IELTS Reading – Practice Test 4 – Summary Completion Questions

Take a Listen!

 

Reading & Practice Time: 20 Minutes

 

Summary Completion Questions

Summary completion questions in the IELTS Reading section look at a candidate’s ability to understand the main ideas and significant details within a passage. Candidates are given a summary of the text with several blanks, and they must complete the summary using the words FROM THE PASSAGE.

Here are some quick tips to help candidates effectively answer summary completion questions:

1. Read the summary: Start by quickly reading the summary to get an idea of the overall theme and structure. This will help you understand the context of the missing information.
2. Skim the passage: Skim the passage to locate the sections that correspond to the summary. Take note of keywords and phrases that signal important information.
3. Match information: Carefully match the information in the passage with the blanks in the summary. Be mindful of synonyms and paraphrases that convey the same meaning.
4. Grammatical consistency: Check that the chosen words or phrases fit grammatically within the context of the summary. Pay attention to singular/plural forms, verb tenses, and correct word forms.
5. Review: After completing the summary, review your answers to ensure they accurately reflect the main ideas and key details of the passage.

In the next part, you will read a passage on the different ways people complain when they are dissatisfied or angry.

 

Complaining – A Study of Human Dissatisfaction

Paragraph 1

Complaining is a universal human behavior that manifests in various forms, depending on the individual and the situation at hand. From whining to snarling, this article explores the diverse methods through which people express their dissatisfaction.

Paragraph 2

Whining is often associated with a high-pitched, drawn-out tone of voice, frequently used by children or those in a state of distress. It is a somewhat passive-aggressive approach, indirectly communicating one’s displeasure without directly stating the issue.

Paragraph 3

Ranting, on the other hand, involves an animated and impassioned verbal expression of dissatisfaction, where the individual loudly and forcefully voices their complaint. It is often seen as a cathartic release, allowing the person to vent their frustrations and momentarily alleviate their pent-up emotions.

Paragraph 4

Objecting, a more assertive form of complaining, entails stating one’s disagreement with a situation or decision. It is a form of self-advocacy, employed when one believes that their rights or beliefs have been disregarded.

Paragraph 5

Grumbling and moaning are both passive expressions of dissatisfaction, often involving muttered expressions of discontent or displeased body language. These behaviors are subtle, indirect methods of expressing unhappiness, typically utilized in social situations where overtly complaining may be deemed inappropriate.

Paragraph 6

Protesting, in contrast, is a more organized and vocal form of expressing dissatisfaction. It involves publicly demonstrating one’s opposition to a decision or situation, often involving groups of people rallying together to voice their shared discontent.

Paragraph 7

Bickering is a form of verbal sparring that involves heated arguments and persistent disagreements between two or more people. It is a more antagonistic form of complaining, where those involved are more invested in their own perspective than in resolving.

Paragraph 8

Griping is an informal, conversational form of complaining where individuals casually express their dissatisfaction, often with the intention of eliciting sympathy or agreement from their audience. It is a bonding experience, fostering a sense of camaraderie among those who share similar grievances.

Paragraph 9

Nagging is a repetitive form of complaining, where an individual persistently expresses their dissatisfaction with the hope of eliciting change or compliance from others. It is often characterized by a relentless, persistent pursuit of one’s desired outcome.

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Lastly, snarling is an aggressive form of complaining that involves hostile, intimidating verbal or non-verbal expressions of dissatisfaction. Intense emotions often fuel this confrontational approach and can escalate to more serious conflicts if not appropriately addressed.

Paragraph 11

In conclusion, the art of complaining is multifaceted and situation-dependent. Understanding these diverse expressions of discontent can provide valuable insights into human behavior, enabling individuals to navigate social interactions and address dissatisfaction more effectively.

 

Questions 1 – 8

Complete the summary using ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Write your answers in the blank spaces provided on your answer sheet (download link below).

People around the globe express their dissatisfaction in a range of ways that vary according to personal characteristics and (1) __________. Some forms of complaint are understated and indirect, with (2) __________ being a common example, especially among children or those experiencing distress. On the other hand, ranting serves as an emotional and (3) __________ means of releasing pent-up feelings. Subtle expressions of unhappiness, such as grumbling and moaning, are prevalent in (4) __________ contexts. Meanwhile, protesting entails (5) __________ voicing opposition to a decision or circumstance. (6) __________ disputes typify the confrontational nature of bickering, while nagging continually aims to bring about (7) __________ or compliance. Lastly, snarling utilizes antagonistic verbal and nonverbal cues to convey discontent. Understanding these varied (8) __________ of dissatisfaction allows people to better manage social interactions and address issues more effectively.

 

Important Words and Phrases

Here is a list of useful vocabulary and phrases from the passage, along with their meanings:

1. Manifests: Becomes evident or apparent.
2. Dissatisfaction: Being unhappy.
3. Distress: Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
4. Pent-up: Suppressed or held back emotions.
5. Assertive: Confident and forceful in expressing oneself.
6. Self-advocacy: The act of representing and speaking up for oneself.
7. Disregarded: Ignored or not taken into consideration.
8. Subtle: Understated or not obvious.
9. Indirect: Not straightforward or explicit.
10. Overtly: Openly or explicitly.
11. Demonstrating: Showing or making evident.
12. Contentious: Causing or likely to cause controversy or disagreement.
13. Sparring: Verbal exchange of arguments.
14. Antagonistic: Showing or expressing hostility or opposition.
15. Grievances: Complaints or grudges.
16. Camaraderie: Mutual trust and friendship among people.
17. Relentless: Unwavering persistence.
18. Persistent: Refusing to give up or let go.
19. Eliciting: Evoking or drawing out a response or reaction.
20. Compliance: The act of adhering to rules or requests.
21. Intimidating: Causing fear or uneasiness.
22. Hostile: Showing aggression or opposition.
23. Confrontational: Characterized by open disagreement or conflict.

By understanding these words and phrases, you can better comprehend future passages and increase your chances of answering IELTS reading questions correctly.

 

In Conclusion

Consistent and dedicated practice is crucial for mastering the IELTS Reading section. Through regular practice, candidates can develop essential skills such as skimming, scanning, and comprehending complex texts. Familiarity with various question types, including summary completion, enables test-takers to approach the exam with confidence and efficiency.

 

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IELTS Reading – Practice Test 2: Artificial Intelligence

IELTS Reading – Practice Test 3: Lifestyles and Well-being

 

Download:

IELTS Reading Answer Sheet (PDF)

 

Answer Key

1. Situation 
2. Whining 
3. Animated 
4. Social
5. Publicly
6. Verbal
7. Change 
8. Expressions