Question type 7 of 9: Labelling questions in IELTS reading. On this page, we will look at the seventh of the 9 types of question used in the IELTS reading test – adding labels to diagrams.
What do I have to do for Labelling questions in IELTS reading?
You will see a diagram, and will need to add labels to it from a description in the text. Here’s an example:
Label the diagram below using words from the text. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 1–4 on your answer sheet.
What is this question type testing my ability to do?
Short answer questions are designed to test you can understand specific information in the reading passage and follow a description
What are the best steps for answering labelling questions in IELTS reading?
There are 5 steps that we recommend following for this question type:
Step 1 – Focus: Look closely at the diagram – note key ideas, labels and subheadings
Step 2 – Keywords: Identify the keywords that will help you locate the area of the passage
Step 3 – Locate: Find the area of the passage
Step 4 – References: Find references to any other labels on the diagram
Step 5 – Detail: Read the section of the passage (step 3) in detail
What useful tips are there for this question type?
- TIP 1: Keep to the word limit
- TIP 2: Wrong spelling will cost you a point
- TIP 3: The answers generally in one section of the passage but not necessarily in order
- TIP 4: If the instructions state NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER, at least one of the answers is a number
- TIP 5: You should use words from the passage
- TIP 6: Prepositions can be very important in describing labels
What are the common errors with this question type?
The most common problem with this question type is losing track of the description in the reading text and accidentally using labels that are already given on the diagram.
Now practice!
Click the link in the table below to test your skills with headings questions in IELTS reading