# IELTS Listening Map Labelling: Directions and Tips | topin IELTS guidesMap, plan and diagram labelling Where IELTS Listening, most often in Part 2 Answers Usually a letter from the map or plan; diagram labels may ask for words within a word limit Order Questions follow the order of the recording Language Directions and position phrases such as opposite, next to, at the far end, on your left Marks One mark per label ## How it works You see a map, plan or diagram with some places marked by letters and a list of places to locate. The speaker usually describes a route from a fixed starting point, such as an entrance, and you follow it. Each answer comes in the order of the numbered questions. ## Worked example The plan of a park shows the main gate at the bottom, a lake in the centre, and five letters: A to the left of the gate, B on the far side of the lake directly opposite the gate, C on the right-hand edge of the lake, D in the top left corner, and E just to the right of the gate. Label the plan. Write the correct letter, A to E, next to each place. 1\. café 2\. boathouse 3\. children's playground You hear: As you come in through the main gate, the café is immediately on your right. If you follow the path round the right-hand side of the lake, you'll come to the boathouse, which sits right at the water's edge. And the children's playground is on the far side of the lake, straight across from the gate. Show the answer 1 E, 2 C, 3 B Entering from the bottom of the plan, 'immediately on your right' is E. Following the path round the right-hand side of the lake to the water's edge gives C. 'The far side of the lake, straight across from the gate' is B. A and D are not used. ## A method for Map, plan and diagram labelling 1. 1 ### Find the starting point Before the audio, locate the entrance, the 'You are here' marker or the place the speaker is likely to start from. Put your pen on it. 2. 2 ### Note orientation and landmarks Check for a compass, and note big features such as a lake, a main road or a reception desk. Speakers use these as reference points. 3. 3 ### Turn the map in your head 'On your left' depends on which way you are facing. If the route turns, imagine yourself walking it, rather than reading left and right from the page. 4. 4 ### Follow the route, not just the names Move your pen along as the speaker describes the route. The name of a place often comes after its position, so listen for the position first. 5. 5 ### Keep moving if you miss one If you lose a place, guess a letter and pick up the route from the next landmark. Leaving a blank never earns a mark. ## Traps to avoid * Confusing your left and right with the speaker's when the route turns or faces the other way. * Mixing up opposite, next to and beside, which point to different letters. * Choosing a letter for a place the speaker mentions only as a landmark on the way to the answer. * Losing the route after one missed answer and missing the next few questions. ## Map, plan and diagram labelling FAQs Which part of IELTS Listening has the map? Map and plan labelling appears most often in Part 2, a talk by one speaker about a place or event, but it can appear elsewhere. How do I get better at IELTS map questions? Learn the core direction phrases, then practise by tracing routes with your pen on real plans. Most errors come from orientation, which improves quickly with practice. Can the same letter be used twice in map labelling? Usually each letter is used once and there are more letters than places. Follow the instructions for each question set. ## Try Map, plan and diagram labelling under real timing Your first full-length IELTS mock is free, with every section included. [Take the free mock ](/ielts/login)