Techniques for Answering Summary Completion or Sentence Matching Questions in the Reading Section

Summary completion and sentence matching questions are common in the Reading section of the IELTS exam. These types of questions require you to understand the main ideas and details presented in the text and match them with the given options. To effectively answer these questions, you can follow the following techniques:




1. Skim the Text:
Skim through the passage to get a general understanding of the main ideas and the overall structure. Pay attention to headings, subheadings, and topic sentences to identify the main points.




2. Read the Instructions Carefully:
Read the instructions for each question type to understand what you are required to do. Pay attention to key words such as 'summary completion' or 'sentence matching' to determine the specific task.




3. Identify Keywords:
Identify keywords or phrases in the question and the options provided. Look for synonyms, antonyms, or words that carry the same meaning in the passage. Underline or highlight these keywords to keep track of them.




4. Focus on Context:
Pay attention to the context surrounding the missing sentence or the sentence to be matched. Look for clues such as transitional words, pronouns, or connecting phrases that indicate the flow of ideas. Use these clues to find the relevant information in the passage.




5. Scan for Specific Information:
Once you have identified the keywords and the context, scan the passage to find the specific information related to the question. Look for similar phrases, ideas, or facts that match the given options.




6. Eliminate Incorrect Options:
Use the process of elimination to eliminate any options that do not match the information in the passage. Cross out or eliminate the options that are clearly incorrect, leaving you with fewer choices to consider.




7. Check for Coherence:
Ensure that the selected sentence or completed summary maintains coherence and logical flow within the passage. The chosen answer should fit smoothly into the context and contribute to the overall meaning.




8. Review your Answers:
Before finalizing your answers, take a moment to review your choices and double-check if they accurately match the information in the passage. Make sure that your selected options align with the given instructions.




By following these techniques, you can approach summary completion and sentence matching questions in a systematic manner, enhancing your chances of answering them correctly. Practice these strategies during your preparation, and remember to manage your time effectively during the exam to complete all the questions within the given time limit.