Passage Reference: Blue glaze is then applied to the background before firing.

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.