IELTS Speaking Part 2 | Environment Topic Guide
Environment questions • sample answers • essential vocabulary • expert tips • IELTS speaking test
Environment Cue Card
Describe an environmental problem that you think is serious.
You should say:
- What the environmental problem is
- How it affects people's lives
- What you think causes this problem
And explain what you think could be done to solve it
You will have 1-2 minutes to talk about this topic.
IELTS Speaking Tips for Environment Topics
- Structure your answer with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points about environmental problems
- Incorporate a range of vocabulary related to climate change and sustainability
- Discuss both causes and solutions for environmental disasters
- Use complex sentence structures to demonstrate language proficiency
- Practice speaking for 2 minutes to build fluency and coherence
- Mention how actions today affect future generations
Reviewing various IELTS speaking samples can help you understand what examiners look for.
High-Scoring Sample Answer
Here's a sample answer demonstrating how to effectively respond to environment IELTS speaking questions:
"The environmental problem I'd like to talk about is global warming, which I believe is one of the most serious environmental issues we face today. This problem affects people's lives in numerous ways, from extreme weather events to health problems caused by poor air quality.
In my view, the primary cause of global warming is the excessive burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil, which releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and cause the planet's temperature to rise, leading to climate change.
The consequences are already visible through environmental disasters caused by climate change, such as more frequent hurricanes, droughts, and floods. We're also seeing rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities. If we don't take action, I fear we'll experience even more environmental disasters in the coming decades.
To address this problem, I think we need to transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Governments should invest in clean energy infrastructure and provide incentives for businesses and individuals to adopt sustainable practices. On a personal level, we can all contribute by trying to reduce waste, recycle properly, and be mindful of our energy consumption.
Additionally, we need better systems for managing organic waste, as this produces methane when sent to landfills, which is another powerful greenhouse gas. Composting is a simple solution that more communities should promote.
I've personally noticed changes in my own city over the years. The summers seem to be getting hotter, and we've had several severe storms that caused significant damage. These experiences have made me more conscious of my own environmental impact and motivated me to make changes in my daily life.
Ultimately, we need collective action to protect the environment for future generations. While the challenge is significant, I believe that with determined effort and international cooperation, we can mitigate the worst effects of climate change. It's not just about preventing disasters but creating a sustainable world where people and nature can thrive together."
Why this answer works: It addresses all parts of the cue card, uses topic-specific vocabulary naturally, presents a clear structure with personal examples, and demonstrates the ability to discuss complex issues fluently for the full 2 minutes.
Mastering Environment Topics in Your IELTS Speaking Test
Environment topics frequently appear in the IELTS speaking test, particularly in Part 2 where you might be asked to describe an environmental problem or solution. Preparing for these questions is essential for achieving a high score.
When practicing IELTS speaking questions about the environment, focus on:
- developing a bank of relevant vocabulary and phrases. Understanding concepts like renewable energy, fossil fuels, and climate change will help you speak more confidently and accurately.
- Reviewing IELTS speaking samples on environmental topics can give you ideas for structuring your responses. Notice how high-scoring answers typically include specific examples, discuss both causes and solutions, and use a range of grammatical structures.
- Expressing your ideas clearly and using appropriate vocabulary, even if your understanding of the topic is basic. Remember that the examiner is assessing your language skills, not your knowledge of environmental science.
Follow-up Questions & Answers
After your 2-minute talk, the examiner may ask 1-2 follow-up questions. Here are some examples related to the environment topic:
1. Do you think individuals can really make a difference in solving environmental problems?
Sample Answer: "Absolutely, I believe individual actions do matter. While it's true that large corporations and governments have the biggest impact, collective individual efforts can create significant change. For example, if millions of people choose to reduce waste by using reusable bags and containers, or switch to renewable energy providers, it sends a powerful market signal. Individual choices also influence social norms and can pressure businesses to adopt more sustainable practices."
2. What role should governments play in protecting the environment?
Sample Answer: "Governments have a crucial role in addressing environmental issues. They should implement policies that encourage sustainable development, such as investing in green infrastructure and providing incentives for clean technology. They also need to regulate industries to limit pollution and set ambitious targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. International cooperation is essential too, since climate change is a global problem that requires coordinated action across borders."
3. How has people's awareness of environmental issues changed in recent years?
Sample Answer: "There's definitely been a significant shift in public awareness. A decade ago, environmental concerns were often seen as a niche interest, but now they've entered the mainstream. People are more informed about issues like global warming and the importance of recycling. We're seeing this reflected in consumer behavior, with growing demand for eco-friendly products and services. However, I think we still need to translate this awareness into more substantial action to truly address the scale of the environmental problems we face."
4. Do you think economic development and environmental protection can coexist?
Sample Answer: "I believe they can and must coexist through sustainable development. The traditional view that we have to choose between the economy and the environment is outdated. In fact, investing in green technologies creates jobs and drives innovation. The transition to renewable energy, for instance, is generating new industries while helping us move away from polluting fossil fuels. The cost of not acting on environmental issues - in terms of health impacts and environmental disasters - is actually much higher than the cost of prevention."
5. What environmental issue concerns you most for future generations?
Sample Answer: "The issue that concerns me most for future generations is the accelerating pace of climate change. The potential consequences - from more frequent and severe environmental disasters to rising sea levels threatening coastal cities - could fundamentally reshape our world. What worries me is that some of these changes may become irreversible if we don't act decisively now. That's why I believe we have a moral responsibility to protect the environment for those who come after us."
6. How can schools better educate children about environmental protection?
Sample Answer: "Schools could integrate environmental education throughout the curriculum rather than treating it as a separate subject. Practical activities like school gardens, recycling programs, and energy conservation projects make the concepts more tangible. Field trips to nature reserves or recycling centers can also help children connect with these issues. Most importantly, schools should teach critical thinking about environmental claims so students can make informed decisions as they grow up facing increasingly complex environmental issues."
7. Do you think technology will help solve our environmental problems?
Sample Answer: "Technology is definitely part of the solution, but it's not a magic bullet. Innovations in renewable energy, battery storage, and carbon capture are essential for reducing our environmental impact. However, technological solutions need to be combined with changes in consumption patterns and policy reforms. There's also a risk that people might see technology as an excuse to continue unsustainable practices. Ultimately, we need both technological advancement and fundamental shifts in how we value and interact with our natural world."
Tips for answering follow-up questions: Keep your answers concise but complete (30-60 seconds), use relevant vocabulary naturally, and express your personal opinions clearly while supporting them with reasons.
See more Part 2 topics →
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