
The IELTS Listening Sentence Completion task tests your ability to catch specific details like numbers, dates, names, and descriptions. Your goal is to fill in the blanks with the exact words you hear in the audio. This task not only evaluates your listening skills but also trains you to stay focused and attentive to details.
What Is Sentence Completion in IELTS Listening?
This type of question provides a set of incomplete sentences, and your job is to complete them based on what you hear. The key is accuracy—your answers must match the audio precisely without altering the meaning or spelling.
Question Format | Focus | Tip |
---|---|---|
Complete the sentence in 1-3 words | Tests specific details like places or times | Stick to the word limit to avoid penalties. |
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Fast Audio Pace: The speakers may talk quickly, making it easy to miss key details. To prepare, predict the type of answer you’re listening for (e.g., a number, a name, or a location) based on the sentence structure.
- Extra Information: Speakers often include unnecessary details to confuse you. Focus on keywords in the question and listen carefully for relevant answers.
- Synonyms and Paraphrasing: Sometimes, the words in the sentence aren’t exactly repeated in the audio. For example, if the question says “cost-effective,” the audio might use “affordable.” Train yourself to understand the meaning, not just the exact words.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Word Limits: Pay attention to instructions like “no more than two words.” Writing extra words, even if they seem logical, will cost you points.
- Random Guessing: If you miss an answer, stay calm and move on. Guessing without context may cause you to lose focus and miss the next question.
- Grammatical Errors: Ensure your answer fits grammatically within the sentence. For example, “The project was completed in ___” requires a time frame like “April,” not “the month of April.”
Now that you understand the task, listen to the audio and give it your best shot!
IELTS Listening Sentence Completion: Practice
Listen to the audio and answer the questions below.
Questions 1–6
Complete the sentences below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
- Drinking at least ________ of water daily prevents dehydration.
- Sleep should last between ________ hours each night.
- A minimum of ________ portions of fruits and vegetables should be eaten daily.
- People should avoid eating ________ to lower the risk of heart disease.
- It is recommended to do at least ________ of exercise every day.
- Reducing ________ through relaxation techniques can improve mental health.
IELTS Listening Sentence Completion Practice: Audio Transcript
Good morning, everyone. Today, we will discuss key habits for a healthy lifestyle. First, it is crucial to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated. Lack of water can lead to headaches and fatigue.
Another essential habit is getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep quality can affect concentration and weaken the immune system.
In terms of diet, eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day provides essential nutrients. Avoiding processed foods can also help reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease.
Regular exercise is equally important. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can improve cardiovascular health.
Lastly, managing stress levels through meditation or deep breathing exercises can enhance mental well-being. Developing these habits can significantly improve overall health and quality of life.
Answers :
- eight glasses
- seven to nine
- five servings
- processed foods
- 30 minutes
- stress levels
Explanations:
- For the first question : The answer is eight glasses because the speaker mentions, “First, it is crucial to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated.” This indicates that consuming this amount of water is necessary for maintaining hydration and avoiding issues like fatigue and headaches. The phrase “at least eight glasses” directly provides the required information.
- For the second question : The correct answer is seven to nine, which refers to the number of hours of sleep needed each night. The passage states, “Another essential habit is getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep quality can affect concentration and weaken the immune system.” This suggests that sleeping within this range is beneficial for overall health, preventing issues related to cognitive function and immunity.
- For the third question : The speaker mentions, “Eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day provides essential nutrients.” This confirms that five servings is the minimum recommended daily intake. Including enough fruits and vegetables in one’s diet ensures sufficient vitamins and minerals, which contribute to better overall health and well-being.
- For the fourth question : The correct answer is processed foods because the transcript states, “Avoiding processed foods can also help reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease.” This highlights the negative impact of consuming highly processed items, which are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and preservatives. Avoiding such foods can lower the chances of developing serious health issues.
- For the fifth question : The passage clearly states, “Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.” This means that engaging in activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming for 30 minutes daily is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Regular physical activity helps improve endurance, muscle strength, and energy levels.
- For the sixth question : The correct answer is stress levels, as the transcript explains, “Managing stress levels through meditation or deep breathing exercises can enhance mental well-being.” This suggests that reducing stress through relaxation techniques is beneficial for maintaining emotional and psychological health. High stress levels can lead to anxiety and other health issues, making it essential to manage stress effectively.
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