IELTS Reading Diagram Label Completion: Complete Guide

Quick Answer: Diagram Label Completion in IELTS Reading tests your ability to understand visual information and match it with text. You must label parts of a diagram (e.g., a machine, process, or structure) using words from the passage. Focus on scanning for keywords, understanding spatial relationships, and using synonyms to find answers. Practice with our step-by-step guide to achieve Band 7+.

Table of Contents

What Is Diagram Label Completion?

Step-by-Step Strategy

Common Diagram Types

Band Score Comparison Table

What Is Diagram Label Completion?

Diagram Label Completion tasks appear in the IELTS Reading test, typically in Academic Module passages. You are given a diagram with blank labels (often numbered like 1, 2, 3) and must fill each blank with a word or phrase from the reading passage. The diagram could show:

A natural process (e.g., water cycle, rock formation)

A machine or device (e.g., solar panel, engine)

A biological structure (e.g., plant cell, human heart)

A geographical feature (e.g., volcano, river delta)

The task tests your ability to:

Understand visual-spatial relationships

Scan for specific information

Recognize synonyms and paraphrasing

Follow a sequence or logical order

Key rule: The answers are always taken directly from the passage, not from your own knowledge. You may need to use up to three words, but check the instructions carefully—some tasks limit you to one word.

Step-by-Step Strategy

Follow this 5-step method to tackle Diagram Label Completion efficiently.

Step 1: Preview the Diagram (30 seconds)

Look at the diagram title and any labels already given.

Identify what the diagram shows (e.g., "How a hydroelectric dam works").

Notice the blank labels and their positions—this tells you what to look for.

Step 2: Predict Keywords

Think of synonyms for the labels. For example, if a blank points to a "pipe" in the diagram, the passage might use "tube," "conduit," or "channel."

Also predict the type of word needed (noun, verb, adjective). Usually, labels are nouns (e.g., "valve," "turbine").

Step 3: Scan the Passage

Read the passage paragraph by paragraph, but don't read every word.

Look for words that match your predicted keywords or their synonyms.

Focus on sections that describe the diagram's subject (e.g., if the diagram is a solar panel, look for paragraphs about solar energy).

Step 4: Match and Check

When you find a possible answer, check if it fits logically in the diagram.

Read the sentence around the answer to confirm it matches the label's position.

Ensure the answer matches the word limit (e.g., "one word" means no spaces or hyphens unless allowed).

Step 5: Write and Move On

Write the answer exactly as it appears in the passage (same spelling, same form).

Don't spend too long on one blank—if stuck, skip and return later.

Common Diagram Types

Type	Example	Key Focus
Process	Water cycle, manufacturing	Sequence (first, then, finally)
Machine/Device	Car engine, smartphone	Parts and functions
Biological	Human heart, plant root	Anatomy and labels
Geographical	Volcano, river delta	Features and locations

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Can identify some labels but may miss others due to poor scanning. Answers may have minor spelling errors.
7	Can find most labels with accurate spelling. Understands basic synonyms but may struggle with complex diagrams.
8	Quickly locates all labels using effective scanning. Understands paraphrasing and spatial clues.
9	Effortlessly completes all labels. Uses context and logical reasoning to confirm answers. No errors.

Sample Answers

Band 7: Passage excerpt: "The turbine is connected to a generator via a shaft. Water flows through the penstock, turning the turbine." Diagram label: Blank points to "shaft" (connecting turbine and generator). Answer: "shaft" (correct, but might have missed if passage used "axle"). Band 8: Passage excerpt: "The solar panel consists of a glass cover, a photovoltaic layer, and a metal frame." Diagram label: Blank points to "photovoltaic layer." Answer: "photovoltaic layer" (correct, with understanding of technical terms). Band 9: Passage excerpt: "In the first stage, raw materials enter the crusher. After crushing, they move to the mixer." Diagram label: Blank points to "crusher." Answer: "crusher" (correct, with quick scanning and logical sequence).

Common Mistakes

❌Ignoring the word limit: Writing "the shaft" when the answer is "shaft." Always check instructions.

❌Using own knowledge: Assuming a label is "pipe" when the passage says "tube." Stick to the text.

❌Rushing the diagram: Not noticing that labels follow a sequence (e.g., top to bottom, left to right). Read the diagram carefully.

❌Misspelling: Writing "turbine" as "turbin" loses marks. Copy exactly.

❌Overthinking: Trying to find complex synonyms when the answer is a simple word from the passage.

Top Tips

Tip 1: After finding an answer, read the sentence before and after to ensure it makes sense in context.

Tip 2: If the diagram has arrows, follow their direction—they often indicate a process or flow.

Tip 3: Practice with diagrams from science, geography, and technology topics. IELTS often uses these.

Tip 4: Use the "word limit" to your advantage. If it says "ONE WORD," the answer is likely a single noun.

Tip 5: Don't panic if you don't understand the diagram fully. Focus on matching keywords.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials, including diagram-based reading exercises.

FAQ

Q: Can I write numbers in diagram labels? A: Yes, if the passage includes numbers (e.g., "Stage 1"), you can write them. But usually, labels are words. Q: What if the diagram has more blanks than the passage mentions? A: This is rare. Usually, each blank corresponds to one specific part. If stuck, re-read the passage carefully. Q: Should I read the whole passage first? A: No. Preview the diagram, then scan for keywords. Reading everything wastes time. Q: Can I use abbreviations? A: Only if they appear in the passage (e.g., "CO2" for carbon dioxide). Otherwise, write the full word. Q: How many words can I write? A: Check the instructions. Common limits are "ONE WORD," "TWO WORDS," or "THREE WORDS." Hyphenated words count as one word.

Key Takeaways

✅Preview the diagram before reading the passage.

✅Predict keywords and synonyms for each blank.

✅Scan for exact matches or paraphrased terms.

✅Check word limits and spelling carefully.

✅Practice with various diagram types to build confidence.

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