
IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS
The IELTS Listening test is a key part of the exam for non-native English speakers seeking to demonstrate their listening abilities. One of the question types in the IELTS Listening test is Flow Chart Completion, which requires candidates to fill in missing information from a flow chart based on what they hear during the audio. Flow charts typically represent processes, steps in a system, or chronological sequences of events. It’s important to follow some tips to excel in this question type, as these can help you manage your time and score well.
1. Understand the Flow Chart Structure
Before tackling the flow chart, take a few seconds to carefully examine it. Flow charts can depict a range of subjects, from technical processes to more general tasks like recipes or directions. Make sure you understand the overall structure of the flow chart and the kind of information it is asking for. The arrows and boxes often indicate how each stage leads to the next, and this will help you predict the flow of the process in the audio.
IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS
– Look for Keywords: Identify words in the flow chart that are likely to be repeated or paraphrased in the audio.
– Note the Gaps: Pay attention to where information is missing and what type of data is needed (e.g., names, numbers, dates, locations, actions).
IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS
2. Predict the Information
While reading the flow chart, predict the kind of information you are likely to hear. The IELTS Listening test often uses paraphrasing, so you won’t always hear the exact words found in the chart. Understanding what you are expected to fill in (a name, a process, a time, a number, etc.) will help you concentrate on those details during the listening.
For example, if the flow chart shows a process like “Planting a Tree” and you need to fill in “Step 1,” the audio might explain the first stage of planting. You could predict keywords like “dig a hole” or “prepare soil,” even though the test may use different phrasing.
IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS
3. Listen for Specific Information
When the audio begins, focus on the key steps and listen for specific information that matches the gaps in the flow chart. The speaker may mention the details directly or describe actions that indicate specific stages in the process.
– Listen for Numbers or Dates: Sometimes, specific numbers or dates will be mentioned, like times, prices, or quantities. Make sure you are attentive to these numbers, as they are often the answers in flow chart completion questions.
– Listen for Sequence Words: Words like “first,” “then,” “next,” and “finally” are indicators of the order in which steps or actions are being described. These words will help you connect the information to the right part of the flow chart.
IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS
4. Pay Attention to Paraphrasing
IELTS Listening often paraphrases information from the flow chart. For example, the flow chart may ask you to fill in a word like “planting,” but the audio might use synonyms like “sowing” or “placing in soil.” Being able to recognize paraphrases and synonyms is crucial for scoring well.
To improve your ability to spot paraphrases:
– Practice listening to a variety of English materials, such as podcasts, interviews, and educational videos.
– Learn common synonyms for words you might encounter on the exam (e.g., “begin” for “start,” “final” for “last”).
IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS
5. Keep an Ear Out for Numbers and Units
Flow charts often contain numbers or units of measurement (e.g., distances, quantities, or times), so it’s important to listen carefully for these details. Make sure you record numbers in the correct format, such as “10 kg” or “5 hours,” and don’t miss any important units or numerical indicators.
In some cases, the flow chart might also require you to convert numbers into a different format. For instance, you may hear “ten thousand” and need to write it as “10,000” or “0.25” instead of “one quarter.”
IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS
6. Don’t Get Stuck on One Gap
In case you miss a part of the information or don’t understand it clearly, move on. Don’t waste too much time on a single gap. Keep listening for the next part of the flow chart and fill in the gaps as you go. In the case where you miss one answer, focus on what you can still understand and stay focused. It’s easy to lose track of your score by stressing over missed details.
7. Check Your Spelling
Incorrect spelling or grammar mistakes will result in losing marks, so be sure to check your answers carefully. If you write a word wrong (e.g., “sepereate” instead of “separate”), it could be marked wrong, even if the content is correct.
Always check your spelling after filling in the blanks. Many answers in the flow chart will be proper nouns or technical terms, so make sure you are writing them correctly.
IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS
8. Manage Your Time Efficiently
The IELTS Listening test gives you only one opportunity to hear the audio, so you need to manage your time wisely. Don’t linger too long on one question. Answer quickly and move on. In case you miss one detail, remember that the exam is designed to assess your overall listening ability, so you can still score well by focusing on the following questions.
9. Stay Calm and Focused
This may seem simple, but it’s crucial to maintain focus and stay calm during the listening test. You may encounter unfamiliar topics or difficult vocabulary, but with practice, you can learn how to deal with these challenges. Ensure you’re relaxed and ready to tackle the flow chart questions without rushing or second-guessing yourself too much.
IELTS Listening Flow Chart Completion questions require a combination of prediction skills, attention to detail, and the ability to recognize paraphrases. By understanding the structure of the flow chart, predicting the missing information, listening for key details, and practicing your listening skills, you can maximize your chances of answering these questions correctly. Take time to practice regularly and remember that the key to success is both preparation and confidence during the exam.
IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS

IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS
IELTS LISTENING FLOW CHART COMPLETION TIPS