In IELTS Test 9, Listening Section 2, there is a map of Hinchingbrooke Park. The introduction script is brief, but the presentation is very practical and clear. Let’s learn how to describe directions and places on a map.
An Example from IELTS 9 Test 2 Section 2
The map and its corresponding script (original audio file) are provided below:
… And finally I’d like to tell you about our new wildlife area, Hinchingbrooke Park, which will be opened to the public next month. This slide doesn’t really indicate how big it is, but anyway, you can see the two gates (1) into the park, and the main paths. As you can see, there’s a lake (2) in the north west of the park, with a bird hide (3) to the west of it, (4) at the end of a path. So it’ll be a nice quiet place for watching the birds on the lake. Fairly close to where refreshments are available, there’s a dog-walking area (5) in the southern part of the park, (6) leading off from the path. And if you just want to sit and relax, you can go to the flower garden: that’s the circular area (7) on the map, (8) surrounded by paths. And finally, there’s a wooded area (9) in the western section of the park, (10) between two paths …
Key Collocations for Directions
| # | Collocation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Into the park | Refers to entering a specific location, typically indicating a transition into an area. |
| 2 | In the north west of the park | Describes a location in the northwestern section of a larger area. |
| 3 | To the west of it | Indicates that something is located to the west of another reference point. |
| 4 | At the end of a path | Describes the final point or destination along a particular path or trail. |
| 5 | In the southern part of the park | Specifies the southern section of a larger area or park. |
| 6 | Leading off from the path | Indicates a direction or route that branches off from a main path. |
| 7 | On the map | Refers to something located or marked on a representation, like a map. |
| 8 | Surrounded by paths | Describes a feature that is encircled or enclosed by multiple paths. |
| 9 | In the western section of the park | Indicates a location within the western area of a park or larger region. |
| 10 | Between two paths | Refers to something positioned in the space separating two distinct paths. |
