[shc_shortcode class=”shc_mybox”]Reading task type six: table completion
Task description
You will be provided with an incomplete table which summarises or
paraphrases information given in the reading text. The information in table
form may be organised differently from the way in which it appears in the
text, for example chronologically instead of in order of importance. The
task is to complete the gaps in three words or fewer.
What is being tested is your ability to
♦= skim for specific information
♦= understand gist and paraphrase
Sample task
Complete the table below using information from the reading passage.
Write no more than three words for each answer. Write your answers in
boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet.
Problem Cause of the problem Regulated after the
Titanic disaster?
(Write Yes, No or
Doesn’t say)
Position of icebergs
not plotted
… (1) … scattered all over
the ship
Doesn’t say
Insufficient lifeboats … (2) … regulations … (3) …
Lifeboats not full a) ignorance of the extent
of the danger
b) fear that the lifeboats
would … (5) …
… (4) …
… (6) …
Californian didn’t
listen to the distress
calls
No … (7) … wireless
operation
How to approach table completion tasks
Step 1: Read the instructions carefully. Note that in the sample task
you may use your own words if you wish, based on the
information in the reading text. In other cases you will be
instructed to use the words from the reading text only. Note
also that here you may write only three words or fewer.
Step 2: Look at the table and especially any headings. Decide which
is the most useful way to read the table. In this case you
need to read it horizontally to answer the questions. Glance
at the other information given in the table to get an idea of
what information you will be searching for when you read.
Step 3: Look at the first row under the headings. Decide what key
ideas you will need to search for as you skim the reading
text. Decide also what information you will need to complete
the first gap. For example, in the sample task you will skim
for a paragraph or section discussing icebergs not being
plotted because something was scattered all over the ship.
What was that something?
Step 4: Skim the text for the appropriate paragraph or section.
TIPS AND TRICKS MENU FOR IELTS STUDENT
TIPS AND TRICKS MENU FOR IELTS STUDENT
TIPS AND TRICKS MENU FOR IELTS STUDENT
Step 5: Read that section more carefully and decide on the best
word or words to fill the gap. Remember th[/shc_shortcode]