Exam question type: Describe objects

✨ How to Do the Describe Objects Task in IELTS Reading ✨

📌 Introduction

In the IELTS Reading test, Describe objects is the type of task where candidates must fill in the blanks to complete a detailed description of an object.

🖼️ Illustration:

📌 Key Features

🔹 There are two common types of objects:

1. Technical drawings: machines, inventions, devices.

2. Natural objects: plants, animals, natural phenomena.

🔹 The order of answers always follows the structure of the passage.

🔹 Sometimes diagrams are complex with many details, so candidates must stay highly focused. 

📌 How to Do the Task

📝 Step 1: Read the task requirements carefully

_ One word only (fill in only 1 word)

_ One word and/or a number (1 word and/or 1 number)

_ No more than two words (maximum 2 words)

_ No more than three words (maximum 3 words)

📝 Step 2: Identify the object through the title

_ Example 1:

With the title “An undersea turbine”, the diagram below describes the structure and operation of the turbine. Therefore, candidates only need to find the passage mentioning structure (keywords may include centimeters, size) or operation (turbine).

_ Example 2:
 

The title “Raising the hull of …: Stages one and two” indicates the passage is about a salvage tool. Candidates should find the part describing its structure using keywords from the diagram such as wires, mud, ship.

📝 Step 3: Analyse the question structure

_ If there is “a/an” before the blank → the answer must be a singular noun.

_ Identify the word type: Noun / Verb / Adjective / Adverb.

_ Identify the meaning: positive / negative / neutral.

📝 Step 4: Skimming (read quickly)

Read the first and last sentences of the paragraph with the keywords → grasp the main idea.

📝 Step 5: Scanning (read carefully for details)

Use the keywords in the question → locate the exact answer in the passage.

📝 Step 6: Choose the correct answer

Make sure it matches in terms of: grammar – word limit – meaning.

🌟 Good luck with your practice! 🌟