TIPS & TRICKSGapped Text

Predict the missing word

Before you listen, read each sentence and decide what kind of word is missing: a noun, a number, a place, a job, an adjective. The words around the gap help: a, an or a plural verb all give clues.

Write what you hear

The answer is a word or phrase actually spoken in the recording. Don't rephrase it or swap in a synonym, however good. If the speaker says documentary, write documentary, not film.

Beware the first mention

Speakers often mention two or three possibilities before the right one: 'People assume the hardest part is the cold, but really it's the boredom.' Wait for the idea that fits your sentence exactly.

Only the missing words

Don't repeat words that are already in the sentence. If it says a trip to the, don't write the again. Read the whole sentence with your answer in it: it must be grammatically correct and make sense.

Spelling counts

A misspelt answer can lose the mark, so check common words and plural endings. If a name is spelled out letter by letter, copy it exactly. Write numbers as digits: it's quicker and safer.

Keep your place

The gaps come in order, so if you miss one, don't stop to think. Follow the next sentence and come back on the second listening. Never leave a gap empty at the end: a sensible guess can still score.

Strategy

1. 1Read the title and every sentence before the recording starts.
2. 2Predict the type of word each gap needs from the grammar and meaning around it.
3. 3Listen for the part of the recording that matches each sentence, then catch the exact words that fill the gap.
4. 4Write the words as you hear them, without turning them into synonyms.
5. 5Skip any gap you miss and stay with the speaker, since the answers come in order.
6. 6Fill the missing gaps and check doubtful ones on the second listening.
7. 7Reread each completed sentence to check its grammar, singular or plural, and spelling.
8. 8Complete every gap before the end, with your best guess if necessary.