Speaking Test Model Answers
12. Environmental Problems
Below you will find example model answers for IELTS test style speaking parts 1, 2 and 3 questions on this topic. You'll notice that some key advanced vocabulary for this topic is in bold in the model answers - you will find definitions and examples sentences at the bottom of the page for these.
SPEAKING
PART 1
1. Is pollution a problem in your town/ city?
Yes, pollution is a major problem. The city has high levels of air pollution due to traffic congestion, industrial emissions and all the construction that is happening here at the moment.
2. Are there many green spaces in your town/ city?
Yes, fortunately there are many green spaces in my city. There are parks in most parts of the city and there’s also a botanical garden that’s really nice.
3. Does your country ever suffer from floods or droughts?
Yes, my country is large and it’s prone to both floods and droughts in different areas. Floods are common in some northern parts in the spring when snow melts, while droughts can occur during dry summers, especially in southern areas of the country where there is very little rainfall.
4. What environmental problems do you think are most serious?
The most serious environmental problems are air pollution, water pollution, and deforestation. Climate change is important too, and I think the whole world is worried about it, but I’m more concerned about the direct damage to animal habitats and the ecosystem that we cause every day.
5. Is it common to recycle rubbish?
Yes, most people separate recyclable materials from their rubbish and put it in a special bin. The rubbish collection service will pick it up once a fortnight.
6. How can an individual reduce carbon-dioxide emissions?
I think the main thing you can do to mitigate climate change and be more sustainable is use your car less and take public transport more often instead. The exhaust fumes from your car contain a lot of carbon-dioxide and they contribute to smog in the city too.
7. Do you think we will still use oil and gas in 50 years?
Yes I think fossil fuels are still probably going to be used, especially in poorer countries, but hopefully richer countries will have been able to replace them with nuclear or renewable energy.
8. Are you worried about climate change?
Yes, I am worried about climate change, but, as I said before, I think an even more important problem is the daily deforestation, extinction of endangered species and the pollution of our environment with chemicals and gases.
Listen:
PART 2
Describe an environmental problem or event.
You should say:
what it is
where it is happening
and what problems it causes
Model Answer:
The environmental problem I want to talk about is air pollution in my hometown. My hometown is a large and densely populated city, and it has been facing severe air pollution problems for several years, particularly between January and March, when the smog is terrible.
I think the main causes of the air pollution are vehicle exhaust fumes, emissions from factories and coal power stations, and burning of agricultural waste. Unfortunately, many farmers set fire to their waste at the end of the growing season, which produces a lot of smoke. That’s why the air pollution is particularly bad around January to March. The city's heavy traffic is also a significant problem. The public transport network is not very good yet so most people choose to drive, which of course means lots of car fumes.
The effects of air pollution are widespread and serious. People living in the city are at a higher risk of developing breathing problems, and there is evidence to suggest that high levels of pollutants in the air can even lead to early death. Sometimes when I look out my window I can only see about 50 metres because the smog is so thick!
Listen:
PART 3
1. How do you think the increasing population is affecting the environment?
I think the rapidly increasing number of people is definitely putting a strain on the planet. More people means we need more resources like land, food, water, and energy. This leads to things like deforestation, pollution, and using up natural resources. It also means there's less space for nature and animals so biodiversity is continually being reduced.
2. In your opinion, what measures should be taken to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment?
In my opinion, the main thing we need to do is be more efficient about energy consumption and use less natural resources. Most people don’t need to drive a huge truck, and often it would be better to use public transport. We could also be more smart about how we farm, and try to use less harmful chemicals. Finally, I think we could use a lot more nuclear power stations and renewable energy like wind or solar, so we could replace coal and gas, and move to using electric vehicles instead of petrol and diesel ones.
3. Do you think environmental education should be a mandatory part of the school curriculum?
Definitely, I think schools should teach kids about the environment. It's important for students to learn about things like conservation, protecting animal habitats and how our actions affect the environment. This can help them understand why it's important to take care of nature and make changes in their lifestyles to do this. In this way kids can learn to live in a more sustainable way and to protect the ecosystem around them.
4. What is the role of the media in raising awareness about environmental problems?
The media has a big role in telling people about environmental issues. They can use TV, newspapers, and social media to share information and raise awareness. The media can show success stories and teach people about ways to be more eco-friendly. They can also hold individuals and companies accountable for their actions. By giving people the right information, the media can inspire them to take action and make better choices for the environment.
5. How do you think businesses can be more environmentally responsible?
Well, businesses do still need to do more to be environmentally responsible, and they can start by using sustainable practices in their operations. This means finding ways to produce less waste, use less energy, and use materials that are better for the environment. Businesses can also do a lot to put pressure on their suppliers to be more green. It’s important that they source materials from the right places, so that their suppliers aren’t themselves destroying the environment.
6. How can international cooperation help address global environmental problems?
International cooperation is really important when it comes to dealing with global environmental problems. Issues like climate change and pollution affect the whole world, so countries need to work together. If we are really going to address the problem we need to work together, and richer, more developed countries need to share information and technology to help poorer countries reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Listen:
VOCABULARY
Topic Vocabulary:
biodiversity (noun [u]):
Definition: The number of plants and animals that live in an area, or in the world.
Example: Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest threatens the biodiversity of the region.
climate change (noun phrase):
Definition: When the Earth's weather patterns and temperatures start to change due to human activity.
Example: Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are evidence of climate change.
conservation (noun [u]):
Definition: The act of protecting and preserving natural resources, habitats, and species.
Example: The organisation works tirelessly to promote the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.
deforestation (noun [u]):
Definition: The clearing or removal of forests or trees on a large scale.
Example: Deforestation is a major cause of climate change.
drought (noun [u]):
Definition: When there's not enough rain for a long time, and it makes things very dry.
Example: The lack of rain caused a severe drought, leading to water shortages.
eco-friendly (adjective):
Definition: Environmentally friendly or sustainable, causing minimal harm to the environment.
Example: Using eco-friendly products helps reduce environmental impact.
ecosystem (noun [c]):
Definition: A community of living things (like plants, animals, and insects) that interact and depend on each other to live .
Example: The coral reef is a diverse and fragile ecosystem that supports a wide range of marine life.
emissions (noun [pl]):
Definition: Gases that are released into the air, usually from things like cars, factories, or power plants.
Example: The factory reduced its carbon emissions by implementing cleaner technology.
endangered (adjective):
Definition: When a species is close to disappearing from the planet.
Example: The number of endangered species is continually increasing as large areas of forest are cut down.
energy consumption (noun phrase):
Definition: The amount of energy that is used or consumed by people or machines.
Example: Energy-saving measures can significantly reduce household energy consumption.
exhaust fumes (noun phrase):
Definition: Emissions produced from burning fuel.
Example: The exhaust fumes from cars contribute to air pollution and can harm the environment.
extinction (noun [u]):
Definition: The complete disappearance of a species.
Example: The rapid decline in the population of elephants is pushing them towards extinction.
fossil fuel (noun phrase):
Definition: Things like coal, oil, and gas that come from ancient plants and animals. We burn them to make energy.
Example: Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels used for energy production.
habitat (noun [c]):
Definition: The natural environment where organisms live.
Example: The rainforest is the natural habitat for various species of monkeys and birds.
mitigate (verb):
Definition: To reduce the severity, intensity, or impact of a risk or problem.
Example: Planting trees helps mitigate the impact of carbon emissions on the environment.
natural resources (noun phrase):
Definition: Naturally occurring materials, such as minerals, or forests, that have economic or ecological value.
Example: Water and minerals are examples of valuable natural resources.
pollutant (noun [c]):
Definition: A harmful substance or contaminant in the environment.
Example: Carbon monoxide is a pollutant that can have detrimental effects on human health.
renewable (adjective):
Definition: Something that can be used but won't run out, like the sunshine, wind, or water.
Example: Solar power is a renewable energy source that harnesses energy from the sun.
smog (noun [u]):
Definition: A kind of pollution that happens when dirty air gets trapped near the ground.
Example: The city's air quality was poor due to smog, resulting from factory and vehicle emissions.
sustainable (adjective):
Definition: Able to be continued over the long term without causing environmental damage.
Example: The company implemented sustainable practices to minimise waste and conserve resources.
