Listening for directions

When was the last time you told someone the right way of reaching at a place or asked for directions.Well if you've been like me referring too often to google map for navigation and find maps and directions based listening questions hard to understand then this blog will definitely be helpful

Maps and directions based questions could be challenging for candidates who have trouble in comprehending  audio cues, these require not only good listening skills but speed and visualisation.

There are two ways in which map or plan based questions are asked in the exam.

The image below shows different locations from A-I which have to be marked on the map

The second way is to mark possible answers A-I on the map,based on questions asked 

            (The quality of these images is not up to mark but the aim is to give you an idea of the                     questions asked You can access these questions from IDP website and Cambridge 15 volume)

                            

                                Tips to attempt such questions

1.    Read instructions carefully.

2.    Try to understand the map or plan and mark its key features.

3.    Be very clear with the place from where , the speaker is positioning himself on the map.

4.    If there is a compass given on the map be prepared to listen to directions like north-east or south-west etc.

5.    Visualise the place and make notes if needed.

6.    Be an alert listener and do not get trapped in the distractions e.g the park which was earlier here has now been converted into a swimming pool.

7.    Be very clear with prepositions used to denote places as these are vital in understanding such questions.

Listening for maps and directions requires a lot of practice and a strategy that has worked really well for a lot of my students is listening to the audio script in its pdf form and simultaneously viewing the question which have been answered  incorrectly.This really helps as the student gets an idea what he has missed listening to while attempting and gradually there is considerable improvement in the score.

Hope this was useful. Mail me at evokeielts@gmail.com if you have any trouble while preparing for IELTS.

Thanks

Nidhi