Complete the Words looks like a spelling exercise, but it is really a test of grammar and vocabulary in context. Students who read the whole sentence first do much better.
What the task looks like
You see a short academic paragraph. In several words, the second half is missing. You type the missing letters to complete each word.
What it really tests
- Word form: is it a noun, verb, adjective or adverb here?
- Grammar: plural or singular, past or present, -ing or -ed.
- Vocabulary in context: which word fits the meaning of the paragraph.
A fast method
- 01Read the whole sentence before typing anything.
- 02Decide the word type from its position in the sentence.
- 03Check the grammar clues around it: articles, plurals, auxiliaries.
- 04Type the ending, then reread the sentence once.
A worked example
Sentence: "Many plants have devel___ ways to survive long periods without rain." The word follows "have", so it needs a past participle: developed. The meaning of the paragraph confirms it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Guessing from the first letters alone without reading the sentence.
- Forgetting the plural -s after numbers and words like many or several.
- Mixing up adjective and adverb forms: careful versus carefully.
- Spelling slips on doubled letters, such as occurred or beginning.
How to practise
Take a paragraph from any textbook, hide the second half of every seventh word and fill it in. Five paragraphs a day builds speed quickly, and it costs nothing.
Practise Complete the Words in a full timed Reading section.
Start freeQuvo is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with ETS. Check ets.org/toefl for official test information.
