How To Effectively Tackle Diagram Completion Questions?

Zilpah D'Souza Published:
October 10, 2024

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In IELTS reading, test takers are given a passage to read to fill in the gaps in a diagram. The diagram cab be a technical illustration, an explanation of a natural phenomenon, a flowchart, or a design. Blank labels, phrases, or sentences with missing words are to be filled using terms taken straight from a descriptive text or, in some situations, synonyms provided in the table. When a text makes a topic difficult to understand in words, we typically employ diagrams and visual representations of the concept. As a result, a diagram clarifies and simplifies the procedure.

Skills requirement to complete diagrams

The Diagram completion problems in IELTS reading section examine four crucial skills. They are:

IELTS reading keyword strategies, including skimming and scanning, are necessary for determining the answer within the time limit.
Test takers should be able to quickly understand the diagram and select the section of the passage that includes the relevant information.

Use Skimming & Scanning techniques!

Examinees must carefully read the instructions and be mindful of the word limit or other important information provided in the box.
In addition to understanding the diagram, candidates must increase their vocabulary to identify the keywords/types of words/synonyms that should fill in the blanks. It will help you discover an answer quickly.

Common problems with diagram completion question type

The following are a few common problems you might encounter when attempting to answer the Diagram Completion questions.

The most prevalent problem is that test takers try too hard to understand each part of the diagram since unfamiliar diagrams make them uneasy and waste time. Remember that this is a reading comprehension test, and not a technical knowledge test. Time management is essential in the reading session.
Reading the content in its entirety rather than quickly identifying the paragraphs that contain the answers is a major problem as well.

Even though there is no negative marking, test-takers who misspell words in this section will lose points. So, understand the common spelling errors in IELTS and how to avoid them.
It has been observed that many test takers ignore the word restriction and submit longer responses than necessary. Additionally, it will result in a loss of grades.

Tips and suggestions from experts!

The following tips and suggestions will provide an edge in solving the diagram completion questions:

Understand that the answer(s) will be words from the passage,
It is important to note that hyphenated expressions such as "face-to-face" and numbers are treated as single words,
Determine the word type you need (noun, verb, adjective). This will help you find the correct response,
Underline the diagram's keywords at all times. They will assist you in finishing it,

Start by locating the relevant section of the passage,
Keep in mind that the text may not always offer the solutions in chronological order, and
Rather than focusing on a single question, try to find out which response comes first by using the keywords.

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