Crack the Map / Plan Task — Section 2
By the end of this lesson you will reliably score 8/10 or higher on map-labelling questions in Listening Section 2.
Section 2 maps and plans terrify most students because the audio is fast, there are no breaks, and only directional words (opposite, behind, next to) tell you where each label belongs. The good news: examiners only ever use about 8 directional phrases. Memorise them and the task becomes predictable.
1 · Read the map before audio starts
You get 30 seconds. Don't read the questions — look at the map. Locate North on it (usually top), the entrance, and any fixed labels. Mentally walk from the entrance to each numbered blank so the audio doesn't have to orient you.
2 · Underline directional words in the options
If the options are A) opposite, B) behind, C) next to — underline them. Your ear now hunts for the matching paraphrase: 'directly facing you' = opposite, 'further back' = behind, 'right beside' = next to.
3 · Track the speaker's movement
The guide usually walks visitors through in order. Put a tiny dot on the map as you hear each landmark mentioned. If you lose your place, jump to the next clearly named landmark — never freeze.
4 · Never change an answer late
If you second-guess on the transfer, you'll lose 2 marks instead of 1. The first instinct in map tasks is right ~85% of the time.
“As you walk in through the main doors, you'll see the gift shop to your left, and directly facing you across the lobby is our cafeteria. The restrooms are tucked away behind the cafeteria, so you'll need to walk around.”
- ‘Directly facing you across the lobby’ → cafeteria is OPPOSITE the entrance.
- ‘Tucked away behind the cafeteria’ → restrooms are BEHIND, not beside.
- Notice the speaker walks in a clear left → centre → behind sequence. Following the route is more reliable than following the question numbers.
From the transcript above, where is the cafeteria located relative to the main entrance?
- — Trying to read the questions instead of studying the map in the 30-sec prep.
- — Spelling labels phonetically (write ‘cafeteria’ not ‘cafateria’ — spelling counts).
- — Assuming the guide will mention items in the same order as the questions. They won't.
Maps reward preparation, not English. Spend the 30 seconds orienting, underline directional words, and follow the speaker's walking route — not the question order.
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