Struggling with IELTS Reading Gap-Filling questions?
Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Many students find this question type tricky because it tests both understanding and attention to detail.
In this guide, I’ll show you a simple step-by-step strategy to help you find the correct answers quickly and confidently.
🔍 What Is Gap-Filling in IELTS Reading?
In the IELTS Reading test, Gap-Filling (or sentence completion) questions ask you to complete sentences using information from the passage.
You may need to fill in:
- A word (noun, verb, adjective, etc.)
- A number or date
- A name or place
Example:
Henry Moore was born in ________.
Your task is to find that missing word directly from the passage.
🎯 Fahim Sir’s 7-Step Gap-Filling Strategy
Follow these easy steps to score higher in this section:
1. Understand the Question
Read the sentence carefully. Notice what kind of word is missing — is it a name, place, date, or idea?
2. Predict the Answer
Before reading the passage, try to guess what type of word fits the blank.
Example: “in ________” → probably a place.
3. Select Keywords
Find 2–3 important words in the question that will help you locate the right part of the passage.
Example: “Henry Moore” or “born”.
4. Find the Keywords in the Passage
Scan the text quickly to find those words or synonyms (similar meanings).
5. Read the Full Sentence
When you find the keyword, read the whole sentence to understand the full meaning. Don’t stop at just one word.
6. Check Before and After
If you don’t see the answer clearly, read one or two lines before or after the keywords. IELTS often hides answers nearby!
7. Determine the Final Answer
Choose the word that fits both meaning and grammar.
✅ Check spelling carefully.
✅ Make sure it fits naturally in the sentence.
💡 Fahim Sir’s Quick Tips
- Don’t copy more than the allowed number of words (usually NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER).
- Watch for synonyms and paraphrasing. The question rarely uses the exact same words as the passage.
- Manage your time — don’t spend more than 1 minute per question.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Gap-Filling questions are not difficult once you follow a clear plan.
Practice these seven steps daily with real IELTS Reading passages, and you’ll see a big improvement in accuracy and confidence.
Remember — understanding the logic of the passage is more important than finding matching words.
