The environment is an extremely common IELTS topic.
This comes up on both the Speaking and Writing exams.
You need high-scoring vocabulary to discuss it.
Today you’ll learn what to describe for these questions.
We’ll provide band 9 sample answers and strategies.
Stand out on IELTS
When asked about the environment, most students talk about air pollution and the ozone layer.
However, there are modern environmental issues to talk about that are higher scoring.
This is because Examiners don’t hear about them as often.
We’ll also provide examples to make these answers high-scoring!
#1: Homelessness
The term “unhoused” is currently preferable to “homeless”.
Many people wouldn’t think about this when asked about environmental issues.
However, it is definitely relevant.
You could describe impacts to the urban environment.
- litter
- water pollution
Jessica shares an example about Portland’s homeless pirates.
Look into what the situation is where you live for the unhoused population.
Be ready to share details about it on test day.
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#2: Wildfires
Typically, when describing air pollution, students talk about factories.
Take a unique approach by describing the smoke caused by prevalent wildfires.
You can also describe the smog in cities and talk about the air quality index.
“Every summer we have at least a week where we have to wear masks outside because the air quality is so dangerous.”
#3: Deforestation
This can be discussed as an effect of overpopulation.
Lumber is needed for building homes and businesses.
Removal of trees can also cause mudslides.
A devastating effect of this is animal displacement.
Jessica shares an example of deer in Ashland, Oregon.
They have been driven from forests that are being clear cut.
#4: Invasive species
Often species that are not local to the area are brought in.
This has the effect of ruining local flora and fauna.
An example is mongoose in Hawaii, which Aubrey saw everywhere on a trip to Maui.
These were native to India and were brought to Hawaii by the sugar industry to control the rat population.
It had little impact because mongoose are active during the day while rats are active at night.
They became a threat to native species.
#5: Urban sprawl
This is a band 9 term for the enlargement of cities.
As urban populations rise, humans use too much water, destroying land and animal habitats.
Phoenix, Arizona is a great example of this issue.
This city is in the desert, with water availability difficult.
It continues to spread, adding suburbs that cause the city to sprawl out and take up more land.
What is this like where you live?
The examples Jessica and Aubrey shared relate to where they live.
Prepare for these questions by relating this to where you live.
Practice writing about and speaking aloud on this topic.
Answer the following questions:
- What is the situation where you live for the unhoused population?
- Where do you know that has been affected by deforestation, wildfires or mudslides?
- Are there any invasive species where you live or where you have traveled?
- Are the cities where you live experiencing urban sprawl?
Takeaway
You need to stand out on IELTS.
Avoid talking about and writing about what other students are.
The more unique your ideas and vocabulary are, the more highly you will score.
Practice writing about and speaking aloud about today’s issues.
For all the strategies you need, sign up for our online IELTS course!
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
