You are most likely to get a map on the Part 2 of the Listening module. Be prepared to hear lots of location-related language. This includes prepositions that are described below. You must know every single one of them

You are most likely to get a map on the Part 2 of the Listening module. Be prepared to hear lots of location-related language. This includes prepositions that are described below. You must know every single one of them.  

 

1) In front of

A bank is located in front of a river.

2) Behind (the opposite of "In front of")

The group is standing behind the main entrance. 

3) Between (normally refers to something in the middle of two objects / things / places)

There are mountains between Chile and Argentina.

4) Across from / opposite (they are synonyms, refer to something being in front of something else BUT there is normally something between them)

I live across from a supermarket (= it is on the other side of the road)
The theatre is situated opposite the train station. 

5) Next to / beside (they are synonyms, refer to a thing (or person) that is at the side of something else)

In this part of town there isn't a footpath beside the road so you have to be careful.
The small shop is next to the subway entrance.

6) Near / close to (they are synonyms, similar to "next to / beside" but there is more of a distance between the two objects)

This building is near a subway station.
The river is close to my farmhouse. 

7) Above / over (they both mean "at a higher position than X" but above normally refers to being directly (vertically) above you)

There is a ceiling above you.
We put a sun umbrella over the table so we wouldn't get so hot.

8) All over (physically covering the surface of something)

There water all over the floor.

9) Under / below (they both mean at a lower level)

A river flows under a bridge.

10) Among (is not similar to "between", because it is used to refer to an object surrounded by many others)

There is one red flower among hundreds of blue ones.  

 Some more phrases for following directions: 

 1) Turn right / left - for corners
As you come out of the cinema, turn right and enter the bank.

2) To carry on = to go straight on 

Carry on until you reach the end of the street.

3) To take the first turning on the right / left - to turn at the first corner

Be careful and take the first turning on the right.

4) To go past smth - to pass and leave something behind

Make sure to go past the theatre on your right and then go straight onuntil the roundabout.

5) To go in a clockwise direction

If you walk around the neighbourhood in a clockwise direction, you see all the monuments.

6) On the right / left side of the road

You’ll see a large sign on the left side of the road. 

7) To go across the roundabout

[A roundabout = where all the cars go round a circle in the middle of the road]
I'll catch you after you go across the roundabout.

8) To go along - continue down a road

Make sure you go along the M56 and then take the first street to your left.

9) To go up = walk / drive up a hill

I'm so tired of going up the local hill every day - it's steep!

10) To go down = walk or drive down a hill or a road

I'll fetch the dog while going down the street. 

11) To be on your right / left - to be at your side

It’s about 100 metres on your left.
Here is a list of words you must know for understanding IELTS maps. Look through it. Look up any words you are not familiar with. 

1. roundabout

2. sidewalk
3. zebra [pedestrian] crossing
4. traffic lights
5.  highway
6. crossroad
7. junction
8. T-junction
9. intersection
10. exit ramp
11. signpost
12. walkway
13. avenue
14. freeway
15. lane
16. overpass
17. alley
18. boulevard
19. tunnel