Module 8: Diagram/Flow Chart Completion

Introduction

Diagram/Flow Chart Completion tasks in the IELTS Reading Academic module assess your ability to understand and interpret visual or structured information presented in diagrams or flow charts. These tasks test your skills in locating and comprehending key ideas within a passage and linking them accurately to the provided visuals or sequences. This module provides strategies and techniques to effectively complete these tasks and avoid common pitfalls.

Objectives

By the end of this module, learners will:

1. Understand the requirements and format of Diagram/Flow Chart Completion tasks.
2. Develop techniques for identifying and locating relevant information in the passage.
3. Recognize contextual and visual clues to accurately complete diagrams or flow charts.
4. Improve time management skills specific to this task type.

Overview of Diagram/Flow Chart Completion Tasks

Task Format

1. You are presented with a diagram or flow chart summarizing part of the reading passage.
2. Certain sections are blank, requiring you to fill them with appropriate words or phrases.
3. Instructions specify the word limit, e.g., “ONE WORD ONLY” or “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.”

What is Assessed?

• Your ability to identify and summarize key points.
• Your understanding of cause-effect relationships, processes, or descriptions.
• Your ability to match information between the passage and the diagram/flow chart.

Step-by-Step Strategy

Step 1: Understand the Instructions

• Carefully read the instructions to note the word limit and whether words must be selected directly from the passage.

Step 2: Analyze the Diagram or Flow Chart

• Study the structure and layout to understand the process or concept being depicted.
• Note the labels and blank spaces to determine the type of information needed (e.g., noun, verb, measurement).

Step 3: Identify Keywords

• Underline keywords or phrases near the blanks in the diagram/flow chart. These will help you locate the relevant part of the passage.

Step 4: Skim the Passage

• Skim the passage to locate sections that match the keywords or context of the diagram/flow chart.

Step 5: Cross-Check Information

• Ensure the information you extract fits logically into the diagram or flow chart. Check grammatical accuracy and adherence to the word limit.

Step 6: Write Your Answer

• Write the word(s) clearly and double-check spelling.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Examples and Practice

Sample Passage Excerpt

“The process of photosynthesis involves several stages. Initially, sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll in the plant’s leaves. This energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this reaction.”

Sample Diagram Completion Task

Complete the diagram below. Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Diagram:

• Step 1: Sunlight absorbed by (1) _______.
• Step 2: Energy converts (2) _______ and water into glucose.
• Step 3: Releases (3) _______ as a byproduct.

Answer Key:

1. chlorophyll
2. carbon dioxide
3. oxygen

Activities

Activity 1: Guided Practice

• Provide learners with a diagram and an excerpt from a passage.
• Walk through the first blank as a class, emphasizing keywords and strategy.

Activity 2: Independent Practice

• Learners complete a diagram independently.
• Discuss the answers as a group and analyze mistakes.

Activity 3: Group Exercise

• Divide learners into small groups.
• Each group creates a diagram based on a new passage and challenges other groups to complete it.

Assessment

Timed Practice Task

Provide learners with a full-length Diagram/Flow Chart Completion task taken from a sample IELTS Reading Passage 3. Monitor time management and provide feedback on accuracy and strategies.

Tips for Success

1. Stay Focused on Context: Diagrams often summarize complex processes. Focus on understanding the relationship between elements.
2. Use Visual Clues: Labels, arrows, and sequences in the diagram/flow chart offer valuable hints.
3. Revisit the Passage: If unsure, reread the relevant section to confirm your understanding.
4. Practice Regularly: Repeated exposure to similar tasks will build confidence and improve efficiency.

Closing Notes

Diagram/Flow Chart Completion tasks can be highly rewarding when approached methodically. These tasks provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your comprehension and summarization skills, contributing significantly to your overall IELTS Reading band score. With dedicated practice and the strategies outlined in this module, you can approach these tasks with confidence and accuracy.

Resources for Further Practice

• Practice materials with answer keys.
• Visual aids and process diagrams for analysis.
• Online tools for additional diagram and flow chart exercises.