Lesson 25 · Lesson guide
Listening: Sentence Completion
Hello, my dear student!
Hello! In sentence completion you read sentences with a gap and write the missing words from the recording. It looks easy, but there is a rule many students forget: the completed sentence must make sense and be grammatical.
That means you can predict a lot before you listen. After “a” you need a singular noun; after “two” a plural noun; after “to” a verb. The sentence on the paper usually paraphrases what the speaker says, but the missing word itself is usually said exactly.
Today you will practise predicting, checking the grammar, keeping to the word limit and spelling the answer correctly, in talks about sleep and health research.
See you in the exercises,Your teacher
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The method
Step 1
Predict the word type
a / an / the + ___ → a noun. to + ___ → a verb. very + ___ → an adjective. two / many + ___ → a plural noun.
- Bring a ___ . → a singular noun
- Try to ___ more water. → a verb
Step 2
Listen for the paraphrase
The sentence uses different words, but the missing word is usually the speaker’s own word.
- Audio: “avoid coffee” → She was told not to drink ___ .
Step 3
Check the grammar
Read the whole sentence with your answer. Singular or plural? The right verb form?
- Take two tablets. (not tablet)
Remember!
Predict the type → listen for the exact word → read the full sentence again → check the limit and spelling.
Grammar clues before the gap
a / an ___
a singular noun
two / several / many ___
a plural noun
to ___ / should ___
a verb (base form)
very / quite ___
an adjective
a lack of ___
a noun
Mistakes that cost marks
Not: Take two ___ → tabletSay: tablets
two → plural. A missing -s is a wrong answer.
Not: Limit ONE WORD: back ___ → back painSay: pain
Don’t repeat words that are already in the sentence.
Not: medecineSay: medicine
A spelling mistake is a wrong answer.
Check yourself
“Patients should ___ before the test.” What kind of word?
Is the missing word usually a paraphrase?
Now it’s your turn!
8 short parts, each a little harder than the one before. Take your time: mistakes are how we learn.
— Your teacher