the Listening test, 10 minutes will be given for double-checking and transferring your answers to the answer sheet. The answers must be correctly written in terms of spelling, and grammatically make sense.
3. Tips for Table Completion Questions IELTS Listening
- Take note of words or numbers that are being mentioned when the audio is a conversation since those are presumably the answer for any gaps
- Practice more with six types of vocabulary that cause many problems for candidates including Time, Numbers, Dates, Letters, Addresses, Prices, etc.
- Be careful with units of measurements or abbreviations in your answers or it will result in a loss of points
- Read the instructions in the first place, otherwise, your answers may be unaccepted. Be careful with word limit (WRITE ONLY ONE WORD).
- Synonyms and paraphrases will be much preferred in use when the audio is playing, so think of those in advance
- Don’t take your background knowledge or personal experience for granted when answering the questions, based totally on the listening recording
- Don’t be trapped by the speaker with some linking words of contrast such as however, but, except, apart from, or Sorry!, etc.
These strategies and useful tips are expected to bring you the best experience with Table Completion Questions and get a high score in the IELTS Listening test.
To practice more with diverse types of questions in IELTS Listening, practice now: IELTS Listening Practice Test