Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Discuss Sustainable Practices for a High Band Score

IELTS Mentor

4 months ago

The topic of sustainable practices has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Speaking exams, reflecting its growing importance in our daily lives. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I can confidently say that being well-prepared to discuss this subject can significantly boost your chances of achieving a high band score. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to effectively answer questions about sustainable practices you’ve adopted, providing sample responses and detailed analysis to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about sustainability and your personal habits. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

Do you think it’s important to live sustainably? Why/Why not?
What sustainable practices are popular in your country?
Have you made any changes to your lifestyle to be more environmentally friendly?

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

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“Yes, I’ve definitely made some changes to be more eco-friendly. One significant change I’ve adopted is reducing my plastic consumption. I always carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bags with me, which has drastically cut down my use of single-use plastics. Additionally, I’ve started composting my food waste, which not only reduces the amount of garbage I produce but also creates nutrient-rich soil for my small balcony garden.”

Key features:

Uses specific examples (reusable water bottle, shopping bags, composting)
Employs advanced vocabulary (drastically cut down, eco-friendly)
Provides a brief explanation of the benefits

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 sustainable practices:

Describe a sustainable practice you have adopted in your life

You should say:

What the practice is
When and why you started it
How you implement it in your daily life
And explain how this practice benefits the environment

Sustainable Practice

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a sustainable practice I’ve incorporated into my daily routine, which is embracing a plant-based diet. I began this journey about two years ago after watching a documentary that shed light on the environmental impact of animal agriculture.

The implementation of this practice involves carefully planning my meals to ensure I get all the necessary nutrients while avoiding animal products. I’ve discovered a wealth of delicious plant-based recipes and alternatives, which has made the transition surprisingly enjoyable. I now regularly frequent local farmers’ markets to source fresh, seasonal produce, which not only supports local agriculture but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.

This dietary shift has had a profound impact on reducing my environmental footprint. Plant-based diets typically require significantly less water, land, and energy to produce compared to animal-based foods. Moreover, they generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which is crucial in combating climate change. By choosing plant-based options, I’m effectively reducing my contribution to deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss associated with intensive animal farming.

Beyond the environmental benefits, I’ve noticed improvements in my overall health and energy levels. This unexpected bonus has further reinforced my commitment to maintaining this sustainable practice. It’s been an eye-opening experience that has made me more conscious of the far-reaching implications of our daily choices on the planet’s wellbeing.”

Key features:

Provides a clear structure following the cue card prompts
Uses a wide range of advanced vocabulary and expressions (shed light on, profound impact, effectively reducing)
Offers specific examples and explanations
Demonstrates critical thinking by discussing both environmental and personal benefits

Possible follow-up questions:

Do you think it’s difficult for people to adopt plant-based diets?
How can governments encourage more sustainable eating habits?

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

“While adopting a plant-based diet can be challenging for some, I believe the difficulty often lies in overcoming ingrained habits and misconceptions. Many people are accustomed to traditional meat-centric meals and may struggle to envision satisfying alternatives. Moreover, there’s a learning curve involved in understanding plant-based nutrition and discovering new recipes.

However, I’ve observed that these challenges are becoming increasingly surmountable. The growing availability of plant-based products and the wealth of information online have made the transition much easier. Additionally, the rising awareness of the health and environmental benefits often serves as a strong motivator, helping people persist through initial difficulties.

Ultimately, I believe that with proper education, support, and an open mindset, most people can successfully adopt a plant-based diet, either partially or fully, contributing to a more sustainable future.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s a sample question and response:

Examiner: How do you think technology can contribute to more sustainable living?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Technology plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable living practices. One of the most significant contributions is in the realm of renewable energy. Advanced solar panels and wind turbines are making clean energy more efficient and accessible, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Moreover, smart home technologies allow for optimized energy consumption, automatically adjusting heating, cooling, and lighting based on occupancy and time of day.

In the transportation sector, electric vehicles and innovative public transit solutions are revolutionizing how we move, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, apps that facilitate car-sharing and ride-pooling are helping to decrease the number of vehicles on the road.

Furthermore, technology is enhancing our ability to monitor and manage resources. For instance, precision agriculture techniques use sensors and GPS technology to optimize crop yields while minimizing water and pesticide use. In urban areas, smart water systems can detect leaks and manage distribution more efficiently.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that technology itself can have a environmental footprint. The production and disposal of electronic devices can be resource-intensive and potentially polluting. Therefore, it’s essential to approach technological solutions holistically, considering their full lifecycle impact.

In conclusion, while technology offers immense potential for sustainable living, its effective implementation requires careful consideration and responsible use to ensure that the benefits truly outweigh the costs to our environment.”

Key features:

Provides a well-structured response with clear examples
Uses advanced vocabulary and expressions (pivotal role, significant contributions, holistically)
Demonstrates critical thinking by discussing both benefits and potential drawbacks
Shows awareness of various aspects of sustainability (energy, transportation, resource management)

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your responses and aim for a high band score, incorporate these advanced words and phrases:

Sustainable/sustainability /səˈsteɪnəbl/ /ˌsʌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ (adj/noun): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level / the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
Example: “Adopting sustainable practices is crucial for the long-term health of our planet.”
Eco-friendly /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ (adj): not harmful to the environment
Example: “I always look for eco-friendly alternatives when shopping for household products.”
Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ (noun): the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of one’s activities
Example: “By using public transportation, I’ve significantly reduced my carbon footprint.”
Renewable energy /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ (noun): energy from a source that is not depleted when used
Example: “The city is investing heavily in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.”
Circular economy /ˈsɜːkjələr iˈkɒnəmi/ (noun): an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources
Example: “Many companies are now adopting circular economy principles to reduce waste and improve efficiency.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with sustainability-related vocabulary and concepts through reading articles and watching documentaries.
Develop personal examples: Reflect on your own sustainable practices and be prepared to discuss them in detail.
Structure your answers: Use clear organization in your responses, especially for Part 2. Practice using phrases like “First,” “Moreover,” and “In conclusion” to guide your speech.
Show critical thinking: Don’t just list facts; analyze and evaluate ideas, showing awareness of both benefits and challenges of sustainable practices.
Use a range of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and conditional statements to demonstrate language proficiency.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. By incorporating these strategies and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss sustainable practices and achieve a high band score.

For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

By mastering this topic, you’ll not only improve your IELTS Speaking score but also gain valuable knowledge about sustainable living that you can apply in your daily life.