This type of question requires you to complete a flow chart that summarizes a sequence of events or a process described in the reading passage.

You have to select words from the passage to fill in the gaps in the flow chart. Sometimes, you may be given a list of possible answers to choose from instead.

The instructions will tell you how many words you can use for each gap. You can use up to the maximum number of words indicated, but not more.

The answers may not appear in the same order as they do in the passage, but they will usually come from one part of the passage rather than being spread across the entire passage.

To answer this type of question, you need to skim and scan the passage for specific information and paraphrase the key words in the flow chart.

You also need to pay attention to the title and the arrows in the flow chart, as they will help you understand the topic and the order of information.

How to solve the module

Here is a step by step guideline on how to solve IELTS reading Flow Chart Completion Questions:

• Step 1: Read the instructions carefully. They will tell you how many words you can use for each gap. You can use up to the maximum number of words indicated, but not more.
• Step 2: Read and understand the phrases in the flow chart. They will give you an idea of what the topic and the sequence of events or process are. Pay attention to the title and the arrows in the flow chart as well.
• Step 3: Paraphrase the phrases in the flow chart. Look for synonyms or similar expressions for the key words in the phrases. This will help you locate the information in the passage.
• Step 4: Skim the passage to find the relevant part that matches the flow chart. The answers may not appear in the same order as they do in the flow chart, but they will usually come from one part of the passage rather than being spread across the entire passage.
• Step 5: Scan the passage for information. Look for words or phrases that match or paraphrase the phrases in the flow chart. Underline them and check if they fit grammatically and logically in the gaps.
• Step 6: Choose the correct answer. Write one word or up to the maximum number of words indicated in the instructions for each gap. Make sure you spell them correctly and copy them exactly from the passage.

Example of the module

Here is a sample question for IELTS reading Flow Chart Completion Questions:

Read the passage and complete the flow chart below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The passage:

The process of making chocolate starts with the cacao tree, which grows in tropical regions near the equator. The tree produces large pods that contain seeds called cacao beans. The pods are harvested by hand and then cracked open to release the beans. The beans are then fermented for several days in large heaps or baskets, where they develop their characteristic flavor and aroma. After fermentation, the beans are dried in the sun or by artificial means. The dried beans are then packed and shipped to chocolate manufacturers around the world.

At the factory, the beans are roasted at high temperatures to bring out more flavor and color. The roasted beans are then cracked and winnowed, which means that their shells are removed and discarded, leaving behind pieces of pure cacao called nibs. The nibs are ground into a thick paste called chocolate liquor, which contains both cocoa solids and cocoa butter. The chocolate liquor can be further processed to separate the cocoa solids from the cocoa butter, or it can be used as it is to make dark chocolate.

To make milk chocolate or white chocolate, other ingredients are added to the chocolate liquor or the cocoa butter. Milk chocolate contains milk powder or condensed milk, as well as sugar and vanilla. White chocolate contains only cocoa butter, sugar, milk and vanilla, and no cocoa solids. The proportions of these ingredients vary depending on the recipe and the desired quality of the chocolate. The mixture is then refined and conched, which means that it is passed through rollers and agitated for hours or days to improve its texture and taste. The final step is tempering, which involves heating and cooling the chocolate to form stable crystals that give it a smooth and glossy appearance.

The flow chart:

The process of making chocolate

cacao tree grows in 1________ regions ↓ pods are 2________ by hand ↓ beans are 3________ for several days ↓ beans are dried in the sun or by 4________ means ↓ beans are roasted, cracked and 5________ ↓ nibs are ground into chocolate liquor ↓ chocolate liquor is used to make dark chocolate or 6________ with other ingredients ↓ mixture is refined, conched and 7________

Expert tips for the module

Here are some one-liner tips for this type of question:

• Identify and paraphrase the key words in the flow chart before reading the passage.
• Skim and scan the passage for the relevant information and underline the matching or paraphrasing words or phrases.
• Write no more than two words from the passage for each answer and copy them exactly as they appear in the passage.
• Avoid writing words that are not in the passage, irrelevant, inaccurate, too general or vague.
• Do not expect answers to come in order