🗺️ IELTS Listening Section 2 Strategy – Maps, Plans, and Directions

IELTS Listening Section 2 often includes tasks like labeling a map, following directions, or identifying locations in a building layout. These questions test your ability to understand spatial language and visualize movement. This section can be tricky even for strong listeners — unless you train specifically for it.

📌 What to Expect in Section 2

• One speaker giving information (e.g., a tour guide, manager, or event organizer)
• Questions that require labeling features on a map, diagram, or floor plan
• Answers in words or letters (depending on the question type)
• Use of directional language and location references

🧭 Common Map Question Types

• Map labeling with points A–H
• Choosing the correct location on a plan
• Matching features to locations
• Multiple-choice directions

📍 Important Vocabulary for Map Listening

• Prepositions: next to, opposite, behind, in front of, between, across from
• Directions: go straight, turn left, go past, walk along, head toward
• Landmarks: entrance, reception, staircase, exit, hallway, café, lift, car park

🎯 Top Tips for Mastering Section 2 Maps and Plans

1. ✅ Look at the Map First

Before the audio begins, scan the map to understand the layout: where the entrance is, how the paths are arranged, and where the labels are located. This helps you mentally follow the speaker's movement.

2. ✅ Identify the Starting Point

IELTS maps usually begin at a specific location. Look for the “You are here” marker or entrance arrow — this tells you where the directions will start from.

3. ✅ Follow the Speaker's Movement with Your Pencil

As the speaker gives directions, trace the path lightly with your finger or pencil to stay oriented.

4. ✅ Focus on Spatial Connectors

Train your ears to catch transitions like “Now move past the café,” “Turn right at the stairs,” or “It’s to the left of the main entrance.”

5. ✅ Watch for Distractors

Speakers often give incorrect or extra information before stating the right location. Example:

“You might expect the cloakroom to be on the right, but it’s actually opposite the café on your left.”

📋 Sample Map Vocabulary in Context

• “The information desk is directly across from the main entrance.”
• “You’ll see a spiral staircase on your right — the lift is just beyond that.”
• “Continue down the hallway and take the second left.”

📘 Practice Techniques

• 🗺️ Use real museum or building maps online and listen to guided audio tours
• ✍️ Label blank floor plans while listening to room descriptions
• 🎧 Practice IELTS map-based questions from past tests

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Not identifying the starting location before the audio begins
• ❌ Confusing “left” and “right” (especially when directions are reversed)
• ❌ Not following the audio step-by-step — skipping ahead leads to missed answers
• ❌ Mislabeling because you didn’t match the letter with the correct box

With practice and the right strategy, you can become confident in tackling one of the most challenging types of IELTS Listening tasks. Section 2 may throw in some twists, but if you stay focused and track movement logically, you can score full marks on these spatial questions.

See also Matching Multiple Questions

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