How to do the Labeling a Map listening test in IELTS Listening

In the IELTS Listening test, Labeling a Map or Plan is a common type of test in Section 2. In this
section you will hear someone talk about an academic problem related to descriptive life
information. It will describe the area, map, label information, record information. This type of
test is not easy, if you do not hear the information clearly, it is easy to get trapped and lose points.
Steps to do Labeling a Map
Step 1: Read the topic carefully
Step 2: Analyze the given chart
Step 3: Determine the starting point
Step 4: Find “obstacles” on the way
Step 5: Check the answer and analyze the wrong answer

Step 1: Read the topic carefully
Carefully read the requirements of the test for candidates to fill in words or take multiple-choice
questions.
Step 2: Analyze the given chart
Carefully read the given locations, carefully analyze the chart, especially the direction of the
available places and the direction of the places to look.
You will often hear the locations in order, so pay attention to the order of each place.
Determining the starting point, from which to determine the left and right direction, it is
necessary to carefully determine the orientation of the entire card in the direction of top-down,
bottom-up, left-to-right or right-to-left, radiating from the middle. both sides,…. Then take a
pencil and circle and connect the position of the question so that we can easily follow when
listening without being confused when listening to the audio.

The given place names will help to clearly identify the direction and be able to find the location
of the object more easily.
Always firmly grasp the direction of the entire map as well as the direction, position and signs
indicating the way to the object to be determined.
If you see a compass drawn on the map, be sure that the words in the compass will appear in
your listening (North, South, East and West). You should prepare yourself some words and
phrases like: “to the north of” “slightly west of” “in the south west” “In the south west corner”
“A little to the north”.
Or maybe the map will give you an incomplete compass, usually pointing north. Please
memorize and actively draw on your map a complete compass.
Step 3: Determine the starting point
Every time we start, the speaker often gives signs showing where we will start on the map. We
will hear “Entrance” or “You are here”, “Start”.

The starting point is the point where you are standing and need to start when doing the test. From
that starting point, you will follow the description of the listening and determine the location to
look for. There are many ways the listening test indicates a starting point as follows:
A pre-marked position on the chart, usually highlighted and noted next to “You are here” or
“Entrance”
Indicated in the listening passage by phrases such as “Now we are located in……; “If we
enter……..from……”; “From the city/the hall……”; “Firstly…”
Step 4: Dodge “obstacles” on the way
The listening test always tries to incorporate "traps" to deceive the attention of the candidate. Just
a little carelessness or distraction, we will easily be confused with information and choose

incorrect answers. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the speaker's attitude to determine if
the keyword you just heard is the right answer or not.
Some common "traps" in the map form:
Negative attitude of the speaker: 'not a good choice', 'I don't think…', 'but…', 'how about…', 'no,
sorry', 'I don't want…', …
Wrong directions: ‘I’m sorry…’, ‘Something just came up…’, ‘the schedule has been changed’,
‘instead of…, you should…’
Step 5: Detect the answer and analyze the wrong answer
After listening, read the transcript to check the answers, and highlight the points you did not
correctly.
For the map format, you will often do it wrong due to the following problems:
Instructions are too fast and confusing;
Being deceived by disturbing information;
Unable to distinguish direction;
Not keeping up with the given locations on the map;
Don't understand vocabulary.