Scoring Strategy for Form Completion Question Type in IELTS Listening

In the IELTS Listening test, the Form Completion question type appears frequently. You will almost always encounter this format in practice sections and actual test papers. Although considered relatively easy, many test takers still struggle with this task type or make avoidable mistakes that result in lost marks.

This article will outline an effective strategy for tackling Form Completion questions, highlight common problems to watch out for, and provide sample exercises to help you become familiar with the task format.

Form Completion questions require candidates to fill in missing information using words or numbers to complete a given form or summary. This task type is commonly found in IELTS Listening Sections 1 and 2.

You will usually hear a conversation between two speakers, often over the phone. Common scenarios for Form Completion include:

• Job application forms

• Order forms or quotation request forms

Example 1 – Job application form format: The audio may feature a conversation between a youth council manager and a young person applying to join the council.

Example 2 – Shipping quotation form format: This may involve a phone conversation between a customer and a shipping agency representative regarding an international shipping quote.

We will use the shipping form example above to explain step-by-step strategies and tips for answering effectively in the following sections.

You will have one minute to read the questions before the audio begins. Make the most of this time by previewing the form, understanding the context, and identifying key information to listen for.

Step 1: Read the instructions and understand the word limit

Always check the instructions to know how many words or numbers you are allowed to write. For example:

• ONE WORD ONLY: You can write only one word. For example, if the answer is “student”, writing “a student” will be incorrect.

• ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER: Your answer can be a word, a number, or both. For example: “April”, “19h”, or “19th April”.

• NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS: Your answer must contain a maximum of three words.

Step 2: Understand the context and predict the answers

Even if the form does not have a title, the task will provide a brief introduction that gives context. For example, a task may say: “PACKHAM’S SHIPPING AGENCY – customer quotation form”.

Understanding the context helps you predict the type of information that will be mentioned in the audio. Typical answers for Form Completion include:

• Personal details: name, address, phone number, postcode, date

• Measurements: dimensions, weight, quantity

• Prices or percentages

• Specific word types: nouns, verbs, adjectives

Example predictions:

• Answer 1: surname

• Answer 2: university name

• Answer 3: postcode with letters and numbers

• Answers 4 and 5: measurements

• Answers 6 and 7: items packed

• Answer 8: price in figures

Note: Answers that are proper nouns (e.g. names, places) must begin with a capital letter. If capitalization worries you, consider writing all your answers in uppercase letters on the IELTS Listening answer sheet.

Step 3: Listen carefully and fill in the blanks

Focus on the audio and write the missing information as you hear it. Accuracy is key. Make sure you check grammar and meaning when writing your answers.

Speakers in the audio often use synonyms or paraphrased expressions, so avoid relying too heavily on keywords. Understanding the overall meaning will help you locate the correct answers more reliably.

Exercise 1: Form Completion 1

Listen to the audio clip for Form Completion 1.

Answers:

• Steel

• August 17 or 17 August

• Thursdays

• museum

• Polish

Exercise 2: Form Completion 2

Listen to the audio clip for Form Completion 2.

Answers:

• Mkere

• Westall

• BS8 9PU

Answer 4 – acceptable variations:

• 0.75 m / meter / meters (wide)

• ¾ m (wide)

• 75 cm / cms (wide)

Answer 5 – acceptable variations:

• 0.5 m / meter / meters (high or deep)

• half meter / meters (high or deep)

• ½ m (high or deep)

• 50 cm / cms (high or deep)

Answers 6 and 7 – can be written in either order:

• books

• toys

Answer 8:

• 1,700

Prepare for IELTS Listening Form Completion with IDP

With the strategies and examples provided above, we hope you can confidently practice and improve your performance in Form Completion questions. Each learner has a unique approach, so it’s important to try different methods during your preparation and find what works best for you.

With years of experience in supporting IELTS candidates, IDP provides free access to a wide range of preparation resources, including expert articles, tips, and video lessons.

You can also register for mock tests at IDP IELTS test centers, attend IELTS events and seminars guided by IDP professionals, and explore sample questions with expert video explanations.

Register for your IELTS test with IDP today!