Reading gap fill 

is one task you may get in the IELTS test. You have to fill in the gaps of a
summary of part of the text using words from a box. 

There may be more words than you need to use so you need to find the part of the reading
that refers to the summary and make sure that you work out which word will fit.

ELTS Reading – Fill in the Blanks Tips | Tricks | Strategies

Preparing for the IELTS exam, especially the 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 | 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 is 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 exits.

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 which 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:

22- Authorisation
23- Obstruction
24- wrapped (carefully)/(carefully) wrapped
25- waste/rubbish
26- Trolleys
27- (regular) breaks