IELTS Listening Map/Plan/Diagram Labeling Questions

To get a higher band score on IELTS, you should practice these types of questions. To attempt them on exam day you can use a typically followed structure:

• 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 practice.

 Source: Cambridge English test paper

 

 Source: Cambridge English test paper

Map, plan or diagram labeling tasks check how well you can find and mark places on a map while you listen. Follow instructions closely and have a simple plan before the recording starts. Treat this as a short listening-and-mapping drill with calm, focused and a little strategy. Use the steps below.

Scan the map first

Before the audio begins, take a calm, quick look over the map. Notice the big features and how the area is organised so you’re not hunting for everything while the speaker talks. Key things to spot named places (East Gate, Cafe, Lake), obvious landmarks, any compass directions, and the grid labels (A, B, 1, 2). That little orientation saves time later.

Read the directions carefully

Pay close attention to what the question asks. Some items will limit you to one word or a number and follow those limits exactly. If the task needs several labels, match each letter on the map to the correct question number so nothing gets mixed up.

Guess what you might hear

Make a quick guess about the kind of phrases the speaker will use: “next to the lake,” “behind the building,” “to the left of the main entrance,” “opposite the café.” Expect spatial language and common prepositions being ready helps you catch them in the recording.

Mark answers as you listen

Don’t wait until the end. As soon as the speaker describes a location, write the right letter next to the question number. Doing it live keeps you from forgetting or confusing similar sounding descriptions.

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 First
  Scan for landmarks, labels, and orientation (e.g., entrance, north arrow).

• Follow the Recording Closely
  The audio often follows a logical path clockwise, left to right, etc.
  Watch for sequencing clues: "first", "then", "after that".

• Visualize the Movement
  Imagine walking through the space as described it helps with orientation.

• Use Process of Elimination
  Eliminate options already used or those that don’t match the description.

• Label as You Listen
  Don’t wait until the end write answers as you hear them to avoid confusion.

• Keep Your Eyes on the Map
  Don’t get distracted by long explanations the visual will guide you.

• Practice with Real Maps
  Get used to different layouts: buildings, parks, campuses, exhibitions, etc.