IELTS Reading: Flow Chart and Table Completion

Introduction:

Picture this: You’re sitting in the IELTS exam hall, flipping through the Reading section, and BAM! A flowchart and a table completion task stare back at you. Your mind goes blank. Panic? Nope! Because you’ve got this.

Did you know that nearly 30% of IELTS Reading questions involve filling in missing information in some form? That means 1 out of 3 chances to boost your score! These questions test your ability to skim, scan, and spot keywords like a detective—so let’s turn you into Sherlock Holmes of IELTS Reading!

If you’ve ever played a puzzle game where missing pieces need to be found, you’re already halfway there. But unlike childhood puzzles, this one counts towards your dream university! So, let’s dive into some pro tips, tricks, and hacks to make flow charts and table completion your stronghold. Because trust me, after this guide, you’ll start seeing missing words even in your grocery lists!

Why These Question Types Matter?

You might be wondering, "Why should I focus on these specific question types? Can’t I just read the passage and figure out the answers?" Well, not exactly! Flow chart and table completion questions are super common in the IELTS Reading test, and knowing how to tackle them efficiently can significantly boost your score. In fact, nearly 30% of IELTS Reading questions involve some form of missing-word completion, meaning you're almost guaranteed to encounter one of these in your exam. The better you get at solving them, the higher your chances of scoring well.

Another reason these questions matter is that they help you find answers faster. The IELTS Reading section is all about time management, and you simply don’t have time to read the entire passage word-for-word. Flow charts break down a process or sequence into clear steps, making it easier to locate missing details. Tables, on the other hand, organize facts neatly, allowing you to compare and extract information quickly. Once you understand their patterns, you’ll be able to predict where answers might be found, saving you valuable time during the test.

Beyond the IELTS exam, these question types also improve your real-life reading skills. Think about it—when you read a long article, research paper, or even an instruction manual, do you read every single word? Probably not! Instead, you scan for key details and focus on what’s important. By practicing flow chart and table completion questions, you’re developing a skill that will help you not just in academics, but also in everyday reading situations.

Mastering these question types isn't just about scoring higher on IELTS—it’s about becoming a faster, smarter reader overall. With the right techniques, you’ll go from searching for answers blindly to finding them with confidence and accuracy. And who knows? These skills might even come in handy the next time you’re quickly skimming through a long email or a restaurant menu!

Flow Chart

A flow chart is a visual representation of a process, sequence, or progression of events. It breaks down complex information into simpler steps, making it easier to understand how something happens.

Think of it like a recipe—you start with the ingredients (Step 1), mix them (Step 2), cook them (Step 3), and finally serve the dish (Step 4). A flow chart guides you through each stage in a logical order.

Example Time (Flow Chart)

Imagine you get a flow chart about how honey is made:

The Process of Making Organic Honey

- Bees collect nectar from flowers.
- Nectar is stored in the hive and mixed with ________.
- Worker bees ________ the nectar by fanning their wings.
- ________ is sealed in honeycombs and left to mature.

How Do You Solve This?(Flow Chart)

Step 1: Identify Keywords – Look at words around the blanks. "Mix," "worker bees," and "honeycombs" are your clues!

Step 2: Skim & Scan – Quickly scan the passage for words related to nectar, worker bees, and honeycombs.

Step 3: Use the Passage’s Words – If the passage says, “Bees mix nectar with enzymes before storing it”, then the answer is enzymes. Simple, right?

Pro Tip(Flow Chart)

Answers always appear in order in the passage. So, if you find one, the next is nearby—no need to search randomly like a detective on a wild goose chase! 

What is a Table

A table is a structured way of presenting organized information, often in categories, comparisons, or lists. It’s used in the IELTS Reading section to test how well you can extract key details from the passage.

Think of a table as a quick-reference guide that allows you to find information without reading paragraphs of text.

How Tables Look

Tables often organize data into rows and columns, where:

Each row represents a category or item (e.g., different countries, products, animals).
Each column represents specific details about those items (e.g., lifespan, features, effects).

Example Time! (Table)

Let’s say the question gives you this table:

How Do You Solve This? (Table)

Step 1: Spot the Keywords – Look at what’s already there! Words like “Elephant,” “Lifespan,” and “Unique Feature” will guide you.

Step 2: Find the Information in the Passage – If the passage says, “Elephants have large ears that help them stay cool”, then the missing word is ears.

Step 3: Keep It Simple & Accurate – Don’t add extra words. If the instructions say "Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS," follow that rule!

Pro Tip! (Table)

Be on the lookout for synonyms! If the passage says, "A falcon can live up to 15 years," then the answer is 15 years, even though the word “lifespan” isn’t directly used.

Key Differences Between Flow Charts & Tables

Common Pitfalls

Practice Exercises

Question 1: Flow Chart Completion

Complete the flow chart below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
(Source: IELTS Reading, 2019)

Process of Water Purification:

1. Water is collected from _______________
2. It is transported to the _______________
3. Water is filtered to remove large particles.
4. Water is treated with _______________ to eliminate bacteria.
5. Finally, the clean water is stored in _______________ before distribution.

Question 2: Table Completion

Complete the table below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
(Source: IELTS Reading, 2020)

Question 3: Flow Chart Completion

Complete the flow chart below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
(Source: IELTS Reading, 2021)

The Process of Producing Silk:

1. Silk is harvested from ___________
2. The cocoons are ___________ in hot water.
3. The silk fibers are ___________ into threads.
4. The threads are then ___________ to make fabric.
5. Finally, the fabric is ___________ before use.

Question 4: Table Completion

Complete the table below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
(Source: IELTS Reading, 2022)

Question 5: Flow Chart Completion

Complete the flow chart below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
(Source: IELTS Reading, 2023)

The Stages of Plant Growth:

1. Seeds are planted in ___________.
2. Seeds begin to _______________ when exposed to water.
3. The seedlings start to grow and develop _______________.
4. The plants reach full maturity and produce _______________.
5. Finally, the seeds are _____________ to start the cycle again.

Question 6: Table Completion

Complete the table below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
(Source: IELTS Reading, 2023)

Solutions

Solution 1: Flow Chart Completion

1. Water is collected from rivers
2. It is transported to the treatment plant
3. Water is filtered to remove large particles.
4. Water is treated with chlorine to eliminate bacteria.
5. Finally, the clean water is stored in reservoirs before distribution.

(Source: IELTS Reading, 2019)

Solution 2: Table Completion

(Source: IELTS Reading, 2020)

By practicing these types of exercises, you can sharpen your skills and improve your accuracy when facing Flow Chart and Table Completion questions in the IELTS Reading section.

Solution 3: Flow Chart Completion

1. Silk is harvested from silkworms
2. The cocoons are boiled in hot water.
3. The silk fibers are unwound into threads.
4. The threads are then spooled to make fabric.
5. Finally, the fabric is dyed before use.

(Source: IELTS Reading, 2021)

Solution 4: Table Completion

(Source: IELTS Reading, 2022)

These additional exercises will help you become more familiar with the format of Flow Chart and Table Completion questions, improving both your reading speed and accuracy for the IELTS test. Keep practicing to refine your technique!

Solution 5: Flow Chart Completion

1. Seeds are planted in soil.
2. Seeds begin to germinate when exposed to water.
3. The seedlings start to grow and develop roots.
4. The plants reach full maturity and produce flowers.
5. Finally, the seeds are dispersed to start the cycle again.

(Source: IELTS Reading, 2023)

Solution 6: Table Completion

(Source: IELTS Reading, 2023)

Conclusion:

So, here we are—you’ve learned the ins and outs of tackling Flow Chart and Table Completion questions for the IELTS Reading section. Now, it’s time to take a deep breath and realize that you're fully equipped to ace these question types. It might seem like a lot at first, but trust me, with practice, you’ll be completing these questions faster than you can say “Where’s my coffee?”

Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about consistency and smart practice. The more you expose yourself to different question types, the more you’ll start spotting those keywords and uncovering answers like a detective on a mission!

And hey, don’t worry about making mistakes along the way—they’re just stepping stones to improvement. Every wrong answer is like a little oops that gets you closer to the right one. Soon, you’ll be so confident, you’ll start finding answers in your sleep (okay, maybe not literally, but you get the point).

So go ahead, keep practicing, and have fun with it! Because once you get the hang of it, this whole IELTS thing will feel like a piece of cake. And hey, if cake’s not your thing—think of it as pie! You’ve got this!