As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve observed that questions about public figures and sustainability are increasingly common in recent tests. This topic allows candidates to showcase their knowledge of current affairs, environmental issues, and their ability to describe influential people. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into sample answers, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for when asking about a public figure who promotes sustainability. They want to assess your ability to:

1. Describe a person clearly and coherently
2. Discuss environmental issues and sustainability concepts
3. Express opinions and provide examples
4. Use a range of vocabulary related to the environment and public figures

Influential Environmentalist

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you might encounter questions related to environmental issues or famous people. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Q: Do you think celebrities can influence people’s attitudes towards environmental issues?

A: (Band 7-8 response)
Absolutely, I believe celebrities can have a significant impact on people’s environmental awareness. Given their large fan bases and media presence, when celebrities advocate for sustainable practices or speak out against climate change, it can reach millions of people instantly. For instance, when Leonardo DiCaprio uses his Oscar acceptance speech to talk about global warming, it generates substantial public interest and discussion on the topic.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:

Describe a public figure who promotes sustainability.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What they do to promote sustainability
• How effective their efforts have been
• And explain why you think their work is important

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

I’d like to talk about Greta Thunberg, a young Swedish environmental activist. She became famous for her climate change activism and for challenging world leaders to take immediate action against climate change.

Greta promotes sustainability in several ways. She started the “Fridays for Future” movement, where students skip school on Fridays to protest against climate inaction. She also gives speeches at major international events, like the UN Climate Action Summit, where she passionately urges politicians and business leaders to prioritize environmental issues.

Her efforts have been quite effective, especially in raising awareness among young people. She’s inspired millions of students worldwide to join climate strikes and demand stronger environmental policies from their governments.

I think her work is important because she’s managed to bring climate change to the forefront of global discussions. She reminds us that the younger generation will inherit the consequences of our current actions, which adds urgency to the need for sustainable practices.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to discuss Sir David Attenborough, a renowned British broadcaster and natural historian who has become a prominent advocate for environmental conservation and sustainability.

Sir David has been instrumental in promoting sustainability through his groundbreaking nature documentaries. His series, such as “Blue Planet II” and “Our Planet”, have not only showcased the beauty of our natural world but also highlighted the devastating impact of human activities on ecosystems. These documentaries have reached millions of viewers globally, effectively raising awareness about critical environmental issues.

One of his most impactful initiatives has been his involvement in the “Blue Planet Effect”, which led to significant policy changes regarding plastic waste. Following the airing of “Blue Planet II”, which vividly depicted the harm caused by plastic pollution in our oceans, there was a marked increase in public concern and action. This resulted in the UK government pledging to eradicate avoidable plastic waste, and many companies committing to reduce their plastic usage.

The effectiveness of Sir David’s efforts is evident in the tangible changes we’ve seen in both public behavior and policy-making. His work has sparked a global conversation about sustainability and has inspired individuals, corporations, and governments to take concrete steps towards more sustainable practices.

I believe Sir David’s work is crucial because he bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding. His ability to communicate complex environmental issues in an accessible and compelling manner has made sustainability a mainstream concern. Moreover, his lifetime dedication to this cause lends credibility and urgency to the message, inspiring action across generations.

Follow-up Questions

1. How do you think social media influences the spread of sustainability messages?
2. What role do you think governments should play in promoting sustainability?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9)

1. Social media has revolutionized the dissemination of sustainability messages. Its instantaneous and far-reaching nature allows environmental campaigns to go viral, reaching millions within hours. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter enable influential figures to directly engage with their followers, sharing sustainable lifestyle tips or raising awareness about critical issues. However, it’s a double-edged sword – while it can amplify positive messages, it can also spread misinformation rapidly. Therefore, it’s crucial for users to critically evaluate the information they encounter and for platforms to implement robust fact-checking mechanisms.

2. Governments play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability. They should lead by example, implementing green policies in all public sectors. This includes incentivizing renewable energy adoption, enforcing strict environmental regulations, and investing in sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, governments should collaborate with educational institutions to integrate sustainability into school curricula, fostering environmentally conscious future generations. They also need to work on international cooperation, as environmental issues often transcend national boundaries. By setting ambitious targets and providing both carrots and sticks, governments can create an environment where sustainable practices become the norm rather than the exception.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples:

Q: How can we encourage more public figures to promote sustainability?

A: (Band 8-9 response)
There are several strategies we could employ to motivate public figures to champion sustainability. Firstly, we could highlight the positive impact that such advocacy has on their public image and career longevity. Many consumers, especially younger generations, are increasingly drawn to brands and individuals who demonstrate environmental responsibility.

Additionally, providing public figures with comprehensive education on environmental issues could be beneficial. Often, people are more likely to speak out when they feel well-informed. We could organize specialized workshops or seminars that equip celebrities with the knowledge and confidence to discuss sustainability issues accurately.

Furthermore, creating platforms and events specifically designed for public figures to engage with environmental causes could be effective. This could include high-profile sustainability awards or green carpet events that celebrate and publicize their efforts.

Lastly, we shouldn’t underestimate the power of peer influence. If we can get a critical mass of influential figures on board with sustainability promotion, it could create a snowball effect, encouraging others to follow suit to remain relevant and respected in their industry.

Q: Do you think the emphasis on individual action in sustainability is misplaced? Should we focus more on systemic change?

A: (Band 8-9 response)
This is a nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. While individual actions are undoubtedly important, there’s a growing argument that focusing solely on personal responsibility might be insufficient to address the scale of our environmental challenges.

On one hand, individual actions can collectively make a significant impact. When millions of people make sustainable choices in their daily lives, such as reducing plastic use or choosing renewable energy, it can lead to substantial positive change. Moreover, these individual actions often serve as a gateway to greater environmental awareness and can build momentum for larger-scale initiatives.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that many of our most pressing environmental issues stem from systemic problems that are beyond the control of individuals. For instance, even if every person tried to reduce their carbon footprint, we would still face significant challenges if our energy grids remain dependent on fossil fuels or if our cities are designed in ways that necessitate car use.

Therefore, I believe the most effective approach is a two-pronged strategy that combines individual action with systemic change. We should encourage and celebrate individual sustainable choices, but also recognize their limitations. Simultaneously, we need to push for policy changes, invest in green infrastructure, and transform our economic systems to prioritize sustainability.

In essence, while individual actions are important for creating a culture of sustainability, systemic changes are necessary to create the large-scale transformations we need to address global environmental challenges effectively.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples related to public figures and sustainability:

1. Advocate /ˈædvəkeɪt/ (verb): to publicly support or recommend a particular cause
   Example: “Many celebrities advocate for environmental causes.”

2. Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ (noun): the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level
   Example: “The company has made sustainability a core part of its business strategy.”

3. Influential /ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/ (adjective): having great influence on someone or something
   Example: “Her influential voice has brought attention to critical environmental issues.”

4. Climate change /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ (noun): long-term shifts in global weather patterns
   Example: “The documentary highlighted the urgent need to address climate change.”

5. Eco-friendly /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ (adjective): not harmful to the environment
   Example: “The celebrity promoted eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.”

6. Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ (noun): the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of one’s activities
   Example: “He encourages his followers to reduce their carbon footprint by using public transportation.”

7. Renewable energy /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ (noun): energy from a source that is not depleted when used
   Example: “The public figure has invested heavily in renewable energy projects.”

8. Conservation /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ (noun): prevention of wasteful use of a resource
   Example: “Her foundation focuses on wildlife conservation efforts.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing public figures who promote sustainability:

1. Stay informed about current environmental issues and prominent figures in the field.
2. Practice describing people and their actions using varied vocabulary.
3. Develop your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to sustainability and social influence.
4. Use specific examples to support your points, demonstrating both knowledge and language skills.
5. Work on your pronunciation of key terms related to the environment and sustainability.
6. Practice expressing and justifying opinions on environmental topics.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures in your responses.