Question Focus: Synonym match - the diagram labels the background colour, which is described directly in the passage
Correct Answer: blue glaze
Passage Reference: Blue glaze is then applied to the background before firing.
Why this is correct: The diagram points to the background area of the plaque. The passage clearly says that blue glaze is applied to the background, so these exact two words must be copied.
Common Mistake: Some students write blue colour or blue paint because it looks logical. This is a synonym trap. In IELTS FIB, you must copy the exact words from the passage, not your own words.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'Blue glaze is then applied to the background' = Diagram: 'background is covered with ___'
Tips: For diagram labels, always look for technical words describing materials or parts and copy them exactly.
Key Vocabulary:
- glaze = liquid coating
- background = back surface
Question Focus: Synonym match - diagram highlights raised text on the plaque
Correct Answer: characters
Passage Reference: This process produces gently raised characters and border, a unique feature of English Heritage plaques.
Why this is correct: The diagram arrow points to the raised lettering. The passage says the process produces gently raised characters, so the correct label is characters.
Common Mistake: Students sometimes write letters because it feels natural. This is a synonym trap. IELTS requires the exact passage word, which is characters.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'raised characters' = Diagram: 'raised ___ on the plaque'
Tips: When labeling parts, look for nouns that describe physical features, not actions.
Key Vocabulary:
- characters = letters or symbols
- raised = lifted above surface
Question Focus: Direct match - diagram points to the edge design
Correct Answer: border
Passage Reference: the outline of the inscription and border is piped onto the face of the plaque and filled with white glaze.
Why this is correct: The diagram arrow shows the decorative edge around the plaque. The passage directly mentions the border, so this is the correct label.
Common Mistake: Some students write edge or outline. This is a synonym trap because the passage uses the specific word border.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'outline of the inscription and border' = Diagram: 'outer ___ of the plaque'
Tips: If a diagram part has a clear name in the passage, always use that exact word.
Key Vocabulary:
- border = outer edge
- outline = shape line
Question Focus: Number match - diagram shows the plaque diameter
Correct Answer: 19.5 inches
Passage Reference: After firing, plaques usually have a thickness of 2 inches (50mm) and a final diameter of 19-5 inches (495mm), although smaller diameter plaques are sometimes used to meet special circumstances.
Why this is correct: The diagram labels the size across the plaque. The passage states the final diameter of 19-5 inches, which can also be written as 19.5 inches.
Common Mistake: Students sometimes write 495mm because it appears next to the inches. This is a context shift trap because the diagram is showing inches, not millimetres.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'final diameter of 19-5 inches' = Diagram: 'diameter = ___'
Tips: Always match the unit shown in the diagram with the unit you choose from the passage.
Key Vocabulary:
- diameter = distance across a circle
- final = finished
General Tips:
- Diagram completion follows passage order. Find the first label, then keep reading forward.
- Always copy the exact word or number from the passage. Do not change spelling or wording.
- Check the word limit carefully. Two words means numbers and units count as words.
- Look closely at what the diagram arrow points to. Shape, position, and size matter.
