IELTS Listening Map Labeling:
Compass + Direction Phrasebook (2026)

How Do I Answer IELTS Listening Map Questions?

IELTS Listening map/plan questions appear in Section 2. You hear a speaker describing a location while looking at a map with numbered positions (A-H typically). Your job: match each number to a named place (gym, library, cafe). Always follow passage order; master 20 spatial phrases; use the compass to orient.

The 20 Spatial Phrases You MUST Know

Compass Directions (8)

1. North of / to the north of
2. South of / to the south
3. East / to the east
4. West / to the west
5. Northeast / northwest / southeast / southwest

Relative Positions (12)

1. Next to / adjacent to / beside
2. Opposite / across from / facing
3. Between X and Y
4. Behind / in front of
5. Alongside
6. Just past / immediately past
7. At the end of / at the far end
8. In the middle of / in the centre
9. On the corner of
10. Around the corner from
11. On the right/left of
12. Diagonally opposite
13. A short distance from
14. Further along / further down
15. Just before / just after

Before the Audio Plays (30-Second Preview)

1. Orient to the map. Find the starting point (usually labelled "You are here" or an obvious landmark).
2. Identify the compass. Look for the N/S/E/W symbol.
3. Read all labels. Names to match are listed A-H or similar.
4. Predict. Which places logically sit where? (e.g., toilets usually near entrances)

During the Audio — The 4 Rules

Rule 1: Follow passage order

If question 11 is answered first, question 12 will follow in the recording. Don't jump ahead.

Rule 2: Listen for the verb

"Head north," "take the first left," "cross the bridge" — verbs tell you movement.

Rule 3: Landmarks first, destination last

Speakers describe your route using landmarks ("past the library") and end with the target ("the cafe is on your right").

Rule 4: Don''t write while listening — point

If handwriting, point to the map with your pencil as you hear directions. Write the answer only at the end of each question.

Sample Map Navigation Script (Typical)

> "From the main entrance, head north past the reception desk. The library is on your left. Continue past the library until you reach a junction. Turn right. The computer lab is the second door on your right, between the seminar room and the kitchen."

Questions: "Where is the computer lab?" Answer: The position on the map matching "second door on the right, between seminar room and kitchen" — typically a specific letter like "G."

Common Map Question Traps

Trap 1: "Not here, but here..."

> "The gym used to be in Room A, but it''s now been moved to Room E." Answer: E (not A).

Trap 2: Diagonal descriptions

> "The cafeteria is diagonally opposite the library" — locate library first, then diagonal.

Trap 3: Multiple correct-sounding options

> "There are two gyms: one for students and one for staff. The student gym is in the east wing..." Listen for the specific qualifier.

Trap 4: Correction mid-sentence

> "Turn left — sorry, right — at the junction." Always take the correction, not the first word.

Compass Practice — Which Direction?

Given "You are here" in the centre, which direction is:

• The park in the upper-right corner?
• Answer: Northeast (NE)

• The bus stop in the lower-left?
• Answer: Southwest (SW)

• A building directly above you?
• Answer: North

Drill these with sample maps on YouTube or in Cambridge IELTS books.

The 4-Week Map Mastery Plan

• Week 1: Learn 20 spatial phrases. Drill 2 map questions/day from Cambridge books.
• Week 2: Timed map drills — 30 seconds prep + full recording + 1 min answering.
• Week 3: Listen to travel podcasts, identify direction phrases.
• Week 4: Full Section 2 mocks focusing on maps.

FAQ

Q: How many map questions are in IELTS Listening? A: Usually 4-6 questions in Section 2. Occasionally in Section 3 (plan of building interior).

Q: Do answers follow order of the map or the recording? A: Recording order — the speaker describes places in the order of the question numbers.

Q: Can I use compass directions if the map shows streets? A: Yes — use the compass rose if provided. Otherwise, use landmarks.

Q: What if I missed Q11? A: Move on immediately. Don''t block; Q12-15 are coming within seconds.

Q: Are map questions harder than multiple choice? A: Usually yes — they require following continuous spatial instructions without pausing.

Practice Free Map Drills

10 authentic map questions with instant feedback: Start free Listening mock →