How do I answer IELTS listening map labelling questions? #EnglishHelp

David is preparing himself for the IELTS exam, but he wasn't aware that for part of the listening test, he might have to label a map. He starts to panic, as he's never seen these types of questions before and has no idea what to do.

But then he remembers some strategies to make IELTS listening map labelling questions easier.

IELTS listening map labeling questions can appear in sections 2 or 4. These sections typically involve a monologue of a tour or presentation, or a person describing the layout of a park, building, or area.

The questions test your ability to understand directions, geography, and locations. You should have a good understanding of directional language like "north" and "south", and prepositions of place such as "next to", "between", and "on the left".

Here are some tips and strategies that will help you answer IELTS listening map labelling questions:

• Remember that the audio is only played once.

• The maps usually are like a tour and follow a logical order.

• Skim the map. Take a few seconds to look at the map before the recording starts. Identify key landmarks, labels, directions (North, South, East, West), and any specific areas that are already named or numbered.

• Use a pen to highlight important points of the map.

• Visual clues, such as a compass, are given to help you understand the recording related to the map.

• Be aware of distractors. The speaker may mention things that aren't needed to answer the question.

• Pay attention to the word count per the instructions.

These are words used to guide movement or location in a specific direction.

• to the left/right or on the left/right

• go straight ahead

• head towards

• continue/follow

• take the first/second left/right

• cross over

• make a U-turn

• go back

For example, a listening passage might contain the following information:

Go straight ahead to the reception. To the left of the Reception is the gift shop, where you can buy souvenirs. If you cross over and to the right of the reception, you’ll find the café, which serves a variety of snacks and drinks all day.

Here are typical prepositions that are also common when describing a map.

• next to/beside

• opposite

• between

• in front of

• behind

• adjacent to

• near/close to

• at the end of

Another example might be:

You’ll find the information desk in front of you, behind the main entrance. Next to the information desk is the souvenir shop. Across from the entrance, you’ll see the café. At the end of the corridor on the left is the Children’s playroom.

Label the map below by listening to the audio description, then answering the quiz below the map.

Map created by the author with Microsoft Paint. To hear an audio description of the map, click play on the audio player below:

Welcome to the Inverness Nature Reserve, I'm Susan and I’ll be guiding you today so you can make the most of your visit.

As you enter through the main entrance, you’ll see the Visitor Center directly in front of you. Here, you can pick up a map, learn about today’s events, and ask any questions. To the left of the Visitor Center, you’ll see the Bird Watching Area, which is a great spot to observe some local bird species.

If you walk past the Visitor Center, you’ll come to a path that forks in two. On the right side of this path there’s a Picnic Area with benches and tables, which is across from the small pond, a popular spot for families.

Taking the left fork of the path will lead you to the Butterfly Garden, a beautiful section of the reserve filled with native flowers and plants to attract butterflies. Continuing along the left path, you’ll come to the Observation Deck which is located at the end of the trail and gives a fantastic view of the surrounding forest.

It’s opposite the small waterfall, which you’ll be able to hear as you approach. Lastly, if you return back toward the main entrance, you’ll find the Gift Shop located near the Visitor Center. The shop has various nature-related souvenirs and snacks available.

1. Small waterfall = F

2. Small pond = D

3. Visitor Centre = A

4. Gift Shop = G

5. Picnic Area = C

6. Butterfly Garden = E

7. Bird Watching Area = B

Now it's time to practice!