Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will accurately approach IELTS Listening questions that require labelling maps, plans, or diagrams. You will identify the typical formats of these question types, apply efficient strategies to locate and transfer information, and avoid common mistakes. You will also practise with realistic examples, helping you perform effectively on exam day.
IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus
For IELTS, you are required to demonstrate the ability to label maps, plans, and diagrams in the Listening test. For revision, focus on these syllabus points:
- Recognise question instructions related to map, plan, or diagram labelling in Listening.
- Understand and follow spatial and directional language in instructions and recordings.
- Identify and select correct labels from a list, or write correct notes as required.
- Accurately transfer answers to the answer sheet with correct spelling and form.
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- What does a "plan labelling" question in IELTS Listening require you to do?
- Which listening skill is essential when labelling maps or diagrams: understanding spatial language or recognising synonyms only?
- True or false: You should label every point on the map even if there are fewer questions than locations.
- What type of word is often used to describe location in map labelling tasks?
Introduction
Labelling maps, plans, and diagrams is a frequent question type in the IELTS Listening test. These questions assess your ability to identify physical locations, spatial relationships, and movement, using information from a recorded text. Tasks may involve labels provided on a map, or require you to select the correct word or phrase for each location from a list or the recording.
Key Term: Map/Plan/Diagram Labelling
A question type in IELTS Listening where you match information to numbered features on a map, plan, or diagram using audio cues about location or process.
When labelling, you must listen for spatial instructions, such as "opposite," "next to," "on your right," or movement ("walk along the corridor," "turn left," etc.). You may also need to choose answers from a box or write a single word or phrase.
Key Term: Spatial Language
Words and expressions in English (left, right, corner, entrance, at the end of) describing position or movement, used to convey location on a map or plan in listening tasks.
Understanding Map, Plan, and Diagram Labelling
Typical Question Structure
IELTS Listening map, plan, and diagram labelling questions:
- Show a visual (map, building plan, machine/process diagram) with features numbered for you to identify.
- Require you to write answers (as a word/phrase or letter) in each numbered space.
- May present a list of possible labels or require you to extract the answer from the recording only.
Tasks may ask you to:
- Match a location (e.g. "main entrance") to a number on a map.
- Complete a diagram by filling in a missing part based on spoken instructions.
Listening passages for these tasks often involve:
- Guided tours (museum, campus, exhibition).
- Describing a building layout.
- Explaining a process or machine.
Steps for Approaching the Task
- Read the instructions and study the map or diagram carefully before the audio begins.
- Identify the starting point (often marked) and familiarise yourself with all locations, including any compass, keys, or labels.
- Note the direction of any paths, corridors, or process flow: left/right, north/south, corridor, adjacent rooms, etc.
- Listen specifically for spatial language, linking the movement described in the recording to locations on the diagram.
- Write your answer in the space as you listen—spelling and word form must be correct.
- If a list of words is provided, only use words from the list.
Key Term: Transfer Skills
The ability to move information from spoken cues to accurate written answers, including the correct spelling and placement according to the leaflet or plan.
Typical Spatial and Directional Instructions
Understanding spatial language is essential:
- Directions: left, right, ahead, opposite, behind, across from, near, between, beside, next to.
- Movement: through, along, around, past, onto, into, up, down.
- Sequence: first, then, after, finally.
Train yourself to “follow” the speaker’s movements on the diagram while you listen.
Key Term: Distractor
Irrelevant or incorrect options in a list, or locations mentioned but not the answer, which may confuse candidates if not listening carefully.
Answering Labelling Questions: Step-by-Step Strategy
- Preview the visual and the question numbers, noting where to listen for each answer.
- Identify the starting point, directional notations (such as north), and all possible answer places.
- Mark any given answers and visual clues or landmarks.
- As you listen, follow the speaker step by step—do not jump ahead.
- Match the information described to a location using the clues from the diagram.
- Do not try to anticipate answers before you hear confirming details.
- Double-check spelling and transfer your answers to the answer sheet as instructed.
Worked Example 1.1
Listen to part of a recorded tour of a campus library. Answer questions 1-3 by writing the correct letter (A-E) next to each question.
Diagram:
- ____ – Main entrance
- ____ – Fiction section
- ____ – Study rooms
Possible labels: A Reception B Group study rooms C Fiction books D Computers E Main entrance
Transcript (abridged): "You will enter the building through the main entrance, which is just beside the reception area. Straight ahead, on your left, are the fiction books. If you turn right from the reception, you'll find the group study rooms."
Questions:
- Main entrance
- Fiction section
- Study rooms
Answer:
1 – E (Main entrance)
2 – C (Fiction books)
3 – B (Group study rooms)Explanation: The audio directly links each area to locations on the diagram using phrases like "on your left" or "turn right," matching the movement described.
Worked Example 1.2
You hear a description of a new gym's floor plan. Fill in ONE WORD ONLY in each space.
Diagram prompts:
- Entrance is at the south; lockers are 1 the entrance; showers are 2 the lockers; main gym is 3 the showers.
Transcript (abridged): "Upon entering, you'll see the lockers immediately in front of you. Continue past the lockers and on your left are the showers. Beyond the showers is the main gym area."
Questions:
- ___ (location of lockers)
- ___ (location of showers)
- ___ (area beyond the showers)
Answer:
- opposite
- left
- gym
Explanation: Spatial prepositions in the audio steer the listener to the exact feature on the diagram. Writing "opposite" for lockers (across from entrance), "left" for showers (from lockers), and "gym" as the main area demonstrates careful attention to spatial clues.
Exam Warning
A frequent error is assuming all locations mentioned in the audio are answers, or confusing order of steps. Always check that the description aligns exactly with the diagram and the question number before you select an answer.
Revision Tip
Before the exam, practise following spoken directions on a variety of diagrams and maps. Label the diagram while listening to short extracts and check your answers using the recording transcript.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Recognise and interpret map, plan, and diagram labelling tasks in IELTS Listening.
- Use spatial language (e.g., left, right, opposite) to follow directions in audio.
- Identify the starting point and movement on a map or plan.
- Write answers accurately in the required format and check spelling.
- Avoid distractors by confirming each answer matches the diagram and description.
- Practise using diagrams and recorded instructions to develop your skills.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Map/Plan/Diagram Labelling
- Spatial Language
- Transfer Skills
- Distractor