IELTS examiner and candidate discussing environmental issues
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions about environmental issues:
- Do you think environmental protection is important?
- What do you do to help protect the environment?
- Are there any environmental problems in your city?
- How can individuals contribute to environmental protection?
Similar to describe an experience that taught you something valuable, discussing environmental issues requires personal insight and reflection.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Environmental protection is absolutely crucial in today’s world. In my city, I actively participate in local cleanup drives and advocate for sustainable practices. I believe every individual has a responsibility to contribute to environmental conservation.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a local environmental issue you care about
You should say:
- What the issue is
- How you became aware of it
- What effects it has on the local community
- And explain what you think should be done about it
Environmental pollution affecting local community members
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about the pressing issue of plastic pollution in my local river system. I became acutely aware of this problem during my morning walks along the riverbank, where I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of plastic waste on our waterways.
The effects on our community are far-reaching and multifaceted. Marine life is severely affected, with many fish species showing declining populations. Local fishermen have reported substantial decreases in their catches, directly impacting their livelihoods. Moreover, the aesthetic degradation has deterred tourists, affecting our local economy.
To address this issue, I believe we need a comprehensive approach. This should include implementing strict regulations on single-use plastics, establishing efficient recycling systems, and launching community awareness programs. Just as describe a park you enjoy visiting for relaxation, our river should be a place of natural beauty and recreation.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about plastic pollution in our river. I noticed this problem when I was walking near the river and saw lots of plastic waste. It affects our community because it kills fish and looks very bad. I think we need better rules about plastic use and more recycling bins.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: What role should governments play in environmental protection?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Governments should play a pivotal role in environmental protection through multi-faceted approaches. This includes implementing stringent regulations, providing financial incentives for green initiatives, and fostering international cooperation. Similar to how describe an important cultural festival you enjoy, environmental protection requires community participation and official support.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Environmental degradation /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ (n): The deterioration of the environment
- Sustainable practices /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ (n): Methods that don’t harm the environment
- Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ (n): Amount of carbon dioxide released due to human activities
- Biodiversity /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ (n): Variety of life in an ecosystem
Community members participating in environmental cleanup
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples from your personal experience
- Demonstrate awareness of both local and global environmental issues
- Structure your response with clear introduction, body, and conclusion
- Include relevant statistics or data when possible
- Show genuine concern and knowledge about environmental matters
Remember, just as describe a scenic place you want to visit, your description should be vivid and engaging while maintaining accuracy and relevance.
