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How to Answer IELTS Listening Flow Chart Completion Questions: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Answer IELTS Listening Flow Chart Completion Questions: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you aiming for a top band score in the IELTS Listening test? If so, Flow Chart Completion questions are an essential area to master. These questions evaluate your ability to understand and follow the logical sequence of a talk or conversation—skills that are crucial not just for your exam, but also for real-life listening scenarios. In this detailed guide, you’ll discover what Flow Chart Completion questions are, why they matter, and how to approach them effectively. If you’re looking for additional step-by-step examples and advanced strategies, consider exploring our IELTS Listening eBook, which goes deeper into every IELTS Listening question type, including Flow Chart Completion.

What Is the Flow Chart Completion Question Type in IELTS Listening?

Flow Chart Completion questions in the IELTS Listening test require you to fill in missing details from a visual chart that outlines a process or sequence of events. These events could range from the stages of a scientific experiment to the steps of a work procedure or the phases of a historical timeline. The chart is generally arranged in chronological or logical order, which means you need to pay close attention to the speaker’s sequence of ideas or instructions.

 

You will typically see blank spaces or incomplete boxes within the flow chart. Your task is to listen for the key words or phrases in the recording that correspond to these blanks. This isn’t simply about hearing the right word once; often, the speaker might paraphrase or use synonyms for the terms appearing on the flow chart, so you must be prepared for variations in vocabulary. It’s also common for the speaker to mention a stage more than once or correct themselves, which can easily lead to confusion if you’re not actively listening for revisions.

 

Although Flow Chart Completion questions are most common in Section 2 or Section 3 of the test—where the recording might describe a process, lecture, or talk—they can technically appear in any section. Before the audio starts, it’s wise to scan the flow chart to understand how many steps are outlined and what type of information each blank might require. Pay special attention to the word limit provided in the instructions (e.g., “No more than two words and/or a number”), because exceeding this limit—or writing in the wrong format—will cost you marks.

Key Features of Flow Chart Completion

  1. Sequential Focus: Flow charts emphasize a step-by-step progression. You’ll need to track the speaker’s description in chronological or logical order. Missing a detail in one stage can disrupt your understanding of subsequent stages, so approach this task methodically.

  2. Limited Word Count: Like many IELTS Listening tasks, Flow Chart Completion questions specify a maximum number of words (e.g., “No more than two words”). Even if you identify the correct idea, failing to adhere to the word limit can lose you points. Precision in both content and word count is essential.

  3. Real-World Relevance: Flow charts are not just an exam contrivance; they mirror real-life scenarios such as instructions in a workplace, how-to guides, or academic lessons explaining a process. By mastering Flow Chart Completion, you also develop practical listening skills—like following complex instructions in an office training session or understanding a professor’s explanation of research methodology.

 

Overall, Flow Chart Completion questions test your ability to recognize crucial details, handle synonyms, and maintain an organized mental outline of the information provided. With the right strategies—such as previewing the chart for clues, listening carefully for sequence words (“first,” “then,” “after that,” etc.), and double-checking the word limit—this question type can become one of the more approachable parts of the IELTS Listening exam.

Common Challenges with Flow Chart Completion

Even though Flow Chart Completion questions in the IELTS Listening test may seem straightforward, they come with their own set of pitfalls. Below, you’ll find an expanded look at the most frequent issues students encounter, along with strategies to overcome them.

1. Losing Track of Order

  • Issue: Flow charts are arranged in a sequential (or chronological) format. If you miss a single step or misinterpret the flow, it can derail your answers for subsequent steps. For instance, if the chart outlines Steps A → B → C → D and you incorrectly label Step B, then Steps C and D might also become confusing or incorrectly placed.

  • Why It Happens:

    • Inattention to organizational words like “first,” “next,” “then,” and “finally.”

    • Overreliance on memory instead of taking quick notes as the audio plays.

    • Attempting to fill answers too far ahead in the chart, risking confusion when the speaker references a later or earlier stage out of order.

  • Solution:

    1. Preview Before Listening: Scan the entire flow chart to see how many steps or stages are outlined. You can quickly gauge the scope (e.g., four steps, six steps) and the type of information each step might need (dates, names, actions).

    2. Listen for Signal Words: Actively watch out for transitional or sequence words (“after that,” “once you finish,” “the next phase”). These words confirm you’re moving to the next box in the chart.

    3. Mark Each Step Immediately: As soon as you’re certain about a detail, write it down. If you wait until the speaker finishes all stages, you might forget how each step connects.

2. Overlooking Word Limit

  • Issue:
    Every IELTS Listening task has a strict instruction on how many words or numbers you can use (e.g., “No more than two words and/or a number”). Even if you locate the correct detail, using three words instead of two, or including an extra adjective, can lead to an incorrect answer.

  • Why It Happens:

    • In the heat of the moment, test-takers may record an entire phrase rather than a concise piece of information.

    • Some candidates assume more words provide clarity, overlooking the exact word-limit requirement.

  • Solution:

    1. Read the Instructions Carefully: Before the audio starts, confirm the required format (e.g., “No more than two words”). Keep this limit in mind when you pick up key terms from the audio.

    2. Practice Summarizing: Build the habit of using short, accurate phrases. For example, if the chart space is labeled “Total Cost,” and the speaker says “The overall expense is around 50 dollars,” simply note “50 dollars” or “$50”—not “The overall expense is 50 dollars.”

    3. Check After Labeling: Once you’ve written an answer, do a quick word count. If you see you’ve gone over, try condensing without losing meaning (e.g., remove fillers or extra words).

3. Mishearing Key Details

  • Issue:
    In Flow Chart Completion questions, each box may represent one critical piece of information—like a date, a quantity, or a name. If you mishear or misunderstand a single term, your flow chart can become partially or fully incorrect. This risk multiplies if the speaker only mentions that key detail once or corrects themselves mid-sentence.

  • Why It Happens:

    • Many candidates focus on the first or last word of a phrase and miss a self-correction (e.g., “Actually, let me correct that…”).

    • Accents, background noise, or test-day nerves can cause you to miss or distort a crucial detail.

  • Solution:

    1. Anticipate Corrections: Train yourself to pay attention to phrases like “I mean,” “Actually,” “Correction,” or “Sorry.” These cue you to revise a previously stated piece of information.

    2. Take Brief Notes: Jot down synonyms or partial words if you’re unsure. If the speaker clarifies or repeats a detail, you can align it with your initial note.

    3. Leverage Context: Sometimes, you can confirm you’ve heard the right detail by cross-checking with the logic of the chart. If a detail conflicts with earlier steps or doesn’t make sense in the sequence, revisit it mentally.

4. Synonyms and Paraphrasing

  • Issue:
    The flow chart might use words like “Cost,” “Process,” or “Material,” while the speaker references these ideas using synonyms or more nuanced phrases. For instance, if the flow chart states “Cost,” the speaker might say “Price,” “Fee,” “Expense,” or “Charge.” Missing the connection between synonyms leads to incorrect or blank answers.

  • Why It Happens:

    • IELTS often tests vocabulary range and your ability to handle paraphrased expressions.

    • Test-takers sometimes expect exact wording from the chart and fail to notice the reworded version in the audio.

  • Solution:

    1. Expand Your Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with multiple synonyms for common exam topics (e.g., “price,” “expense,” “cost,” “fee,” “charge”).

    2. Practice Identifying Paraphrases: During your preparation, highlight instances where the test might substitute one term for another. For example, “start” could become “commence,” or “deadline” might be “final date.”

    3. Match Keywords Strategically: As you match the flow chart’s text to the audio, focus on keyword relationships instead of waiting for identical words. If you hear “budget,” consider whether it fits a box labeled “cost” or “finance.”

 

If you can handle these common challenges—maintaining order, respecting word limits, catching corrections, and recognizing synonyms—you’ll be in a strong position to handle Flow Chart Completion questions. This preparation not only benefits your IELTS Listening score but also hones real-world skills like following instructions in a work presentation or understanding stages in a training video.

Six-Step Strategy for IELTS Listening Flow Chart Completion

Approaching Flow Chart Completion questions in the IELTS Listening test requires you to maintain a balance between speed, accuracy, and logical thinking. The following six-step strategy provides an in-depth framework, guiding you from the initial preview of the chart through to verifying your final answers.

1. Preview the Flow Chart

  1. Skim the Title and Headings:

    • Purpose: Gaining context on what process or sequence the chart covers. Is it describing a research method, a manufacturing process, or maybe the steps in a historical event?

    • Why It Helps: A quick scan of the chart’s title and headings gives you an overview of the subject matter. This mental preparation lets you anticipate the speaker’s language, such as whether you’ll be hearing about tools, ingredients, dates, or procedures.

  2. Locate Keywords:

    • Look for Prominent Clues: Bold or italicized words, bullet points, or partial phrases that might suggest the kind of information each step requires (like “Method,” “Stage 1,” “Outcome,” etc.).

    • How It Streamlines Your Listening: By identifying key terms in the chart, you’ll know which terms in the audio to hone in on. This helps you match the speaker’s words or synonyms to the chart’s labels more quickly.

 

Pro Tip: Spend at least 10–15 seconds carefully scanning the chart before the recording plays. Even a short preview can drastically reduce confusion once the speaker starts.

2. Predict the Type of Information Needed

  1. Check the Structure of Each Blank:

    • Dates: Are there references to a timeline or schedule?

    • Numbers: Could you be dealing with quantities, prices, or measurements?

    • Names/Places: Maybe it’s a process involving different locations or people.

    • Actions: Are you required to fill in verbs like “Mix,” “Assemble,” or “Insert”?

  2. Anticipate Vocabulary:

    • Contextual Clues: If you see the words “Materials,” “Components,” or “Steps,” you might listen for metals (steel, aluminum), substances (water, oil), or actions (heat, cool, combine).

    • Why This Helps: Having a mental list of possible words or phrases puts you in a better position to recognize them when they appear, even if the speaker uses synonyms.

 

Pro Tip: Jot down quick notes about anticipated words. For instance, if the chart mentions “Stage 2: Add ___,” you might guess the missing word could be “liquid,” “ingredient,” or “chemical.”

3. Listen Actively for Sequence Words

  1. Signal Phrases:

    • Common Connectors: Listen for “first,” “then,” “next,” “after that,” “finally,” or “lastly.”

    • Function: These words confirm you’re moving from one step to the next in the chart.

  2. Clue Words for Steps:

    • Examples: “Once this is done,” “the following stage,” “subsequently,” or “the next phase.”

    • Importance: Such language tells you exactly where to position the information you hear. If you’re not matching these connectors to the chart steps, you may fill in the wrong blank.

 

Pro Tip: If the speaker uses “first” or “initially” but you’re looking at the third box in the chart, be careful. They might have looped back to a previous stage or are describing something out of strict order. Stay flexible but focused on the main chronological flow.

4. Note Potential Corrections or Changes

  1. Speaker Self-Corrections:

    • Phrases to Listen For: “Sorry, let me rephrase that,” “Actually,” “I need to clarify,” or “That’s incorrect; here’s the right detail.”

    • Why It Matters: Missing a self-correction can lead to wrong answers, because you might have written down outdated information.

  2. Multiple Steps in One Sentence:

    • Risk Factor: The speaker might describe two or three steps in a single breath (e.g., “After heating the mixture for 15 minutes, you strain it, then cool it immediately”).

    • Strategy: Try to label each sub-step as soon as you can. If you wait until the end of a sentence, you might forget the precise order or wording.

 

Pro Tip: If you sense the speaker has condensed multiple instructions, consider quickly sketching a mini-outline next to each blank in the chart, then finalize each step as you confirm it.

5. Fill in Answers in Real Time

  1. Label Immediately:

    • Why: If you delay writing an answer until after the speaker moves on, you risk forgetting or mixing up details. Real-time labeling helps you stay synchronized with the audio flow.

  2. Follow Word Limit Strictly:

    • Common Limits: “No more than two words,” “No more than three words,” or “One word only.”

    • Consequence of Over-Limit: Even if the information is correct, exceeding the limit (e.g., writing “boiling hot water” instead of “hot water”) can render your answer wrong.

 

Pro Tip: After each step, do a quick check: “Am I within the word limit? Have I used the right format?” This small habit can save valuable points.

6. Verify Consistency

  1. Check Each Step for Logical Flow:

    • Method: Read through the flow chart after the recording ends. Make sure Step 1 leads naturally into Step 2, and so on. If Step 2 contradicts Step 1’s content, you may need to revise.

  2. Look for Contradictions or Repetitions:

    • Examples of Contradiction:

      • If Step 2 says “Heat the mixture” but Step 3 says “Before heating…” — you likely swapped them.

      • If Step 4 references an ingredient or tool you haven’t used yet, you might have placed it too early or too late.

  3. Correct Mistakes Promptly:

    • Use any remaining time to fix mislabeled boxes. During the short pause before the next section, a thorough check can make the difference between a right or wrong answer.

 

Pro Tip: If you have multiple unanswered blanks near the end, see if you can fill them by logical deduction. For example, if the speaker mentioned four steps total, and you only heard three distinct instructions, the last might be implied or repeated in a different phrasing.

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Flow Chart Completion questions test your skill in tracking information sequentially, listening for critical details, and applying them correctly under time pressure. By following these six steps—previewing, predicting needs, listening for sequence, noting corrections, labeling in real time, and verifying consistency—you’ll enhance your accuracy and confidence. Alongside regular practice, these strategies form a robust foundation for handling any Flow Chart Completion task that comes your way in the IELTS Listening exam.

Example of IELTS Listening Flow Chart Completion

This example is designed to show you exactly how to apply the core strategies we’ve discussed for IELTS Listening Flow Chart Completion tasks. By walking through each answer step by step, you’ll see how predicting possible answers, listening for synonyms, handling corrections, and maintaining word-limit discipline all come into play. Practicing these strategies in real scenarios like this one helps you confidently translate theory into action—and ultimately boost your Listening band score. If you’re seeking hundreds more practice exercises and in-depth explorations of proven tips and strategies, you’ll find them in our IELTS Listening eBook, a comprehensive guide crafted to elevate your performance across every Listening question type.

 

Play Audio

 

Transcript (Cambridge IELTS 16 - Test 2)

SUSIE:     So shall we plan what we have to do for this assignment?

LUKE:      OK.

SUSIE:     First, we have to decide on our research question. So how about ‘Is there a relationship between hours of sleep and number of dreams?’

LUKE:      OK. Then we need to think about who we’ll do they study on. About 12 people?

SUSIE:     Right. And shall we use other psychology students?

LUKE:      Let’s use people from a different department. What about history?

SUSIE:     Yes, they might have interesting dreams! Or literature students?

LUKE:      I don’t really know any.

SUSIE:     OK, forget that idea. Then we have to think about our methodology. So we could use observation, but that doesn’t seem appropriate.

LUKE:      No. it needs to be self-reporting I think. And we could ask them to answer questions online.

SUSIE:     But in this case, paper might be better as they’ll be doing it straight after they wake up … in fact while they’re still half-asleep.

LUKE:      Right. And we’ll have to check the ethical guidelines for this sort of research.

SUSIE:     Mm, because our experiment involves humans, so there are special regulations.

LUKE:      Yes, I had a look at those for another assignment I did. There’s a whole section on risk assessment, and another section on making sure they aren’t put under any unnecessary stress.

SUSIE:     Let’s hope they don’t have any bad dreams!

LUKE:      Yeah.

SUSIE:     Then when we’ve collected all our data we have to analyse it and calculate the correlation between our two variables, that’s time sleeping and number of dreams and then present our results visually in a graph.

LUKE:      Right. And the final thing is to think about our research and evaluate it. So that seems quite straightforward.

SUSIE:     Yeah. So now let’s …

 

Questions 25-30

Complete the flow chart below.

Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

Example of IELTS Listening Flow Chart Completion

Correct Answers

  • 25. history

  • 26. paper

  • 27. humans (or people)

  • 28. stress

  • 29. graph

  • 30. evaluate

Below, we’ll apply our strategies step by step to show why these answers are correct given the audio context.

Step-by-Step Breakdown and Strategy Application

1. Predicting Possible Information (Before Listening)

  • Flow Chart Layout:

    • Sample → Department → Methodology → Procedure → Ethical Guidelines → Analysis → Final Step

  • Likely Data Types:

    • A department name (for the sample), a format or medium (answers on what?), mention of humans/subjects, a concept of stress or risk, a visual presentation (like a chart or graph), and a concluding action verb.

Why This Helps: By anticipating categories (e.g., “Which department? Which medium for answers?”) you’re ready to pinpoint the correct words once the speaker mentions them.

2. Checking Instructions

  • Word Limit: “Write ONE WORD ONLY.”

    • This means each blank must contain exactly one word—no extra adjectives, articles, or multiple-word phrases.

Why This Helps: It’s crucial because even an additional article like “the” or “a” would be disqualifying.

3. Listening Actively and Matching Each Blank

Below is how we uncover each correct answer (25–30) from the conversation.

 

Blank 25: Department

  • Context in Audio:

    • SUSIE: “And shall we use other psychology students?”

    • LUKE: “Let’s use people from a different department. What about history?”

  • The final agreement is “people from the history department.”

  • Why “history” is the correct answer?

    • Luke specifically suggests “history,” while “literature students” is dismissed.

    • No synonyms or paraphrases here—the department is plainly stated as “history.”

 

Blank 26: Procedure

  • Context in Audio:

    • LUKE: “We could ask them to answer questions online.”

    • SUSIE: “But in this case, paper might be better as they’ll be doing it straight after they wake up.”

  • The final method chosen is “Answers on paper,” since “online” is rejected for practical reasons.

  • Why “paper” is the correct answer?

    • They dismiss the online approach and settle on a paper method so participants can write immediately upon waking.

 

Blank 27: Subjects

  • Context in Audio:

    • LUKE: “... we’ll have to check the ethical guidelines for this sort of research.”

    • SUSIE: “... because our experiment involves humans, so there are special regulations.”

  • You could write “people” or “humans,” but the recording specifically states “our experiment involves humans.”

  • Why “humans” (or “people”) is the correct answer?

    • The guidelines mention “involves humans, so there are special regulations.” The blank is about who the guidelines apply to—human participants.

 

Blank 28: Minimizing a Factor

  • Context in Audio:

    • LUKE: “There’s a whole section on risk assessment, and another section on making sure they aren’t put under any unnecessary stress.”

  • The speaker highlights the need to keep stress at a minimum.

  • Why “stress” is the correct answer?

    • This one word aligns with the mention of “making sure they aren’t put under ... stress.” No synonyms present, so “stress” is straightforward.

 

Blank 29: Presenting Data

  • Context in Audio:

    • SUSIE: “... then present our results visually in a graph.”

  • The plan is to “calculate the correlation ... and make a graph.”

  • Why “graph” is the correct answer?

    • The speaker specifically says “graph,” not “chart,” “table,” or “diagram.”

 

Blank 30: Final Task

  • Context in Audio:

    • LUKE: “Right. And the final thing is to think about our research and evaluate it.”

    • SUSIE: “So that seems quite straightforward.”

  • The speaker uses the verb “evaluate” to describe the concluding step.

  • Why “evaluate” is the correct answer?

They confirm the final stage is to “evaluate,” meaning to assess or judge the research.

4. Confirming Word Limit, Spelling, and Logic

  1. Word Limit: All answers are single-word responses, respecting the “ONE WORD ONLY” rule.

  2. Spelling: None of these terms have variant spellings; “history,” “paper,” “humans” (“people”), “stress,” “graph,” “evaluate” are straightforward.

  3. Logical Flow:

    • “History” department fits the conversation about a different department from psychology.

    • “Paper” matches the method that’s not online.

    • “Humans/people” references who the ethical guidelines concern.

    • “Stress” is what they’re ensuring is minimized.

    • “Graph” is the chosen visual representation.

    • “Evaluate” is the final reflection step on research.

Each answer logically aligns with the transcript’s final version of events and respects the one-word limit.

 

If you’re looking to practice more flow chart completions—and every other Listening question type—our IELTS Listening eBook is packed with similar exercises and comprehensive discussions on how to optimize your note-taking, handle paraphrasing, and avoid common pitfalls. By immersing yourself in these practical tasks, you’ll cultivate the reflexes needed for the official exam—ultimately propelling you toward a higher IELTS Listening band score.

Additional Tips for Achieving High Score in IELTS Listening Flow Chart Completion

Mastering Flow Chart Completion questions in the IELTS Listening test involves more than just following a sequence; it requires savvy time management, accurate spelling, a calm mindset, and thorough review. Below are four expanded tips to help you make the most of your preparation and test-day performance.

 

Time Management

  • Challenge: Flow Chart Completion segments usually provide only a brief interval before you move to the next set of questions.

  • Why It Matters: If you spend too long on a single step, you risk missing crucial details for subsequent steps.

  • Practical Approach:

    • Label Efficiently: Write your answers as soon as you’re confident you’ve identified the correct information.

    • Use Short Notes: Jot down keywords—don’t attempt long sentences. This saves precious seconds.

    • Stay in Sync: Track the speaker’s flow carefully. If they move to the next stage, wrap up your current label quickly and move on.

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Spelling Matters

  • Challenge: A single spelling error can turn a correct response into a wrong one.

  • Why It Matters: IELTS penalizes incorrect spelling, especially if the speaker spells out a name or term.

  • Practical Approach:

    • Listen for Spelled-Out Words: If the speaker says “That’s spelled R–E–A–G–A–N,” note it exactly as stated.

    • Practice Commonly Misspelled Terms: If you’re dealing with a topic related to science or history, study typical vocabulary or specialized jargon you might hear.

    • Cross-Check the Context: If a word feels unfamiliar, re-check your notes or the context in which it was mentioned. Sometimes adjacent clues can confirm spelling or usage.

​

Stay Calm Under Corrections

  • Challenge: Speakers might correct an earlier statement mid-conversation with phrases like “Actually…” or “Let me clarify…”

  • Why It Matters: If you’re not prepared to revise your note on the spot, you could end up with outdated or incomplete information.

  • Practical Approach:

    • Use Pencil or Light Erasable Notes: This allows you to adjust details without making a mess of your answer sheet.

    • Mentally Flag Corrections: Each time you hear a correction phrase, signal to yourself to reassess the last detail you wrote.

    • Avoid Panic: Small changes are common in IELTS Listening. Calmly strike out or modify your note, then move on.

 

Review After the Recording

  • Challenge: With the limited time left, you might feel rushed or unsure about verifying your answers.

  • Why It Matters: A quick review can catch logical inconsistencies—like a step that’s out of order—or a sneaky spelling mistake.

  • Practical Approach:

    • Scan for Logical Flow: Ensure Step 1 leads naturally to Step 2, and so on. Any contradiction means you should reevaluate.

    • Confirm Word Limits: If the instructions say “No more than two words,” make sure you haven’t written three.

    • Check Completeness: If the flow chart has five boxes, confirm all are filled. Missing one can cost you vital marks.

 

Overall, Flow Chart Completion questions are a powerful test of your ability to follow chronological or logical sequences under exam conditions. By previewing the chart, predicting possible vocabulary, listening for sequence words, and verifying each step carefully, you can minimize errors and maximize your score. Don’t forget to practice consistently, especially with the tools and methods outlined in our IELTS Listening eBook—it’s your gateway to mastering Flow Chart Completion and every other question type on the Listening test.

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