
IELTS Reading Table completion is a widely encountered question type in both the IELTS Reading and IELTS Listening sections. These questions can be relatively easy to answer when you understand their typical structure and apply the right techniques.
In this blog, we’ll break down what Table Completion questions are in IELTS Reading, provide fresh examples, discuss step-by-step methods for solving them, and offer practical tips and exercises to help you prepare effectively. Let’s dive in!
Understanding IELTS Reading Table Questions
What Are IELTS Reading Table Completion Questions?
IELTS Table Completion questions are featured in both IELTS Academic Reading and General Reading tests. In these questions, you are asked to complete a table by filling in the missing information based on the passage you read. The information you need to fill in will be paraphrased or expressed using synonyms in the passage, testing your ability to grasp the main idea and extract key details.
Types of Table Completion Questions
- Table Completion with Suggested Answers
- Table Completion without Suggested Answers
Your task is to identify the relevant keywords or phrases from the passage and fill in the gaps accordingly. This exercise evaluates not only your comprehension but also your vocabulary and grammar skills as the answers must fit both the context and grammatical structure of the table.
Step-by-Step Strategies for Solving IELTS Reading Table Completion Questions
Let’s break down how to approach IELTS Reading Table Completion questions with a clear, systematic method.
Step 1 | Read the Instructions Carefully : Start by reading the instructions thoroughly. Pay attention to the word limit for each answer and whether you need to select words from a list or extract them directly from the passage. |
Step 2 | Analyze the Table Layout : Examine the table to understand the key information you need to fill in. Skim through the passage to get a general idea of the content and identify the types of details required for each column. |
Step 3 | Look for Keywords and Ideas : As you read the passage, highlight or note down keywords and phrases that may relate to the blanks in the table. For that, test-takers have to improve their IELTS vocabulary. This will help you locate relevant sections in the text quickly. |
Step 4 | Match Information with the Table : Now, go back to the questions and pick out the most appropriate words or phrases. Search for these in the passage, ensuring they correspond with the context of the table. |
Step 5 | Pay Attention to Paraphrasing : Remember that the answers may be paraphrased in the passage. Focus on finding synonyms or rephrased sentences that match the meaning of the blanks, rather than looking for exact words. |
Step 6 | Verify Your Answers : Once you have filled in the table, review your answers carefully. Ensure that they adhere to any word limits, are grammatically correct, and fit the meaning and context of the table |
Useful Tips for IELTS Reading Table Completion Questions
Here are some expert tips to keep in mind when tackling IELTS Reading Table Completion questions:
1. Read Instructions First
Carefully read the instructions at the start to understand the number of words you need to use and whether answers should come from a list or directly from the passage.
2. Focus on the Word Type
Check if the blank needs a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. Understanding the grammatical requirements will help you find the right word more easily.
3. Look for Paraphrases
Instead of searching for exact matches, look for synonyms or paraphrased expressions that convey the same meaning as the missing information.
4. Stay Calm and Methodical
If you encounter unfamiliar information, stay calm and apply the step-by-step strategy to find the right answers.
5. Eliminate Incorrect Answers
If you’re given a list of options, cross out those that don’t fit grammatically or contextually. This will narrow down your choices and make it easier to select the correct one.
6. Manage Your Time Effectively
Practice time management during your preparation. Don’t linger too long on one question. If you’re stuck, move on to the next and come back later if needed.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll improve your ability to answer Table Completion questions quickly and accurately.
Practice Test on IELTS Reading Table Completion
Try your hand at this new practice test on IELTS Reading Table Completion. Read the passage below and fill in the table with appropriate words from the text.
The History of Printing
Printing began in ancient China with the invention of woodblock printing. This method was first used to print texts on paper, with the earliest surviving examples dating back to the Tang dynasty. Over the centuries, the process evolved, and by the 15th century, movable type printing was introduced by Johannes Gutenberg in Germany. This allowed for faster printing and the mass production of books.
In the 19th century, the invention of lithography revolutionized printing. This technique uses a flat stone surface to print images and text, which made it possible to produce high-quality prints on a large scale. By the 20th century, digital printing was developed, using computers and printers to produce text and images electronically. Today, printing technologies continue to advance, with 3D printing offering new possibilities for creating objects and materials from digital designs.
Complete the table below with ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Time Period | Printing Technique |
---|---|
Ancient China | 1. ___________ printing |
15th Century | 2. ___________ type printing |
19th Century | 3. ___________ revolutionized printing |
20th Century | 4. ___________ printing developed |
Answers:
Time Period | Printing Technique |
---|---|
Ancient China | 1. Woodblock printing |
15th Century | 2. Movable type printing |
19th Century | 3. Lithography revolutionized printing |
20th Century | 4. Digital printing developed |
Explanation
- Woodblock printing :
The answer is found in the first line: “Printing began in ancient China with the invention of woodblock printing.” The correct term is “woodblock.” - Movable type printing :
The second answer is based on: “By the 15th century, movable type printing was introduced by Johannes Gutenberg in Germany.” Therefore, the answer is “movable type.” - Lithography :
The third answer comes from: “In the 19th century, the invention of lithography revolutionized printing.” The word “lithography” is the correct term describing the innovation in printing. - Digital printing :
The final answer is based on: “By the 20th century, digital printing was developed, using computers and printers to produce text and images electronically.” The term “digital printing” is used here.
This exercise helps you better understand the evolution of printing technologies and how to extract information from the passage to fill in the table accurately. Keep practicing, and your skills will improve over time.
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