What it is: You read notes with gaps and hear a recording. Write the missing words. 1 mark per gap.
The instruction on the paper: Complete the following gaps. Use no more than three words for each gap.
Example: Complete the following gaps.
Press play, fill the gaps, then show the answer.
You are going to hear a teacher's message about a school trip.
- Your notes: • Meet at the [ – 1 – ] at 8:30. • Bring a packed lunch and a [ – 2 – ].
Hi everyone, it's Ms Patel. Our trip to the science museum is on Friday. The coach leaves from the main gate at half past eight, so please don't be late. Bring a packed lunch and a notebook. We'll be back at school by four.
- 1. main gate · 2. notebook
- Complete the following gaps.
- Write the missing words.
- no more than three words
- One, two or three words. Never four.
- for each gap
- The limit counts for every gap.
- [ – 12 – ]
- Gap 12. Write it on line 12.
- The journalist's notes:
- The gaps are in someone's notes.
Remember: Write the words you hear, and spell them clearly. The line must make sense with your answer.
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Fill the gap
Read around each gap
Use the reading time. Read the words before and after.
Predict the word
A number? A place? A thing?
Write what you hear
Use the speaker's words. Three words at most.
Check it fits
Read the line again with your answer.
Read → Predict → Write → Check
Example: predict, then listen
You are going to hear an advert for a cooking class.
- Cooking class: • Day: [ – 1 – ] • The price includes: [ – 2 – ]
Our Italian cooking class runs every Tuesday evening. It costs twenty pounds, and that includes all the ingredients. You'll learn to make fresh pasta and a simple tomato sauce.
- 1. Tuesday · 2. (all) the ingredients
Know your predicted grade
Take timed mock exams and get detailed feedback on every answer. See exactly where you're losing marks.
This is how it feels: In the exam you hear it twice and never see the words. Try it here.
Complete the following gaps. Use no more than three words for each gap.
You are going to hear a radio report about a new city bike scheme.
- The reporter's notes: • Start date: next [ – 1 – ] • Most stations: near train stations and [ – 2 – ] • Pay with your [ – 3 – ] • Free for the first [ – 4 – ] • Under-16s must wear a [ – 5 – ]
From next Monday, the city is starting a bike-sharing scheme. There will be forty stations, mostly near train stations and parks. To use a bike, you download the free app and pay with your phone. The first thirty minutes are free; after that it costs one pound an hour. The bikes are checked every week, and riders under sixteen must wear a helmet.
- 1. Monday · 2. parks · 3. phone · 4. thirty minutes · 5. helmet
Use the speaker's words: Write the words you hear. Don't add words that are already in the notes.
Do
- Read around the gap first.
- Write the words you hear.
- Keep to three words or fewer.
Don't
- Write a whole sentence.
- Repeat words already in the notes.
- Leave a gap empty.