How to Answer Diagram Label Completion Type of Questions | Reading for Academic IELTS PDF Download

Diagram Label Completion Questions: Your IELTS Reading Guide

In the IELTS Reading test, Diagram Label Completion questions give you a picture—like a diagram, map, or process—and ask you to fill in missing labels using words from the passage. These could show a natural cycle (e.g., water flow), a technical sketch (e.g., a machine), or a layout (e.g., a building). Here’s how to tackle them, what trips people up, and a simple strategy to get them right fast.

What It Looks Like

You’ll see a diagram with blank spots and instructions like this:

Questions 6-8
Label the diagram below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 6-8 on your answer sheet.

Your job? Find the exact words in the text to fit those blanks—nothing more, nothing less.

Common Traps to Avoid

These questions can snag you if you’re not careful. Here’s what often goes wrong:

• Can’t Find the Info Fast: The biggest hiccup is not spotting the right paragraph quickly. The answers hide in specific spots, and reading everything wastes time.
• New Words Trip You Up: The test loves throwing in fresh terms (e.g., “photosynthesis” or “conveyor belt”)—if you miss them, you miss the answers.
• Word Count Mess-Ups: Instructions say “no more than two words”—write three (e.g., “high pressure system”), and it’s wrong, even if the idea’s right.
• Spelling Slip-Ups: Misspell “evaporation” as “evaportion,” and you lose points—IELTS is picky about this.

How to Nail Diagram Label Completion Questions

Here’s a straightforward plan to ace these—quick, accurate, and stress-free:

1. Glance at the Diagram (10-15 Seconds): Peek at it—don’t stare forever. Get a rough idea of what’s going on. Is it a water cycle? A factory line? This primes you for what’s coming.
2. Scan for Key Terms: Jump to the passage and hunt for standout words—new terms (e.g., “condensation,” “gearbox”) or big names (e.g., “Amazon River”). Underline them as you go—they’re your answer clues.
3. Match the Diagram: Look back at the blanks. Which parts tie to those terms you found? Think “this blank might be a process step” or “that’s a machine part.”
4. Read Deeper: Zoom in on the underlined spots in the text. Read a sentence or two around them to grab the exact answer—stick to the word limit (e.g., “two words max”).
5. Double-check: Got “vapor rise”? Spell it right (not “vaper”). Too many words? Trim it (e.g., “rising vapor” is fine, “rising vapor cloud” isn’t).

Why This Works

• Speed: Scanning beats reading every word—you’ll hit the answer zone in 30 seconds instead of 3 minutes.
• Accuracy: New terms are gold—they’re what the test targets. Matching them to the diagram locks in the right words.
• Points: Following “two words max” and spelling correctly keeps you safe from silly mark-offs.

Quick Practice Tip

Grab a sample IELTS passage with a diagram (e.g., a plant growth cycle). Time yourself: 1 minute to scan and underline terms like “root system” or “nutrient uptake,” then 2 minutes to label. Check against the answers—did you nail the limit and spelling? Do this 3-4 times, and it’ll feel like second nature on test day.

Why It’s Worth It

Diagram questions test your focus and word-spotting skills—crack them, and you’re showing Band 7+ chops: fast comprehension, sharp accuracy. This strategy turns a tricky type into an easy win—get it down, and you’re one step closer to that top IELTS Reading score!