Summary and sentence completion
Summary, sentence, note and table completion: predict the missing word, find the section, copy words exactly and respect word limits.
In this lesson you will
- Predict the grammar and meaning of each gap
- Locate the relevant section of the passage
- Copy words exactly within word limits
Learn
Predict: read around each gap. Does it need a noun, verb, adjective or number? Singular or plural? What meaning fits?
Locate: summaries usually cover one section of the passage; answers are usually in order. Use the first and last gaps to find the section.
From the passage vs from a box: if the answers come from the passage, copy the words exactly (spelling, form). If there’s a word box, the words may be synonyms of the passage — choose by meaning and grammar.
Word limits: NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS — don’t add extra words; the sentence must be grammatical once complete.
Examples
- “The scheme was funded by ___.” → noun/organisation.
- “Visitors increased by ___.” → number/percentage.
- Box answer: passage says “costly” → box word “expensive”.
Vocabulary
summary
a short version of a longer text
word box
a list of possible answers
grammatical
correct according to grammar rules
exactly
with no changes
locate
find
In real life
Read the passage.
The first public libraries in Britain opened in the 1850s, funded by local taxes. At first, many were small, with only a few hundred books, and borrowers had to ask a librarian to fetch each item.
The introduction of open shelves in the 1890s allowed readers to browse freely, and borrowing increased dramatically. In the twentieth century, libraries expanded their services to include children’s sections, music and, eventually, computers and free internet access.
Practice
The first public libraries were funded by local ___. (ONE WORD)
Lesson quiz
First step for each gap:
Review
Key points
- Predict type and meaning.
- Locate the section.
- Copy exactly (passage) or choose by meaning (box).
- Respect word limits.
What you learned
- ✓ I can complete summaries and sentences.
- ✓ I predict answers.
- ✓ I respect word limits.