Describe a time when you used a map IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Describe a time when you used a map
You should say:

When it was
Where you were
What you did
And explain how you felt about it.

Sample 1

Although I have used maps many times, One instance is especially worth mentioning. It was when I went on a trip to a hill station two years back. During that time, we had to travel to a remote village near the resort and go on a journey.

It was a unique journey, and I was there with my few friends. When we went on a trip, after a few minutes, we realized that the cellular phone signals were not coming because the maps inside our phones stopped working, and we did not know how to reach that village.

To our joy, one of our friends was carrying a map given to him by his father, who had also visited that place before. So we considered that map, and by following the instructions given on the map, we started. Surprisingly, the map worked like a charm because it provided us with many shortcuts, and we reached the destination in just 20 minutes.

The map was handy for us, giving us a new experience because I have been using maps on my mobile phone for the last five or six years. I stopped using conventional maps, so it was a worthwhile experience to use a traditional map to find the locations, and after reaching the village, I was in the lap of nature.

I enjoyed it a lot; that map helped me a lot because it had all the directions adequately explained. Now, this map is still with me, and the following summer, I will visit that location again, and instead of using my mobile phone, I will use the map only.

Sample 2

I love traveling to new locations, and sometimes it isn’t easy to find the path. So, I used a map at that time, and one such instance is worth discussing. I was in a remote area in the hills of Shimla.

The company organizing the training chose that location specifically because it wanted to provide the necessary training in the lap of nature so that people could have a relaxing environment. I was following Google Maps and suddenly realized the mobile range was not there.
So, Google Maps stopped working.

During that time, I noticed that I had an invitation card from the training company with me. On the back side of the invitation letter, there was a map. So, I followed it diligently. It had all the necessary details to reach that area and by strictly following that I reached the destination on time.

The map provided me with unstinted support because, with the map, it was a manageable task for me to reach that place. Once I reached there, I attended the training, and it worked like a charm for me because I learned new things about my skill, video editing. It was a good moment as I was in the lap of nature.

Follow-ups

Here are some examples of follow-up questions that the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Describe a time when you used a map”.

1. Do you often need help?

I rarely get lost, and it is due to the reason that I am well-versed in technology. These days, I use the GPS to track myself, and through Google Maps, I come to know where I am and where I wish to go.

2. Is map reading skill important?

Yes, map reading skills are critical because, in this modern era, most people have smartphones that contain updated maps. If you know map reading, then it is straightforward for you to go from one place to another. On the contrary, if you lack this knowledge, then finding the right place is a daunting task for you.

3. Are some people good at map reading than others?

Yes, some people have this innate ability to decipher a map straightforwardly. On the contrary, for some people, it is challenging because they need clarification in various directions provided by the maps.

4. Why do some people like traveling to other places?

Some people like traveling to other places because it is a stress buster for them moreover when they go for long drives they get into song the world seems reasonable to them, and they get the necessary break from their busy lives.

5. Should they find information about the place before going there?

Yes, in my opinion, it is a prudent approach to look for information regarding the place you wish to go because these days there is a lot of rush, especially in tourist places, so if you do not pre-plan your trip, then finding a good deal is out of your hands moreover sometimes you do not get the booking. At the last minute, you have to go with cheaper accommodation, so planning before going on a tour is worthwhile.