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Tips to get 9 bands in the IELTS listening test

Is it challenging to listen and write something at the same time? Do you get confused between words? There can be chances of experiencing such situations at times if you lack the right knowledge. When it comes to international exams like IELTS, PTE, and so on, you have to understand some tips to ace your IELTS listening module. It is not tough to pursue a good IELTS listening score if you take on IELTS listening practice tests.

IELTS is an international English exam that contains four modules out of which the Listening module is the easiest since one needs to pen down what is being said in the audio clip.

Since it is very clearly mentioned that you won’t be able to listen to the audio again so when it starts, you need to pay very close attention to the starting of whatever conversation or presentation you are listening to. It is mainly because you may be given some hints or clues by the speaker at the very beginning regarding the directions of the map.

Tips for labeling IELTS listening Map:

  1. Firstly, you should attentively read and look at the patterns of the map. With this, you would be familiar with the questions and it would be simpler for you to target the places talked about in the audio clip.
  2. You must ensure that you lay emphasis on every word, and tone and do not skip anything. Also, you can go for selective listening where you target the important words that can be helpful for the specific question.
  3. Interestingly, you can also make notes if you are quick enough to do so while listening to the audio. This will help you in case you miss out on any relevant information or if you misinterpreted any word.
  4. Candidates can get to know the direction where they would proceed, depending upon the initial conversation between the two speakers in the audio clip.
Remember, the IELTS listening vocabulary used is the familiar word groups related to everyday life, times, dates, places, activities, work, and recreational events.

Even though these are common words to use, they are often misspelled. Due to this, candidates lose their valuable marks even in the easiest part of their Listening test.

While looking at the IELTS listening map section, have you ever wondered if the speakers are themselves inside the map due to the way they talk about the map Or if they are holding it in their hands? Usually, the initial part of the conversation or lecture gives a clue about which of these is possibly true.

Kindly look below for more clarity on the procedure.

Surely, it could be suspected for once that, for the map being shown above, the speaker is either:

  • Watching the map (like it is on a piece of paper) and targeting the various places, or
  • standing anywhere in the place shown by the map and discussing how to reach different locations from their point of location, or
  • Checking out the map while standing somewhere in the place depicted by the map.

The audio clip will try to hint where those situations are happening, but you should be well aware of the details before jotting down the answers.
Moreover, the IELTS Listening map questions that you encounter in the IELTS exam also help you improve your analytical skills and power to stay focussed. In brief, the IELTS is a valuable test since it evaluates your ability to grapple with various current world situations. Undoubtedly, everyone needs to have the ability to ask for and give directions if they are planning to move to an English environment.
You need to understand the language of location, especially the prepositions of place, and direction if you want to achieve the best bands.

Check out the definitions of these two types of vocabulary to ensure that you understand the difference between them:
  • Location – It is the form of vocabulary which shows the relation of any object or a place to another object or place.
  • Direction – It is the form of vocabulary which shows the position towards which someone moves.
IELTS Listening Test Map Vocabulary – List 1


  • facing
  • in the middle/center of
  • behind
  • between
  • next to/by
  • in front of

IELTS Listening Test Map Vocabulary – List 2

  • left-hand side
  • right-hand side
  • turn right
  • to your right
  • pass through
  • on the other side
  • beyond
  • along
  • corner
IELTS Listening Test Map Vocabulary – List 3

You all know that the Maps are always shown with compass points. You must know the 8 points of the compass as these are frequently used in the recording clips to denote position. Look below:

  • north
  • south
  • east
  • west
  • northeast
  • northwest
  • southeast
IELTS Listening Test Map Vocabulary – List 4
  • opposite
  • across the road
  • same side
  • before you get to
  • junction
  • dead end
  • leads off

IELTS Listening Test Map Vocabulary – List 5

  • bend
  • just past
  • alongside
  • adjoining
  • carry straight on

The bus station is on the right just past the shopping center.

The town center has a pedestrian walkway running alongside a row of adjoining shops.

 Summary

At last but not least, IELTS listening is easy to pass with good bands if you have practiced it harder through various mock tests. The speakers in the audio tell you clues about how to look at the map. While the IELTS Listening section may appear challenging and confusing, you can crack it easily with thorough practice either through online or offline IELTS coaching. Do not miss out on the basics like the usage of prepositions and directions since they seem easy. If you are clear with the basics, you can score good marks. Most significantly, do not forget to practice IELTS map labeling with audio texts. Your consistent practice through IELTS listening sample tests will boost your confidence in you before your exam day.

For any further assistance in IELTS listening, keep reading our blogs. And, if you want to prepare for IELTS with professional and superior mentors, contact Dr.Roma IELTS institute today.