IELTS Listening
Map and plan labelling
You hear someone describe a place, such as a park, a building or a campus, and label a map or plan with letters from the drawing. It usually comes in Part 2.
Before the recording, find the starting point and the compass or entrance, and say the direction words to yourself: opposite, next to, to the left of, at the far end. The labels come in the order you hear them.
What the question looks like
plan/map labelling. “”
Try real-format questions
This question type is in our free practice test: Part 2 (“Welcome to Millbrook Country Park”), questions 15–20. Open the practice test →
How to answer
Read Map Symbols
- Check the key before interpreting a symbol; the same shape can mean different things on different maps.
- Notice details such as fill, outline, dots, or line style; these can distinguish similar symbols.
- Match the whole symbol to one key entry, not just its basic shape.
- Use the key's wording when you name a symbol's meaning.
Example: Map key and short instruction. Key: dotted circle = information point; striped square = café; solid triangle = toilets. The speaker says, “The striped square is beside the entrance.” Worked answer: The symbol means café.
Orient Yourself on a Map
- Listen for a clear starting-point phrase, such as “we’ll begin at” or “you are here”.
- Check how the plan is positioned before following the recording; do not assume its top points north.
- Use a stated north arrow or a named edge to match the plan’s orientation to the speaker’s description.
- Note the starting point and orientation separately so you do not confuse where to begin with how the plan is aligned.
Example: A spoken introduction to a building plan. Starting point: the main entrance. Orientation: north is at the top; the entrance is on the lower edge.
Understand Direction Words
- Beside means immediately next to a place or object.
- Opposite means across from a place, usually facing it.
- Beyond means farther on than a named point or landmark.
- Listen for the place named after the direction word; it tells you what to compare with.
Example: Spoken description of a studio. “The studio is opposite the kitchen and beyond the corridor.” The studio is across from the kitchen and farther on than the corridor.
Label Plan Features
- Match each spoken feature name to the letter or blank printed on the plan.
- Listen for phrases such as “is labelled” or “goes in space” to connect a name with its space.
- Write the feature name beside the matching space; do not add extra details.
- Check that each feature name is in the space named in the recording.
Example: A visitor centre plan has spaces A, B and C. Listen to the labels.. The recording says, “The information desk is labelled A. The café goes in space B, and the toilets are marked C.” Match them as follows: A — information desk; B — café; C — toilets.
Ignore Map Distractors
- Listen for the feature named as the destination, not every feature mentioned on the way.
- Treat phrases such as “walk past” or “beside” as clues that a feature may be only a reference point.
- Notice contrasts such as “not the café” or “rather than the entrance”; they rule out nearby distractors.
- Match the exact feature to its stated purpose, such as where to meet or collect a ticket.
Example: Mini map task: choosing the target rather than a nearby landmark. Audio: “The route goes by the fountain, but the labelled destination is the pavilion behind it.” Model answer: pavilion. The fountain is mentioned as a passing feature; the pavilion is named as the destination.
Practise
Short items from the ielts.coach lessons. Answer them, then check to see why each answer is right.
1According to the key, what does the star symbol mark?
2What does the wavy line represent?
3Where should the listener begin?
4Where is the main entrance shown on the plan?
5Where is the help desk in relation to the main entrance?
6Which place is farther on than the glass doors?
7Which feature belongs in space A?
8Which feature should be written in space C?
Test hacks
Predict the gap before you hear it
In the seconds before each part, read the notes and decide what kind of word fits each gap: a number, a time, a name, a noun, an adjective.
Why it works: You'll know what to listen for, so the answer jumps out instead of slipping past.
Wait for the correction
Speakers often give one answer and then change it. Don't write the first thing you hear; keep listening until the sentence finishes.
Why it works: Self-corrections are a classic IELTS distractor.
Spelling counts, capitals don't
A misspelled answer is marked wrong. You can write answers in capital letters if that makes your spelling clearer.
Why it works: Easy marks are lost to spelling every day. Names are often spelled out letter by letter, so be ready.
Practise with feedback on every answer
ielts.coach builds daily lessons and practice around your interests and level, marks Writing and Speaking like an examiner in seconds, and plans your weeks to test day.