IELTS Speaking Part 1

Maps: Part 1 questions and answers

Real Part 1 questions about maps, as candidates reported them. Play each one, answer it out loud, then open a short Band 7 reply to compare.

Today's topicMaps

4–5 minthe whole part
~12questions
~20 seach answer

Answer, add a reason or an example, then stop. The examiner moves on fast, so short and real wins.

Reported in March 2026

Question 1: Are you good at reading maps?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerProbably yes, although I’m not especially confident with tiny street names. WhyI mean, I can usually work out the main roads and find station, but I sometimes mix up east and west. ExampleLast month, I used a map to reach a new campus building and arrived a few minutes late.

Why it's a Band 7

work out This natural phrasal verb shows precise everyday vocabulary.
I mean, I can usually This filler makes the answer sound naturally spoken.
find station A common article slip: find a station is correct.

About 20 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 2: Do you ever use paper maps?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerProbably not. WhyI’ve got small atlas somewhere, but it stays in drawer because I find paper maps a bit awkward to fold and carry. ExampleWhen I visited Nizhny Novgorod in 2023, I relied on my phone instead, so I didn’t take the atlas.

Why it's a Band 7

relied on This phrasal verb shows accurate vocabulary for depending on something.
paper maps a bit awkward A slightly general description could be more precise, such as inconvenient to carry.
but it stays in drawer because The simple linkers make the connection clear but not highly sophisticated.
stays in drawer A missing article: stays in a drawer is correct.
got small atlas A missing article: got a small atlas is correct.

About 17 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 3: How often do you use maps on your phone?

How often, how muchGive a real number, then a reason.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerQuite often, probably four or five times a week. WhyI mean, I use it when I’m travelling across town, mainly because it saves me time when buses change route. ExampleOn Tuesday, I checked the quickest way to library, and the journey took about twenty minutes.

Why it's a Band 7

it saves me time This everyday collocation gives a clear reason naturally.
Quite often This is a slightly vague frequency phrase; four or five times is more exact.
I mean, I use it when This filler and restart sound like real spontaneous speech.
way to library A missing article: the way to the library is correct.

About 18 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 4: Do you have any maps at home?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerYes, I do, although they’re mostly old map from school. WhyMy parents keep a road atlas in a cupboard, and I’ve got a tourist map of Kazan on my desk because I use it to keep track of places I’ve visited. ExampleI bought it during a school trip in 2019.

Why it's a Band 7

keep track of This phrase is a useful natural way to describe recording places.
old map from school A small plural slip: old maps from school is correct.

About 20 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Phrases to borrow

work something out

/ˌwɜːk ˌsʌmθɪŋ ˈaʊt/

understand or solve something

I worked out the route before leaving home.

rely on something

/rɪˈlaɪ ɒn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

depend on something for help

I rely on my calendar to remember appointments.

save someone time

/seɪv ˈsʌmwʌn taɪm/

help someone finish more quickly

Using the train saves me time in the morning.

keep track of something

/ˌkiːp ˈtræk əv ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

continue to know where something is

I use notes to keep track of my deadlines.

Fill the gap

Which phrase fits?

Phrases from the answers above. Pick the one that belongs in the gap.

Your turn: answer the examiner

Are you good at reading maps?

Answer, add a reason or an example, then stop: about 20 seconds. Nothing is uploaded.

Want a band score?Sign in free, answer the examiner's Part 1 questions out loud and get one thing to fix.

Practise Part 1

Question 1: Are you good at reading maps?

Question 2: Do you ever use paper maps?

Question 3: How often do you use maps on your phone?

Question 4: Do you have any maps at home?

Which phrase fits?

More Part 1 topics