This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 17 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 1 Test 4 question:
“Do you think it’s better to use a paper map or a map on your phone? [Why?]”
Sample 1: Using Maps On Phones
In my opinion, utilizing a map on one’s phone is decidedly more advantageous than relying on a traditional paper map. The foremost reason is the user-friendly interface of digital maps, which allows individuals to access myriad features such as route planning, traffic updates, and public transit information, thus providing a comprehensive navigational experience.
Sample 2: Using Maps On Phones
As an avid globetrotter, I’m inclined to say that using a map on your phone takes the cake when it comes to convenience and efficiency. With a digital map at your fingertips, finding your bearings in a new city is as easy as pie. Furthermore, it’s a breeze to access real-time information, such as traffic updates, which certainly helps to stay ahead of the curve.
Sample 3: Using Maps On Phones
In my humble opinion, utilizing a smartphone map trumps the traditional paper map hands down. Not only does it save you from fumbling around with unwieldy sheets, but it also offers a plethora of additional features, like turn-by-turn navigation and location-based recommendations. This makes it a veritable treasure trove for any modern-day explorer.
Sample 4: Using Maps On Phones
For me, there’s no contest between paper maps and their digital counterparts. The latter is the bee’s knees, offering unparalleled ease of use, accuracy, and versatility. It’s a cinch to zoom in and out or search for specific locations, and the icing on the cake is the ability to receive real-time updates on things like road closures and public transport schedules.
Sample 5: Using Paper Maps
In my view, a paper map offers a more tangible experience compared to a digital one on a mobile device. Navigating with a paper map allows individuals to acquaint themselves with their surroundings, fostering a sense of exploration and adventure. Moreover, these traditional maps preclude any concerns about battery life or signal issues.
Sample 6: Using Paper Maps
Opting for a paper map can be a breath of fresh air in our technology-driven lives. It enables us to disconnect from the digital world and hones our map-reading skills, which are becoming increasingly rare in the era of GPS navigation. Furthermore, paper maps often provide a wider scope, allowing us to see the bigger picture, rather than being confined to a small screen.
Sample 7: Using Paper Maps
I would contend that using a paper map is more advantageous, primarily due to the fact that they are not susceptible to technological glitches or poor signal reception. In this sense, paper maps provide an unerring and steadfast means of navigation, particularly when venturing off the beaten track.
Sample 8: Using Paper Maps
I am of the conviction that paper maps are the better choice, as they are conducive to a more mindful exploration of our surroundings. In contrast to the incessant notifications and distractions that plague our smartphones, paper maps offer a respite from the digital world, allowing us to fully engage with the journey at hand.
Sample 9: Favoring Both
In my opinion, utilizing a paper map and a digital map on one’s smartphone both have distinct merits. A tangible map offers a tactile experience, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of geographical layout, while a smartphone map provides real-time updates and seamless navigation, making it an indispensable tool for travelers.
Sample 10: Favoring Both
I believe that both paper maps and smartphone maps cater to different needs and preferences. Traditionalists may appreciate the nostalgic charm of a paper map, enabling them to feel more connected to their surroundings, whereas tech-savvy individuals may prefer the convenience and efficiency offered by a smartphone map.




