What is Flowchart Completion in IELTS?
Flowchart completion is an IELTS listening task where you follow a sequence of steps or a process shown in a flowchart diagram. You listen to audio describing the stages and fill numbered blanks with the correct words or phrases to complete the flowchart logic.
Flowchart completion is identifying and writing correct keywords in a flowchart's blank boxes as you listen to audio that describes each step or decision in a process.
- 1↓StartFirst step or entry point (often given)
- 2↓Step 1 (blank to fill)Listen for action or decision
- 3↓Decision or conditionAudio describes 'if... then...' logic
- 4↓Step 2 (blank to fill)Next action based on decision
- 5Outcome/EndFinal result (may be blank or given)
Step-by-step worked examples
A flowchart shows: 'Apply for account → [blank] → Verify identity → Receive card'. You hear 'After applying, you need to upload a photo for our system to process.' What is the blank?
Listen for what happens after applying and before verification. Speaker says 'upload a photo' Write: upload photo OR submit photo Do not write 'process' (that's internal, not a user action).
Flowchart: 'Submit order → [blank] → [blank] → Delivery'. You hear 'First the system checks stock, then payment is processed.' Fill the two blanks in order.
First blank: 'check stock' OR 'verify stock' Second blank: 'process payment' OR 'make payment' Stay in the order the speaker describes.
Flowchart has: 'Start → Search → [blank] → If yes → Book appointment'. The speaker says 'You search results, then filter by date and location.' What is the blank?
Listen: 'search results' (done), then 'filter by date and location' Write: filter results OR filter by date Capture the action between 'search' and 'decision'.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.A flowchart: 'Register → [blank] → Activate account → Login'. Speaker: 'After you register, you'll receive a confirmation email to verify.' What is the blank?
Q2.The flowchart has a diamond-shaped decision box 'Approved?' with paths for Yes and No. What should you write in this box?
Q3.You hear 'Then the application is reviewed and either accepted or denied.' The flowchart shows [blank] between 'Submit' and two outcome boxes. What do you write?
Q4.What is the most common mistake in flowchart completion?
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Common mistakes
Writing what you think the step should be instead of listening carefully. — Correct: Write exactly what the speaker describes—no assumptions or prior knowledge.
Filling blanks out of order because you didn't follow the flowchart's sequence. — Correct: Follow the flowchart path (left to right, top to bottom) and match the speaker's order.
Writing full explanations or sentences for each step. — Correct: Keep each blank to 1–3 words: action verbs or key nouns only.
Ignoring decision points and writing outcomes instead of conditions. — Correct: For 'Yes/No' boxes, write the condition being tested, not the result.
FAQ
What is flowchart completion in IELTS listening?
It's following a process shown in a flowchart diagram and filling blanks with the correct words the speaker uses to describe each step or decision.
Flowchart completion—how do I know what word to write?
Listen closely to the exact phrase the speaker uses for that step, then write it as a short label (1–3 words).
What if I miss a word the first time the speaker says it?
In IELTS, you hear the audio twice. Use the second listening to confirm or fill missed blanks. Take notes the first time.
Can I write synonyms instead of the exact words the speaker uses?
Generally no—write the words the speaker uses or very close synonyms only if absolutely necessary. Flowchart tasks usually require exact matches.