Answering the IELTS Reading section can be easy, particularly when it comes to diagram labelling questions. These tasks require test-takers to accurately label parts of a diagram based on information provided in the text. To excel in this question type, it’s essential to develop a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of the passage. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies and tips to help you confidently approach IELTS Reading diagram labelling questions, ensuring you can pinpoint the correct labels with ease.
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What is the IELTS Reading diagram labelling question?
The IELTS Reading diagram labelling question requires test-takers to label a diagram based on information provided in the reading passage. It involves labelling parts of a diagram, chart, or illustration with words or phrases found in the reading passage. This question type assesses your ability to understand and accurately locate information within the passage and apply it to a visual representation.
Key requirements:
You will see a diagram related to the topic of the passage, which could be anything from a scientific process to the layout of a building.
The diagram will have blank spaces or labels (e.g., A, B, C) where you need to write the correct words or phrases.
Instructions will specify where to find the information in the passage and how many words or phrases you can use for each label (e.g., "Use no more than two words").
Skills tested in IELTS Reading diagram labelling question
Reading comprehension: Understanding specific information and how it is depicted visually.
Scanning: Quickly locating relevant information within the passage.
Matching information: Connecting written descriptions with visual elements accurately.
IELTS Reading diagram labelling practice question
Here is an example of an IELTS Reading diagram labelling question for your reference, you can consider taking this question to practice:
Academic Reading Sample Task – Diagram Label Completion[Note: This is an extract from an Academic Reading passage on the subject of a method of providing water to grow vegetables in desert regions. The text preceding this extract gave some background facts about the development of the method.]Charlie Paton has built a giant structure on a desert island off Abu Dhabi in the Persian Gulf – the first commercially viable version of his ‘seawater greenhouse’. Local scientists, working with Paton under a licence from his company Light Works, are watering the desert and growing vegetables in what is basically a giant dew-making machine that produces fresh water and cool air from sun and seawater. The design has three main features. Firstly, there is a front wall of perforated cardboard through which hot, dry air blows in from the desert. This wall is kept moist by seawater pumped up from the nearby shoreline. As this water evaporates, heat is taken from the air inside the greenhouse and moisture added to it. Last June, for example, when the temperature outside the Abu Dhabi greenhouse was 46 °C, it was in the low 30s inside and the humidity in the greenhouse was 90 per cent. The cool, moist air inside the greenhouse allows the plants to grow faster, and because much less water evaporates from the leaves, their demand for moisture drops dramatically. Paton’s crops thrived on a single litre of water per square metre per day, compared to 8 litres if they were growing outside. The second feature also serves to cool the air for the plants. Paton has constructed a double-layered roof with an outer layer of clear polythene and an inner, coated layer that reflects infrared light. Visible light can stream through to maximise photosynthesis, while infrared radiation is trapped in the space between the layers, away from the plants.At the back of the greenhouse sits the third element, the main water-production unit. Just before entering this unit, the humid air of the greenhouse mixes with the hot, dry air from between the two layers of the roof. This means the air can absorb more moisture as it passes through a second perforated cardboard wall. Finally, the hot saturated air hits a condenser. This is kept cool by still more seawater. Drops of pure distilled water form on the condenser and flow into a tank for irrigating the crops. The greenhouse more or less runs itself. Sensors switch everything on when the sun rises and alter flows of air and seawater through the day in response to changes in temperature, humidity and sunlight. On windless days, a fan ensures a constant flow of air through the greenhouse. ‘Once it is tuned to the local environment, you don’t need anyone there for it to work,’ says Paton. ‘We can run the entire operation off one 13- amp plug, and in future, we could make it entirely independent of the grid, powered from solar panels.’
Academic Reading sample task – Diagram label completion (Answers)
hot dry air ■ dry hot air
cool moist air ■ moist cool air
infrared radiation/light
(a/the) condenser
pure/distilled water ■ pure distilled water
Tips for answering IELTS Reading diagram labelling questions
Here are the most important tips for you to keep in mind when approaching the IELTS Reading diagram label completion:
Understand the diagram: Study the diagram to grasp its context
Read instructions: Note any word limits and requirements
Identify keywords: Focus on keywords in the labels
Skim and scan: Quickly locate relevant sections in the passage
Match information: Ensure the text matches the diagram accurately
Use exact words: Copy words directly from the passage if instructed
Check word limit: Adhere to the word count specified
Practice samples: Regularly practice with sample questions
Review mistakes: Learn from errors to improve technique
Manage time: Don’t linger too long on one question
Download examiner approved tips for IELTS Reading test
Hope this blog helps you understand all about IELTS Reading labelling questions. Also, if you want to take an IELTS test or need related answers then you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will clear up all your queries.