Labeling a Diagram or a Map often causes confusion for many candidates during the IELTS Listening test. It’s easy to lose points if you get lost or fall behind during the audio.
This article provides effective strategies and highlights common mistakes to help you avoid losing marks. You can also explore a range of practice exercises to strengthen your skills for the upcoming test.
1. Types of Map and Plan Labelling Questions
Map and Plan Labelling is a familiar question type that frequently appears in the IELTS Listening test, typically in Part 2. This task may require you to select the correct option or fill in words or numbers in the blanks.
There are some basic differences between a Map and a Plan. While these do not affect how you listen, understanding the difference helps you grasp the test format better and score higher.
Map Labelling:
Used when the setting involves an open space
Sometimes includes a compass in the top-right or top-left corner
Often depicts large-scale areas like towns or parks
The audio may describe changes proposed to a location, or introduce a nature reserve or leisure facility
Plan Labelling:
Used for enclosed spaces like a building or floor layout
Does not require the use of a compass
Covers smaller spaces in more detail, such as rooms inside a building
The audio typically describes the interior layout of a location
2. Strategy for Answering Map and Plan Labelling Questions
Step 1: Read the instructions and note the word limit
Read the question carefully to determine whether you need to write words or choose letters like A, B, C, D. Pay attention to the word and number limits:
ONE WORD ONLY – Only one word allowed
ONE WORD AND OR A NUMBER – One word and or a number allowed
NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS – Up to three words allowed
NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND OR A NUMBER – Up to two words and or a number allowed
Step 2: Analyze the map and its components
Start by reading the title to understand the general topic. Identify the main landmarks, their directions, and the possible starting point. Visualize the layout so that during the listening section, you can focus on the answers rather than recalling details.
Step 3: Identify the starting point on the map
Some maps show the starting point, marked with an “X”. Others do not. Listen carefully for clues such as “We are here in the tourist information center” to identify the beginning. Mark this on the map using a pencil.
Step 4: Follow the path described in the audio
As the audio plays, track the directions and movements using your pencil. This helps you stay oriented and complete the task without losing focus.
3. Common Vocabulary for Plan and Map Labelling in IELTS Listening
Direction Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
give directions | show how to go |
go straight | move forward |
leave the main building | exit the main structure |
take the right-hand path | turn right |
take the first left/right | first left or right turn |
cross the bridge | go over a bridge |
go upstairs/downstairs | move up/down floors |
run through | pass through |
at the crossroads | at the intersection |
on the corner | in the corner |
at the top/bottom of | top or bottom position |
behind/at the back of | located behind |
before you get to | before reaching |
in the middle/center of | in the central position |
to be surrounded by | encircled by |
at the end of the path | end point of the path |
Location Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
auditorium | concert or event hall |
national park | protected nature reserve |
maze | labyrinth or puzzle path |
car park | parking lot |
picnic area | outdoor eating space |
wildlife area | animal habitat |
bird hide | birdwatching shelter |
corridor | hallway |
foyer | entrance hall |
basement | underground level |
main road | primary street |
railway line | train track |
east/west/south/north | compass directions |
roundabout | circular intersection |
traffic lights | signal lights |
cloakroom | luggage or coat room |
Related resource: Build your vocabulary for the IELTS Listening test
4. Common Issues in Map and Plan Labelling Tasks
Issue 1: Candidates often fail to identify the speaker’s position This usually happens due to unfamiliarity with directional vocabulary, causing confusion and disorientation.
Solution: Learn more vocabulary related to directions and positions. Track the speaker’s path with your finger to stay oriented.
Issue 2: Getting confused between multiple options due to over-focusing on keywords and not grasping full context
Solution: Practice summarizing what you hear. Use context clues to make educated predictions, rather than guessing blindly.
5. Sample Practice Task
Label the plan below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
Audio available in the provided file.
……………………………
……………………………
……………………………
……………………………
……………………………
Answers:
Conference Centre
information desk
bookshop
Kings Library
stamp display
If you want to explore more practice tasks for the Labeling a Plan or Map question type in IELTS Listening, check out IDP’s full resource library to get familiar with the test format and confidently aim for a high score.
Available resources include Masterclass webinars, IELTS preparation courses, and expert tips from international IELTS specialists.
When you're ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP today.