Map and Diagram Labelling questions require you to follow directions or descriptions and match them to a visual. They appear most often in Section 2 (a monologue about a local facility, tour, or event).
Essential directional vocabulary: | Direction | Phrases | |---|---| | North/South/East/West | to the north of, in the southern part of, on the eastern side | | Relative position | next to, adjacent to, opposite, facing, behind, in front of | | Movement | turn left/right, go straight on, continue past, take the first turning | | Distance | approximately 200 metres, just past, a short walk from |
The strategy:
- Study the map/diagram carefully before the audio — note what is already labelled
- Identify the starting point (often indicated in the question)
- Follow the directions step by step as you listen
- Write the letter/label as soon as you identify the location
Common trap: Students get lost after missing one direction and then cannot find their position. If this happens, look at the remaining unlabelled positions and listen for the next clear landmark.
Map labelling directions
Audio: 'As you enter the park through the main gate, the café is immediately on your left. If you continue straight ahead for about 100 metres, you'll see the children's playground on your right. The toilets are located just behind the playground, adjacent to the picnic area.'
Why this works: Step 1: Enter main gate. Step 2: Café = immediately left. Step 3: Continue 100m. Step 4: Playground = right. Step 5: Toilets = behind playground, next to picnic area. Follow each step as you hear it.
adjacent
next to or adjoining
Example: The café is adjacent to the entrance.
landmark
a recognisable feature used for navigation
Example: Use the clock tower as a landmark.
vicinity
the area near or surrounding a place
Example: There are several hotels in the vicinity.
Accurate use of prepositions of place is essential for map labelling questions.
- →on the left/right of the entrance
- →at the end of the corridor
- →between the library and the car park
- →opposite the main building
- →in the north-east corner of the site
- →along the river bank
- Study the map carefully before the audio — note what is already labelled.
- Follow directions step by step — do not try to jump ahead.
- Learn directional vocabulary: adjacent, opposite, facing, in front of.
- If you get lost, look for the next clear landmark and continue from there.
Draw a simple map of your local area (5–6 buildings or landmarks). Record yourself giving directions from one point to another. Then listen back and check if you used the correct directional vocabulary.