The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to influential people and environmental issues. One potential question that combines these themes is “Describe A Famous Environmental Activist In Your Country.” This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Understanding the Topic and Its Relevance

Environmental activism has become increasingly important in recent years, making it a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. Being prepared to discuss a famous environmental activist from your country demonstrates your awareness of current issues and your ability to articulate complex ideas in English.

Famous Environmental Activist Speaking

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you general questions about environmental issues or activism. Here’s a sample question and response:

Examiner: Do you think environmental protection is important?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I believe environmental protection is crucial for our planet’s future. It’s not just about preserving nature for its own sake, but also about ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations. In my opinion, every small action we take, from recycling to reducing energy consumption, contributes to the bigger picture of environmental conservation.”

Key phrases: crucial, ensuring, contributes

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a potential cue card for this topic:

Describe a famous environmental activist in your country
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What they have done for the environment
• How they became famous
• And explain why you think their work is important

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d like to talk about Nguy Thi Khanh, a prominent environmental activist in Vietnam. She’s the founder of the Green Innovation and Development Centre (GreenID) and has been instrumental in promoting sustainable energy solutions in our country.

Khanh has spearheaded numerous campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental and health impacts of coal-fired power plants. Her work has been pivotal in shifting Vietnam’s energy policies towards more sustainable options. She’s also been a strong advocate for community engagement in environmental decision-making processes.

Khanh gained international recognition when she was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2018, which is often referred to as the “Green Nobel Prize”. This prestigious award brought significant attention to her work and the environmental challenges facing Vietnam.

I believe Khanh’s work is crucial because it addresses one of the most pressing issues of our time – climate change. By promoting renewable energy and sustainable development, she’s not only helping to protect Vietnam’s environment but also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. Her grassroots approach to activism, combining scientific research with community outreach, serves as an inspiring model for environmental advocacy in developing countries.”

Key phrases: instrumental, spearheaded, pivotal, community engagement, prestigious, crucial, promoting renewable energy, sustainable development, grassroots approach, inspiring model

Examiner: How has this activist influenced young people in your country?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Nguy Thi Khanh has had a profound impact on young Vietnamese people. Her work has sparked a wave of environmental consciousness among the youth, inspiring many to pursue careers in environmental science and sustainable development. Through her organization, GreenID, she’s created internship and volunteer opportunities, allowing young people to gain hands-on experience in environmental advocacy. Moreover, her success on the international stage has shown young Vietnamese that they can make a significant difference on global issues, empowering them to take action in their own communities.”

Key phrases: profound impact, sparked a wave of environmental consciousness, significant difference, empowering

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think social media has changed environmental activism?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Social media has revolutionized environmental activism in several ways. Firstly, it has made information about environmental issues more accessible to the general public. Activists can now quickly share news, research findings, and calls to action with a wide audience. Secondly, social media platforms have facilitated the organization of environmental campaigns and protests, allowing activists to mobilize supporters more effectively. Lastly, it has given a voice to grassroots movements and individual activists who might not have had access to traditional media channels.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Social media has fundamentally transformed the landscape of environmental activism. It has democratized information sharing, allowing environmental issues to gain traction rapidly and globally. This instantaneous dissemination of information has heightened public awareness and fostered a sense of global community around environmental concerns. Moreover, social media has empowered individuals to become ‘micro-influencers’ in their own right, amplifying the reach of environmental messages. However, it’s also important to note that this ease of sharing information has led to challenges, such as the spread of misinformation, which activists must navigate carefully. Overall, social media has catalyzed a more dynamic, participatory form of environmental activism, blurring the lines between activists and the general public.”

Key phrases: fundamentally transformed, democratized, gain traction, instantaneous dissemination, heightened public awareness, fostered a sense of global community, empowered, catalyzed, blurring the lines

Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Advocate /ˈædvəkeɪt/ (verb): to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
   Example: “She advocates for stricter environmental regulations.”

2. Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adjective): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
   Example: “We need to find sustainable solutions to our energy needs.”

3. Biodiversity /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ (noun): the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
   Example: “Protecting biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance.”

4. Conservation /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ (noun): the action of conserving something, in particular
   Example: “Wildlife conservation is a key focus of many environmental groups.”

5. Renewable /rɪˈnjuːəbl/ (adjective): (of a natural resource or source of energy) not depleted when used
   Example: “Solar and wind power are examples of renewable energy sources.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

1. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with environmental topics and practice speaking about them.
2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate topic-specific terms and advanced vocabulary naturally in your responses.
3. Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and provide examples to support your points.
4. Stay informed: Keep up with current environmental issues and activists in your country and globally.
5. Work on your fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing environmental activists and related topics. Remember, the key is to demonstrate your language skills while expressing your thoughts clearly and confidently.

For more tips on describing influential figures, you might find our guide on how to describe a person who is a role model for young people helpful. Additionally, our article on describing a public figure who has had a positive influence on society offers valuable insights that can be applied to discussing environmental activists.