IELTS Reading – Fill in the Blanks Tips Tricks & Strategies

Preparing for the IELTS exam, especially the IELTS Reading module, can be challenging for some aspirants. To not make you stand on the same side, today, in this article, I will cover IELTS Reading’s frequently asked question type; Fill in the Blanks, its Tips, Tricks & Strategies along with a solved practice sample to not miss out on any answer on blanks thereafter. After following the reading, you will be able to get an 8 or 9 band score in IELTS Reading.

IELTS Reading – Fill in the Blanks Tips, Tricks, and Strategies

In this question type of reading module, the candidates must fill the missing blank area of the statement depending on the information the reading passage highlights. Fill-ups are one of the complex questions because the examiner groups the passage & statements with synonyms, idiomatic words, and paraphrasing techniques to ensure the English language proficiency of IELTS aspirants.

Acknowledge the fact that similar words as in the reading passage are not given in your statements or options and therefore be attentive while solving IELTS Reading – Fill in the Blanks.

IELTS Reading – Fill in the Blanks practice sample

First, try to solve the following practice sample of IELTS Reading – Fill in the Blanks yourself.

Reading passage:

Instructions and Fill in the Blanks:

The above passage is on the health & safety measures undertaken by the staff of Hilton Laboratory, including directions of personal safety, how to dispose of rubbish safely, how to handle heavy objects, & staying alert while working. Additionally, the examiner instructs the candidates to not use more than two words in their response to the above fill-ups.

Fill in the Blanks Tips

Tip 1 – Mark the correct Paragraph.

The first and foremost step to follow, without missing any time, is to point out the correct paragraph to find an answer to a particular question. For example, question 24 is Items that could cause injury must be _______ before they are disposed of. In this statement, the word dispose of & injury indicates that the answer is in the second Paragraph, heading how to dispose of rubbish safely. Next, question 26 talks about moving objects easily, meaning those heavy because heavier things are hard to move from one place to another.

Note:
22 – 1st Paragraph
23 – 1st Paragraph
24 – 2nd Paragraph
25 – 2nd Paragraph
26 – 3rd Paragraph
27 – 4th Paragraph

Tip 2 – Maintain the order

This type of question has statements parallel to the reading passage meaning your answers will be in order so that if you are unable to answer any, you have a 70% chance of responding accurately by the method of guessing.

Tip 3 – Avoid Examples

The key to solving IELTS Reading Fill in the Blanks questions quickly as well as accurately is to avoid examples from the reading passage as your answers. Examples are added by the examiner to waste the time of candidates and confuse them with the right answer.

Fill in the Blanks Tricks

Tricks to solve the above sample quickly.

22) There are certain places in the building that staff should avoid unless they have_______.
Step 1 – The answer lies in.
1st paragraph.
Step 2 – Check for similar synonyms
Synonym – Places: areas
Avoid: restrict
Unless: without

Step 3 – Underline the correct line
Do not enter restricted areas without authorization.
Step 4 – Find & Write your correct answer Authorization

23) To ensure people can get out easily, it is important that there are no ____ to exist.
Step 1
1st paragraph
Step 2
Get out easily: affect access

Step 3
Do not wedge open fire doors or tamper with door closures & do not block
doorways, corridors, or stairs as obstructions may affect access in the event of a fire.
Step 4
The examiner has paraphrased the sentence adding examples of obstructions that can
affect the ease of access to people in the event of a fire or emergency.
Therefore, the correct answer is obstructions.

24) Items that could cause injury must be _______ before they are disposed of.
Step 1
2nd paragraph.

Step 2
Sharp objects are items that can cause injury Before they are disposed of means the examiner is looking for an answer to items that can cause injury to people after their disposal. Therefore, the accurate answer is a safety measure to undergo before disposal.
Step 3
Never put sharp objects such as razor blades or broken glass into waste bins without
having wrapped the items carefully to protect those emptying the bins.

Step 4
The correct answer is Wrapped (carefully) / (carefully) Wrapped.
25) Not all departments have the same system for dealing with ___ so you need to check before throwing things away.

Step 1
2nd Paragraph
Step 2
Same system: procedures
Check: contact
Step 3
Other waste procedures may vary – contact your Building or Divisional Safety Officer for advice with regard to your particular department.

Step 4
Procedures are associated with waste so the correct answer is Waste
26) _______ are available to make tasks that require moving objects easily.
Step 1
3rd Paragraph
Step 2
Here the examiner has used both Synonyms and paraphrasing technique
Provided: available
Do the job for you: Make tasks

Step 3
Never move anything that is beyond your capability. Whenever possible you should use the trolleys provided in the workspace to do the job for you.
Step 4
The correct answer is Trolleys
27) You should have _____ while you are working.
Solve this yourself with the above tricks.

Answers: