IELTS Listening Map/Plan/Diagram Labeling Questions

In order to get a higher band score in the IELTS exam, you need to practice this question type as it is very common. The typical structure consists of:

• Maps of tourist destinations or urban regions.
• Blueprints for a structure or a room arrangement.
• Diagrams of systems or items, including machinery or equipment.

You can use the speaker's description to determine parts, locations, or directions. Below are sample questions for reference.

 Source: Cambridge English test paper

 Source: Cambridge English test paper

Diagram, Plan, or Map Labeling questions test your ability to locate places on a map and follow instructions. You must create a strategy plan to respond to these questions efficiently. Here is a thorough, step-by-step guide to help you successfully answer these questions.

1. Preview the Map/Diagram

Before the listening starts, carefully examine the map. This initial scan will help you understand the layout and structure of the area. Key Actions:

• Look for specific features: Identify any marked features or points of reference, such as entrances, gates, lakes, or other prominent areas that may be mentioned in the audio.
• Identify labels: Look for any already labelled areas (e.g., “East Gate,” “Lake,” “Refreshments”). This helps you understand the overall map layout.
• Look for the compass: If a map is provided, check if it has cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) or other directions like “Northwest” or “Southwest.”
• Note the grid/labels: Map areas are often labeled with letters or numbers. Familiarize yourself with them so you can quickly find the locations mentioned in the audio.

2. Look at the directions.

Read the directions carefully to learn how to label the map

• Word Limit: Some questions may specify a word limit, such as “Write one word and/or a number.” Be sure to follow these limits exactly to avoid incorrect answers.
• Multiple Labels: If there are multiple areas to label, based on the audio description, keep track of which letter corresponds to which feature.

3. Anticipate Possible Descriptions

Before listening, try to predict what the audio might describe based on the map. You can expect descriptions of locations and relative positions, such as:

“Near the lake”; “Behind the building”; “To the left of the main entrance”; “Opposite the cafe”

Use your understanding of the layout to make some educated guesses about where certain features might be.

4. Listen Actively and Track the Descriptions

As the audio begins, focus entirely on the speaker and actively listen for the following:

• Spatial references: Listen for key phrases indicating location, such as “next to,” “behind,” “opposite,” “near,” or “in front of.”
• Directions: Pay attention to directional cues such as “turn left,” “walk straight,” “move towards the east,” or “follow the path north.”
• Order of description: Keep track of the sequence in which locations are mentioned. The speaker will often describe landmarks in a logical order, which helps you figure out which area is being described at each point.
  Tip: Sometimes, the speaker may give directions not immediately obvious on the map. Keep listening until you have enough information to confidently place each location.

5. Label the Map

As the speaker describes the locations, label the areas on the map along the way. Don’t wait until the end of the audio to start labeling the map. As soon as you hear a description of a location, immediately write the correct letter next to the question number.

6. Check Your Answers

Once the recording ends, review your answers to ensure all locations are correctly labelled and match the descriptions from the audio. Ensure each label corresponds to the correct feature on the map. Double-check for mistakes or confusion in directions.

Directional Language

• Left/Right: “Turn left,” “on the right side.”
• Straight Ahead: “Go straight,” “directly ahead.”
• Opposite: “Opposite the main gate.”
• Adjacent: “Adjacent to the café.”

Cardinal Directions

• North, South, East, West: “To the north of the park.”
• Northwest, Southeast: “In the northwest corner.”

Prepositions of Location

• Next to/Beside: “Next to the fountain.”
• Between: “Between the library and the café.”
• Behind: “Behind the main building.”
• In front of: “In front of the entrance.”

Sequence and Order Words

• First, Then, After That: “First, enter through the west gate. Then go straight ahead.”
• Before/After: “Before the bridge, turn left.”
• Finally: “Finally, you’ll find the gallery on your right.”

Below are some effective tips and strategies that will help you perform well in this section, along with Do’s and Don’ts to remember.

• Understand the Map/Plan/Diagram: Scan the map/plan/diagram for landmarks and label key locations.
• Listen for Spatial Vocabulary:  focus on directional words like "next to" and "across from" and distance phrases like "close to" and "far from" to understand their relationship.
• Use Process of Elimination: Cross out the locations that are already labeled or the ones that do not fit the description.