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IELTS Prep · Listening · Quick Reference

Lesson 4 — Gap Fill Strategy Cheat Sheet

Listening
In one line: Predict before, keep pace during, check spelling and word limit after — most gap-fill marks are lost to slips, not comprehension.

Key Ideas

1Before. Read all questions, predict word type, underline keywords, note word limit.
2During. Follow the text in order, listen for synonyms, write as you listen.
3Missed one? Skip it and keep up — don't fall behind chasing it.
4After. Check grammar (singular/plural), spelling, and word limit.
5Spelling. Both British and American spelling are accepted.

Common Traps

Speaker changes mind
Final answer given is correct
Recording paraphrases question
Listen for meaning, not exact words
"NO MORE THAN 3 WORDS"
A 4-word answer is marked wrong