How To Solve Diagram Labelling Questions In IELTS Listening

The diagram labeling question is a common listening section task. It can appear as the second, third or sometimes fourth task.Before you start feeling that diagram labeling should be as easy as filling a children’s color book, take a look at how you can be out-smarted by this seemingly simple task.

There are different kinds of labeling tasks within the diagram labeling tasks. There is one where you will be given options to choose the correct answer from and another format where you will simply have to fill in the blanks.

Sample of question type 1

Choose SIX answers from the box and write the correct letter, A – H, next to questions 11 – 16.

 Sample of questions type 2

In this question type, you simply have to fill in the blanks as you hear them in a chronological order.
There will be no options to choose from in this type of task and you have to depend on what you hear to complete the task unlike the question type 1.

Voice clip: Voice_180915_5
Write the correct answer in 2 or less words in front of the serial numbers

The Brownie Camera

Tips to solving diagram labeling questions

1. Check the diagram and predict the kind of information you will hear. For example, in the first diagram it is clear that it is a pyramid that needs labeling. The sound clip will probably tell you which is where with respect to a certain element in the diagram. Like – the queens chamber is located under the kings’ chamber.
2. Familiarize yourself with the vocabulary used in these tasks. You will be guided through the diagram like a map, so knowing what diagonally, vertically or which is east and which is west is essential. Here is a small list you can refer to:
   • On top
   • At the bottom/base
   • To the west/ To the left
   • To the east/ To the right of
   • Above/Below
   • In the centre/in the corner
   • On the outside/inside
   • The base/the foundation
   • North/south
3. You will hear the answers in a chronological order so make sure you are ready to answer from the word go. This applies to all sections of the listening test.
4. In the first type of sample questions you will have to write the correct letter in place of the right answer, not the answer itself. This mean that if for 13 the correct answer is E – Queens chamber then you will write ‘E’ and not ‘Queens Chamber’ as the answer. You will invariably have more options than the correct answers and you have to choose from them.
5. Read the instructions well so that you don’t mix up the word count or the correct format of writing the answer. This will lead to deductions if done incorrectly. For example – Sample 1 needs to be answered with a single alphabet whereas the second one needs to be answered in less than 2 words.
6. There will be extra information in the audio clip. Don’t get confused. Know that each answer is paced out in gaps of 30 or 40 second and are chronological in order. Be patient when you start listening as there will be trick questions and answers to confuse you. For example – the camera audio clip will have information on how much the camera cost, when it was invented and who invented. All this information is at the beginning. Zone in quickly to catch the important information.
7. Make quick notes before answering the question. You can use all the space available to you in the rough notes. Cross check if you got the right sequence or if your answers make logical sense. Grammatical and spelling mistakes are possible if one is not careful. For example – there could be mention of the Queens chamber as well as the Queens courtyard. Knowing the difference is crucial. You could also get caught off guard with the extra options in the first type of sample questions.