IELTS Listening Plan and Diagram Labelling: Samples, Expert Tips

Introduction to IELTS Listening Plan/ Diagram Labelling

The IELTS listening plan and diagram labelling questions ideally appear in sections 1, 2 or 3 with 5 to 10 questions in each task. Plan and diagram labelling task differs from other types of listening questions as the answers are not directly stated in the audio. With quick thinking and precise vocabulary, all you need to do is interpret layouts, track orientation and directional clues. However, both the diagram and the IELTS listening plan labelling task may seem similar, but require different approaches.

1. Plan: Focuses on rooms, buildings, or areas from a top-down layout and spatial vocabulary.

2. Diagram Labelling: Involves process, machinery or pathways.

Practice for IELTS Listening test with authentic audio recordings in real test environment. Access Listening Mock Test

Key Component of IELTS Plan/Diagram Labelling Questions

Many of the students find these IELTS listening plan and diagram labelling one of the easiest types of questions to attempt, as the graphic comprises lots of clues, such as:

1. Orientation: Gives you the total layout or context of the IELTS listening diagram labelling, or plan. This gives the right flow to follow.

2. Starting/Ending Point: Recognise the starting point or beginning/end of the sequence. These points help you follow the process logically and ensure each step or location is labelled correctly.

3. Keywords: Are the phrases or words in the audio that match or hint at labels in the diagram.

IELTS Listening Plan and Diagram Labelling Samples

This is how thediagram and IELTS listening plan labelling sample will appear on your question paper. Take a look:

Sample 1

Sample 1 covers an IELTS listening plan type of question, in which you will hear the librarian of a new town library talking to a group of people who are visiting the same library. You need to visualise the plan and label the words from the given list (A-I).

Questions 11-15 Label the plan below.

Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct letters, A-I, next to questions 11-15A

.

Answers for sample 1

11. H

12. G

13. D

14. B

15. F

Sample 2

In sample 2, a recording of the chairman of the highways committee explaining the new traffic regulations and parking arrangements proposed for Granford at a public meeting is given. Here, you have to match the options from the letter A to I for the given questions.

Questions 14-20

Label the map below

Write the correct letter, A-I, next to questions 14-20.

14. New traffic lights .............

15. Pedestrian crossing ..............

16. Parking allowed ..............

17. New ‘No Parking’ sign ............

18. new disabled parking spaces ..........

19. Widened pavement ...........

20. Lorry loading/unloading restrictions ........

Answer for sample 2:

14. E

15. D

16. B

17. G

18. C

19. H

20. I

Sample 3

Sample 3 includes a list of words with which to label the diagram. The details required to label it correctly will be in the text; it may be given in paraphrasing and synonyms.

Questions 6-8

Label the tunnels on the diagram below using words from the box.

Write your answers in boxes 6-8 on your answer sheet.

Answers for sample 3

6. South African

 7. French

 8. Spanish

Sample 4

Sample 4 represents the diagram of a solar heating system and labels the parts given in the image from 1 to 5.

Questions 1-5

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

Answers for sample 4

1. Solar panel

2. Copper pipe

3. Oil or water

4. Water tank

5. Pump

Sample 5

Label the diagram below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer

Answers for sample 5

38. Holding tank

39. Slipstream

40. Coarse

Common Vocabulary: IELTS Listening Plan/Diagram Labelling

As of now, we have established the structure, sample tests and key components of the IELTS listening plan and diagram labelling questions. So to do well in this particular segment, you need to know the language of direction and location.

Vocabulary of Location

To be precise, vocabulary for location is where something is related to another object or place. Take a look below:

Vocabulary of Directions

Directional vocabulary shows the position towards which someone moves or faces. Below are the common directional words with their application-based examples, which you can learn during IELTS exam preparation for high scores :

Tips to Solve IELTS Listening Plan/Diagram Labelling

Below are the key IELTS listening diagram labelling tips to follow for maximum score:

1. Thoroughwith Instructions

Read the instructions very clearly, because words and what you specifically need to do vary in this IELTS listening plan and diagram labelling questions.

For instance, the instructions for the first sample state: “Write the correct letter, A-I, next to Questions 14-20”.

So your job is to write a letter next to each word in the response list.

2. Read the Title & Labels

Do not limit yourself while learning about plan or diagram labelling from the existing labels and words. Sometimes, a diagram will also have a title that gives another big clue with respect to what the recording is about.

The more familiar you are with the vocabulary and the layout of the graphic, the easier it will be to follow the speaker's words.

3. Visualisation

We use plans and diagrams in everyday life due to one reason or another, so your brain is already used to doing this. So all you need to do is successfully visualise what the place described looks like.

How? Just imagine that you are standing in the location represented on the graphic and what you can see around you!

4. Synonyms & Paraphrasing

To solve the plan and labelling question accurately, you need to listen out for the synonyms and paraphrasing. As you are listening to the audio, remind yourself that you are not aiming for exact words in the task, but rather a similar meaning or context.

For example: If the answer is ‘reference books’, the audio might say instead:

• next to the history section
• dictionaries
• directories
• in the corner
• encyclopedias

5. Avoid Distractors

The examiners may trap you with the smart application of distractors. With this, the original piece of information changes and gives you a false illusion.

Ideally, ‘But’ and ‘However’ are particularly common distractors, but there are many other words and phrases that are as well.

For Example:

• The shop next to the bakery was a newsagent's, but it’s now been replaced by a charity shop.
• In the original design, the café and church were next to each other. However, the plans were changed to locate the church by the exit.

6. Mindful Guessing

If you miss any answer, take an intelligent guess, as this gives you the probability of getting it right. Well, this ability will develop while solving the IELTS listening practice test during preparation. This gives you some probability of getting it right.

7. Practice

Lastly, you should give more time to practice with an authentic IELTS listening mock test using the above tips and approach. As they give you a real exam simulation and you learn how to answer, common traps and distractors are used.

Final Thought

As of now, you are clear about what exactly the IELTS listening plan and diagram labelling questions demand! Command over orientation and directional/ location vocabulary makes you the master in this section for sure. Along the way, our above-mentioned IELTS listening diagram labelling practice test will minimise the remaining loopholes in your preparation and give you the exam day confidence. You can even strengthen your preparation by taking our IELTS online coaching at Gradding.com, and make the most of the tricky questions into a wonderful opportunity and come with flying colours in the IELTS exam result.

FAQs

1. What is theDifference Between IELTS Plan and Diagram Labelling Questions?

The IELTS plan questions expect you to describe steps, sequence or processes. Whereas diagram labelling questions stresses on identifying and naming parts of a diagram without explaining the whole process.

2. Which Section of the IELTS Listening Test Includes Plan and Diagram Labelling?

Section 2 or Section 4 of the IELTS listening test usually contains plan and diagram labelling types of questions.

The possible reasons are:

• Section 2 contains a monologue about a place, map, or process, and the speaker describes locations or directions step by step.
• Section 4 comprises an academic monologue describing a process or diagram. And the speakers explain the parts of a process or system in order.

3. What Vocabulary is Important For Diagram Labelling?

Below are the important diagram labelling vocabulary in the IELTS listening section for reference:

• Prepositions: Above, below, next to.
• Linking words: First, then, finally.
• Nouns for parts.
• Verbs for processes.
• Adjectives describing positions or sizes.

4. What Skills are Tested in Plan and Diagram Labelling Questions?

Plan and diagram labelling questions evaluates following skills of test takers:

• Listening carefully
• Spatial relationships
• Following sequences
• Identifying key information
• Recognizing synonymous
• Interpreting descriptions
• Answer with precision.

5. How Can I Improve My Score in IELTS Listening Labelling Questions?

You can improve IELTS listening labelling questions thoroughly:

• Practice map
• Through with position vocabulary
• Anticipate answer
• Follow order
• Avoid spelling mistakes