IELTS lesson · Reading

IELTS Reading Summary Completion notesSummary gaps: word type first

Work out the word type, sort the box, then match the meaning. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 11 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 11 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: type, sort, find and match. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 8 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 11 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSReading · Summary completion

    The echo word is bait

    why the copied word can be wrong

    A box word that copies the passage can be bait. Check what the gap means.

    Passage: "Bread sold well in summerecho, wrong gap but poorly in winter." Summary: "Sales were weakest in ____." Box: summer, winter. Both words are in the passage.

    Match meaning, not wording.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 11
  2. IELTSReading · Summary completion

    How the task works

    two versions, one skill

    The task gives youWhat that means
    Two versionsText words or a box
    The summaryCovers part of the text
    Answer orderMay differ from the text
    Where to lookUsually one part of it
    Think aboutWord type: noun, verb

    In the box version, you choose from a list.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 11
  3. Card 3 of 11 onwards

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11 cards

Contents

  1. 1The echo word is baitwhy the copied word can be wrongIn the preview
  2. 2How the task workstwo versions, one skillIn the preview
  3. 3Type, sort, find, matchfour moves for every gapFree account
  4. 4Meet the passagethe summary will retell itWith a plan
  5. 5Meet the summary and boxthree gaps, six wordsWith a plan
  6. 6Q1: a noun gapcopy the idea, not always the wordWith a plan
  7. 7Q2: an adjective gapone word echoes the fixWith a plan
  8. 8Q3: the echo trapthe passage's own word is baitWith a plan
  9. 9Two mix-ups to fixthe echo and the orderWith a plan
  10. 10Your turnthree more gaps, same passageWith a plan
  11. 11Save thisthe summary-completion checklistWith a plan

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FAQ

Is the Summary gaps: word type first lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

Can I download the Summary gaps: word type first PDF?+

The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

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