As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve observed that questions about environmentalists and environmental issues are becoming increasingly common in the test. This topic not only reflects global concerns but also allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a famous environmentalist from your country, focusing on the Vietnamese context.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about the environment and your personal habits. Here are some potential questions:

1. Do you think people in your country are concerned about environmental issues?
2. What do you do to help protect the environment?
3. Have you learned about any environmental problems at school?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:

Examiner: What do you do to help protect the environment?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Well, I try to do my part by recycling regularly and using public transportation when possible. I also make an effort to save energy by turning off lights and appliances when they’re not in use. It’s not much, but I believe every little bit helps.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m quite passionate about environmental conservation, so I engage in several practices to minimize my ecological footprint. Firstly, I’ve adopted a largely plant-based diet, which significantly reduces my carbon emissions. Additionally, I’m an avid proponent of the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ philosophy, consistently segregating my waste and opting for products with minimal packaging. Furthermore, I actively participate in local tree-planting initiatives and beach clean-up campaigns, which I find not only beneficial for the environment but also personally fulfilling.”

Famous Vietnamese environmentalist speaking at a conference

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe A Famous Environmentalist From Your Country
You should say:

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

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about Nguy Thi Khanh, a well-known environmentalist in Vietnam. She’s the founder of the Green Innovation and Development Centre, or GreenID for short. Khanh has done a lot for the environment, especially in promoting renewable energy and improving air quality in Vietnam.

She became famous for her work in raising awareness about the harmful effects of coal power plants and advocating for cleaner energy sources. Her efforts have led to changes in government policies and increased public awareness about environmental issues.

I think her work is really important because it’s helping to make Vietnam a cleaner and healthier place to live. She’s showing that economic development doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss Nguy Thi Khanh, a prominent figure in Vietnam’s environmental movement. Khanh is the founder and executive director of the Green Innovation and Development Centre (GreenID), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable energy development in Vietnam.

Khanh has been instrumental in raising awareness about the detrimental effects of coal-fired power plants on air quality and public health. Her tireless advocacy for renewable energy alternatives has spearheaded a shift in Vietnam’s energy policies. Moreover, she has spearheaded numerous community-based initiatives to empower local populations in environmental decision-making processes.

Khanh’s groundbreaking work gained international recognition when she was awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2018, catapulting her into the global spotlight. This accolade not only validated her efforts but also amplified her voice on the international stage.

I believe Khanh’s work is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it bridges the gap between scientific research and public policy, ensuring that environmental decisions are informed by empirical evidence. Secondly, her grassroots approach to environmental activism fosters community engagement and cultivates a sense of environmental stewardship among Vietnamese citizens. Lastly, by championing renewable energy, Khanh is helping to steer Vietnam towards a more sustainable future, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. Her work serves as a compelling testament to the power of individual action in addressing global challenges.”

Follow-up Questions

1. How has this environmentalist influenced young people in Vietnam?
2. What challenges do you think environmentalists face in your country?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Nguy Thi Khanh has had a profound impact on Vietnamese youth. Her work has ignited a passion for environmental conservation among young people, inspiring many to pursue careers in sustainability and environmental science. Moreover, her success story has demonstrated to young Vietnamese that it’s possible to effect meaningful change through dedication and perseverance. Khanh’s advocacy has also led to the integration of environmental education in school curricula, fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Additionally, her use of social media and grassroots campaigning has resonated with youth, encouraging them to become active participants in environmental initiatives.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. How do you think environmental awareness has changed in recent years in Vietnam?
2. What role should the government play in protecting the environment?
3. Do you think individual actions can make a difference in addressing global environmental issues?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Examiner: Do you think individual actions can make a difference in addressing global environmental issues?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I believe individual actions can make a difference. When many people make small changes, like using less plastic or saving energy, it can add up to a big impact. Also, individuals can influence others around them and spread awareness about environmental issues. However, I think big changes also need to come from governments and companies to really solve global problems.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that individual actions play a pivotal role in addressing global environmental challenges. While it’s true that systemic changes at governmental and corporate levels are crucial, the collective impact of individual choices should not be underestimated.

Firstly, individual actions can create a ripple effect in communities. When one person adopts environmentally friendly practices, it often inspires others to follow suit, leading to a snowball effect of positive change. This grassroots movement can exert pressure on larger entities to adopt more sustainable policies.

Secondly, consumer choices dictate market trends. As more individuals opt for eco-friendly products and services, businesses are compelled to adapt their practices to meet this demand, thereby catalyzing industry-wide shifts towards sustainability.

Moreover, individual actions often serve as the bedrock for larger movements. Many significant environmental policies and corporate changes have been spurred by public pressure, which originates from individual concerns and actions.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that the magnitude of global environmental issues necessitates a multi-faceted approach. While individual actions are indispensable, they need to be complemented by robust governmental policies, corporate responsibility, and international cooperation to achieve substantial and lasting change.

In conclusion, I believe that individual actions are not just significant, but essential in addressing global environmental issues. They serve as both a direct contributor to environmental preservation and a driving force for broader systemic changes.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Advocate (verb) /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
   Example: She advocates for stricter regulations on plastic use.

2. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
   Example: The company is committed to sustainable farming practices.

3. Ecological footprint (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the impact of a person or community on the environment
   Example: We need to reduce our ecological footprint to combat climate change.

4. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
   Example: Deforestation threatens the rich biodiversity of the rainforest.

5. Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
   Example: Solar and wind power are popular forms of renewable energy.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing environmentalists or environmental issues:

1. Develop a broad vocabulary related to environmental topics. Use specific terms like ‘biodiversity’, ‘sustainability’, and ‘renewable energy’ accurately.

2. Practice expressing your opinions on environmental issues. Be prepared to discuss both local and global environmental challenges.

3. Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to articulate your ideas clearly and coherently.

4. Stay informed about current environmental news and policies in your country. This will help you provide relevant and up-to-date examples.

5. Practice speaking about environmental topics for 1-2 minutes to improve your fluency and ability to organize your thoughts quickly.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, fluency, and depth in your responses.