In IELTS listening, questions related to maps are regarded as among the toughest in the exam. These questions are generally found in Section 2 of the IELTS Listening test. In this section, the speaker gives map instructions in the audio recording.

In these questions, one has to label the map by following the instructions narrated in the audio recording by the speaker, so one must be well aware of directional language. These questions are considered to be tough ones because of the vocabulary used in the audio recording, which can confuse the listener while imagining the map in their mind.

Map Vocabulary in IELTS Listening

The map vocabulary plays a major role in the map questions. One must be able to understand the map vocabulary; only then will one be able to imagine a map. So here is the list of some words and their meanings often used in the audio recordings by the speakers.

  1. Facing – the direction in which the speaker is pointing their face.
  2. Between– a region that is intermediate to two other spaces.
  3. In the middle/ centre of– A region intermediate to two or more spaces
  4. Next to/by– at the side of something/ a position after something.
  5. Behind– at the back of something or somebody
  6. In Front of– a place or position ahead of something or somebody

Example of Map Vocabulary:

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Here’s a map showing a University sports centre in its present position. In the university sports centre, the places mentioned are:

  1. Entrance
  2. 25m pool
  3. Reception
  4. Gym
  5. Changing room
  6. Seating
  7. 2 outdoor courts

To understand the map vocabulary in a better way, let us try to understand it with the help of a map by using every place mentioned.

Entrance: The Entrance is in front of the reception desk according to the map

Reception: The reception desk is facing the entrance.

Pool: The pool is in the middle of the university sports centre & The pool is between the gym and reception.

Seating: The seating is next to the pool.

From the map, you can easily understand the vocabulary used in the sentences. Also, one has to imagine the location of places on the map while listening to the audio recording, so it is better to know this vocabulary

Tips and Strategies

  1. Always look for the north, south, and east directions on the map first
  2. Always listen carefully to the location of the speaker at a particular instant.
  3. Always evaluate the scene before listening to the audio, as it will give you a general idea of the scene.
  4. Try to predict the answers by observing the map according to your understanding.
  5. Remember to take notes while listening to the audio because then you will not miss out on any detail if you are noting down every detail.

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