Free IELTS Speaking practice card: Environment

Directive for Part 1:

Preparation Time: None (Answer immediately)
Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
Kind of Answer Expected: Short, clear, and concise answers with explanations or reasons for your opinions.

Questions:

Sample Answers for Part 1:

Band 9 (Expert User):
“Yes, I make it a point to recycle regularly. I separate paper, plastic, and glass waste and try to reduce my overall consumption. I think the most serious environmental issue today is climate change. It’s a global problem that is already having severe consequences, from extreme weather events to rising sea levels. I have participated in environmental clean-ups and even volunteered for tree planting initiatives, which gave me a sense of responsibility toward nature.”
Band 7 (Good User):
“Yes, I recycle regularly. I separate waste like plastic, paper, and metal. I think climate change is the most serious problem because it affects the environment in many ways. I’ve also been involved in some local environmental projects like cleaning up parks and promoting recycling awareness.”
Band 5 (Modest User):
“Yes, I recycle. I put waste in different bins. I think the environment is getting worse because of pollution. I have joined some activities like cleaning up the park.”

Directive for Part 2:

Preparation Time: 1 minute
Speaking Time: 2 minutes
Kind of Answer Expected: A detailed answer with specific examples that explain how you engage in an environmentally friendly activity. Focus on how the activity helps the environment.

Cue Card:
Describe an environmentally friendly activity you do.
You should say:

Sample Answers for Part 2:

Band 9 (Expert User):
“One environmentally friendly activity I do regularly is composting. I collect food scraps such as vegetable peels and coffee grounds, and instead of throwing them away, I put them in a compost bin in my garden. I do this every week. Composting helps reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, where it would produce methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. It also creates nutrient-rich soil for my garden, which I use to grow vegetables.”
Band 7 (Good User):
“I compost my food waste at home. I collect things like fruit peels, eggshells, and tea bags, and I keep them in a compost bin. I do this once a week. Composting helps reduce waste and also creates useful soil for gardening.”
Band 5 (Modest User):
“I compost food waste. I put fruit peels and food leftovers in a bin. It helps the environment by reducing waste and making good soil for plants.”

Directive for Part 3:

Preparation Time: None (Answer immediately)
Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
Kind of Answer Expected: Longer responses that involve discussing the topic in more depth. Use explanations and examples to justify your opinions.

Questions:

Sample Answers for Part 3:

Band 9 (Expert User):
“Individuals can reduce their environmental impact by adopting simple habits like reducing energy consumption, using public transport, and minimizing waste. Governments should absolutely invest more in renewable energy. The transition to green energy is critical for mitigating climate change and securing a sustainable future. If we don’t take action now, environmental degradation will make life more challenging for future generations, from worsening health conditions to resource scarcity.”
Band 7 (Good User):
“People can help the environment by using less plastic, recycling, and saving energy at home. Governments should invest in renewable energy because it’s a long-term solution to reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. If we don’t protect the environment, it will become harder for future generations to live comfortably.”
Band 5 (Modest User):
“People can reduce waste, recycle, and use less energy. I think governments should spend money on renewable energy to protect the future. If we don’t take care of the planet, future people will have problems with pollution and resources.”