Master IELTS Listening: Navigate Maps and Directions Like a Pro
The IELTS Listening test can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding maps and directions. This guide will focus on strategies to ace tasks like the one where you listen to directions and match locations on a map. By the end, you’ll have a clear strategy to succeed and feel confident about handling this section.
Understanding the Task
In this type of IELTS Listening task, you’re given a map of a town center and asked to identify locations like bookshops, registration offices, and canteens. The recording is played only once, so attentive listening is critical.
Tips to Succeed
Preview the Map: Before the recording begins, look for landmarks and labels like “Main Street” or “Elizabeth Avenue.”
Familiarize yourself with directional indicators (e.g., north, south, left, right).
Listen Actively for Clues: Pay attention to prepositions like “next to,” “opposite,” or “beside.”
Note transition words such as “then,” “next,” and “after that,” which indicate a sequence.
Stay Calm: If you miss an answer, move on to avoid losing focus on subsequent questions.
Sample Map Practice
Here’s an example of what you might encounter:
Locations to Identify:
Bookshop
University Registration Office
Students’ Union Office
Second-hand Bike Shop
Students’ Union Shop
Canteen
Key Map Features:
Georgetown Square at the center.
Main Street running east-west.
Elizabeth Avenue intersecting north-south.
During the recording, listen for descriptions like, “The Students’ Union Shop is next to the canteen on the south side of Georgetown Square.”
Practice Makes Perfect
To enhance your skills: Use online IELTS listening practice tests.
Listen to audio clips with maps and directions from apps like Google Maps or GPS tools.
Engage in active listening daily by following audio walking tours or podcasts with spatial instructions.
Conclusion
With consistent practice and strategic listening, map-based tasks on the IELTS Listening test can become second nature. Remember to stay calm, focus on the landmarks, and listen for directional language. You’re one step closer to acing the IELTS!
*Listen to this Worksheet below:
