Tackling Diagram Label Completion Tasks in IELTS Reading

Every established IELTS review online course today always includes an in-depth lecture about the reading exam’s Diagram Label Completion task type. Here’s why.

          ·         The diagram can be something as simple as a picture of a leaf or something complicated like a machine’s production process. It’s easy to get complacent with your answer if you got something similar to the former. Likewise, it’s easy to panic and spend a lot of time deciphering the diagram if you got something similar to the latter.

          ·         The passage that accompanies the diagram is typically made up of text blocks, making it difficult to pinpoint specific information at a glance.

          ·         The test has strict word count requirements. Going over or under them will automatically disqualify your answer.

Many IELTS General Training reading examinees underestimate this section. Don’t make the same mistake. Get every item right in the Diagram Label Completion task type by integrating the following tips into your test strategy.

       1.    Study the diagram. 

Make sure you at least have an idea of what’s presented to you tackle the text. If the subject is something that you’re familiar with, try filling out the diagram on your own. Then, check if your answers are correct by skimming the passage.

       2.    Predict the answer’s word type.  

Based on the visuals and the information you gleaned from them, is the answer you need to find a noun, a verb, an adjective, or a phrase? Establishing this will help you find the information you need faster.

       3.    Take note of keywords and phrases. 

IELTS review online instructors always drill this strategy into their students’ heads.

When you skim the text, underline or encircle significant information so you can easily find them later on.

       4.    Complete the easiest items first. 

Skip the difficult questions and answer the easy ones first. This a great time management strategy when tackling the IELTS exam.

       5.    Double-check the word count. 

Make sure your answers adhere to the section’s word count requirement. Review the instructions. The word limit typically comes in the following forms:

·         ONE WORD ONLY

·         NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS

·         NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS

·         NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER

·         NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER

Yes, they’re all capitalized. Hyphenated words are counted as one. Don’t use contracted words as the examiner will not consider them.

Apply these tips when you take mock reading tests during your test preparations. But, don’t rely solely on them. Remember, these are only some—not all—of the test techniques that can supercharge your performance in the reading exam’s diagram completion section. To learn more, you’ll need to prepare with an IELTS General Training review course. You can find some of the best online training programs here.

References:

Eckert, Diana. “IELTS Reading Tips for Diagram Label Completion Tasks.” Pinoy Work and Study Abroad Blogspot. http://pinoyworkandstudyabroad.blogspot.com/2018/09/ielts-reading-tips-for-diagram-label.html

“IELTS Reading—Diagram Completion.” IELTS-Up. Accessed February 22, 2019. https://ielts-up.com/reading/diagram-completion-lesson.html

“IELTS Reading Exercise: Diagram Completion 2.” IELTS-Up. Accessed February 22, 2019. https://ielts-up.com/reading/diagram-completion-practice.html

Liu, James. “How to Answer an IELTS Diagram Label Completion Question Type.” Best My Test. February 10, 2019. Accessed February 22, 2019. https://www.bestmytest.com/blog/ielts/ielts-reading-exam-tips-diagram-label-completion-question-type

Pell, Christopher. “IELTS Reading- Labeling a Diagram Tips and Strategy.” IELTS Advantage. Accessed February 22, 2019. https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2015/04/27/ielts-reading-labeling-a-diagram-tips/

“Test Format.” IELTS. Accessed February 22, 2019. https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/test-format