IELTS Listening flow chart completion tips and tricks

Bhargavee Sisodia

25 Jun 2024

The listening test in IELTS seems to be an obstacle course, into which you are put to determine your understanding of the materials tested in different formats. Flow chart completion is one of the most challenging tasks. This is where you are offered a flow chart with gaps, with some information missing. It increases the pressure since you listen to a recording, usually a conversation or a speech, and try to recall the flow of events from the information you would naturally synthesise in most other situations.

There are no evil intentions behind this article, oh IELTS candidates who want to go abroad or work in international organisations! This A–Z reference source for flowcharting A–Z provides you with everything you need to know and tips to triumph over the finicky flowchart finish line. We will begin to discover the relevance of this task to evaluate your listening skills and then arm you with pre-listening, while-listening, and after-listening strategies.

In addition, we will also give helpful advice on how to improve your score such as practising from relevant material frequently. No more of that awkwardness of just sitting in front of your document staring at a half-written, drawn flow chart! By doing the above procedures and using active listening skills you will be able to overcome this challenge and accomplish the intended IELTS listening band score.

What is IELTS Listening Flow Chart Completion?

Completion of a flow chart is among the most frequently used forms of accomplishment in the IELTS listening section where the last details of a flow chart are omitted. Probably, you will hear something, often a conversation or a lecture, and then try to complete the missing information. This task involves your ability to determine cause and effect, to philtre out important information and to retell orally what has been said.

Importance of Flow Chart Completion in IELTS Listening

Flow chart completion plays a significant role in evaluating your listening comprehension skills. It tests your ability to:

• Follow a process: It is necessary to comprehend various steps that are described by the flow chart you are going to complete.
• Identify key details: The recording will give more specified details that complete the gaps in the flow chart.
• Paraphrase: The fact of the matter is that you are not likely to be told in these very terms what is described in the flow chart, hence, paraphrasing the information becomes mandatory.
• Focus on specific information: It will contain much information, but many of them can be filtered out as non-essential and what remains can help to fill gaps based on key points.

Pre-listening Strategies for Flow Chart Completion

A strong start is half the battle. Here are some pre-listening strategies to ace flow chart completion tasks:

• Read the Instructions Carefully: Know the permitted number of words per gap and whether a number or word is required.
• Analyze the Flow Chart: Analyse the structure of the flow chart and read its titles and existing information to predict other details missing. What precedes the gap, and what follows it?
• Identify Keywords: With these words likely to be used synonymously or in paraphrase in the recording, it is worth underlining the keywords in the flow chart.

Active Listening Techniques for Flow Chart Completion

Once the recording starts, switch on your active listening skills:

• Focus on Content, Not Wording: Thus it has been tried to present the flow chart simply Do not look for the exact words used in the flow chart. Focus on the impression and various forms of the expressions.
• Predict and Anticipate: As you look at the flow chart and its keywords think about what kind of data may be expected to fill in the unknowns.
• Take Notes (Lightly): And then, in about five minutes, record in writing some of the key ideas that might be expected, but which are missing, gaps you can use key phrases or words for. They should be careful about taking down notes rather than paying attention.

Post-listening Strategies for Flow Chart Completion

Don't stop after the recording ends:

• Review Your Notes: To find out which keywords relate to the flow chart gaps, make a swift review of your notes.
• Double-check the Flow Chart: Make certain that your answers follow the pattern and relevance in the context of the chart.
• Check Word Limits: Make sure to write only the number of words that are allowed for a given gap.

Top Tips and Tricks for Flow Chart Completion Success

Here are some additional tips to maximize your flow chart completion score:

• Practice Makes Perfect: Regularly practice flow chart completion tasks with IELTS listening practice tests. Get familiar with the format and refine your listening skills.
• Focus on Transitions: Pay close attention to transition words and phrases in the recording, such as "first," "next," "after that," or "finally." These often indicate a shift in the process, helping you anticipate the information relevant to a specific gap.
• Don't Leave Blanks: Even if unsure, make an educated guess. A partially filled answer might still get partial credit, whereas a blank receives none.
• Stay Calm Under Pressure: Don't panic if you miss something. Focus on the remaining information and keep listening attentively.
• Time Management: Allocate enough time to listen, answer, and review. Don't dwell on a single gap; move on and come back if time allows.
• Manage Distractors: Be prepared for irrelevant details or unexpected turns in the conversation. Stay focused on the information relevant to the flow chart.

Practice Makes Perfect: Flow Chart Completion Practice Tests

Numerous resources offer IELTS listening practice tests specifically designed for flow chart completion tasks. Here are a few credible options:

British Council IELTS Resources: The British Council offers a variety of practice tests and materials, including flow chart completion tasks.

IDP IELTS Practice Tests: IDP, another official IELTS partner, provides practice tests with a mix of question formats, including flow charts.

Free Online Resources: Several websites offer free IELTS practice tests, including flow chart completion. Be cautious and ensure the source is reputable. 

Conclusion: Mastering the Flow and Reaching Your Goals

The IELTS listening flow chart completion task may look very difficult at the start, but it is possible to approach it confidently if you follow the right strategy. This means that having completed this guide, you are now ready to scan for information and extract key ideas while listening along with losing track and effectively reconstructing the information filling up gaps in the flow chart.

So, as the cliché says, practise makes perfect, and the best way to succeed is consistency. Right, there are several IELTS listening practice tests out there, one should practise flow chart completion tasks in detail. This allows you to listen, to build your confidence and to learn about different structures and levels of difficulty of the flow charts used in your project.

Always remember that active listening is quite a powerful process. Lay emphasis on the content map your expectations when a transition is likely to happen, and take note-taking while recording the lecture impatiently. Last but not least, remain relaxed and on task during the test. Beginning with determination and equipped with these helpful tips, you will become a great winner of the flow chart completion and instantly achieve a higher band in the IELTS listening section and open the door to your chosen academic or professional degree.