Causes Of Environmental Problems

Chemical and industrial waste

Example: The chemical and industrial waste being released from factories cause to the pollution of
my local area.

Emission from cars and motorbikes

Example: The pollution of land and air can be blamed for emission from cars and motorbikes.
Solutions To Environmental Problems

To raise people awareness of preserving water and forest resources

Example: It is necessary to run some campaigns to raise people awareness of preserving water and
forest resource.

To use alternative energy resources

Example: In order to mitigate the environmental issues, alternative energy resources such as wind
and solar energy should be implemented.
Collocations And Phrases For IELTS Speaking Test - Topic: Environment
1. Wildlife reserve/ nature reserve/ game reserve: an area of land in which plants and animals are
protected
Example: Rare animals should be protected in game reserve.
2. Wildlife conservation: to protect animals and plants and their habitats
Example: The government are considering whether they should invest money on wildlife
conservation.
3. Natural environment: the place where animals and plants would normally be found
Example: Legislation to protect natural environment should be enacted due to enhanced greenhouse
effect.
4. Toxic waste/poisonous fumes/emissions: poisonous rubbish produced by industrial process

Example: Local people are suffered from great deal of toxic waste being released by factories.
5. Air quality: the cleanliness of the air we breathe
Example: Living in the environment with high air quality can have a good impact on our health.
6. Pollution levels: the amount of toxic waste
Example: Many factories are releasing waste illegally into air and water, which contributes to the
increase of pollution levels.
7. Man-made disaster: widespread damage or loss of life brought about by action of humans
Example: Man-made disaster is a controversial issue, and people should pay more attention to find a
solution for this problem.
8. Loss of habitats: the decline in areas of land where animals and plants would normally exit
Example: Due to logging, loss of habitats is increasingly common at present.
9. Endangered species: animals or plants are on the verge of extinction
Example: We have to take the responsibility for protecting endangered species from hunting and
natural disaster.
10. To die out: to become extinction
Example: The population of Kangaroo are is in danger of dying out.
11. Global warming: the increasing temperature of the world brought about by gases such as CO2
Example: We are beginning to experience global warming due to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
12. Greenhouse effect: the gradual warming of the air surrounding the Earth as a result of heating
trapped by pollution
Example: The deforestation of forests is contributing to greenhouse effect.

PRACTICE
IELTS Speaking Task 1:

Are there any environmental problems in your country?

Absolutely yes, the most common environmental issue in my hometown is exhausted
emissions produced by cars and motorbikes have been afflicting the air and water quality. My
government is struggling to deal with the problem.
Do you take an interest in nature?
Of course yes, As a city person, I barely have a opportunity to experience the natural environment.
Then whenever I have a holiday, I really prefer to go to the far-off destination, so I could get closer
to the nature and discover the natural world.
Do you or your family take steps to help the environment?
Yes we do. We always turn of lights or electronic appliances when they are unnecessary. Although
this is minor action, but I believe that it could make significantly contribution to the environment.
IELTS Speaking Task 2:
Describe environmental pollution in you city.

What type of pollution is/are?

Why it had happened?

And explain how this pollution can be controlled?

Sample answer:
I have been living in Hanoi for almost 8 years, then I have the chance to see how the city has
changed in these years. Due to the increasing number of tourist, Hanoi' environment has been
polluted significantly. Indeed, many people traveling to there has thrown illegally thrown rubbish into
the land and water, which causes to land and water pollution. In addition, industrial and
household waste from factories and families is contributing to the high level of pollution.
In order to solve this issues, I would recommend the Hanoi's authority to heavily fine who are
caught realising trash into the atmosphere. By carrying out the rule, people being intent to litter the
environment will be afraid of being punished, which can deter them from discharging unlawful waste .
Another solution is that the government should run some campaigns to raise the awarenessof
people about how important the environment is. For example, showing local people and visitors the

danger of global warming and greenhouse effect that I believe could change their attitude towards
the protection of environment, which is likely to have a good impact on air quality.
Although the two actions above is just simple, I think it will be an effective way to mitigate
the environmental contamination in a long-term.
IELTS Speaking Part 3:
What do you think is the main danger the world face in term of environment?
It would have to be global warming, which cause some natural disasters such as flash flood and
drought. The problem mainly stems from enhanced greenhouse effect in recent year. I believe that
several steps should be taken to deal with the issue.
What example are there of how we damage the natural world?
There are factories that release toxic waste directly into the air and water, which is main cause of air
and water pollution. As a result loss of habitats is increasingly common, many people are
diagnosed with health problems such as lung and throat cancer. In addition, a large number of land
and rain forests are destroyed to make a way for agriculture field.

Intrusion (n): When someone does something or something happens, that affects you private life or
activities in an unwanted way.

This is a governmental intrusion on the freedom of the press.

Involuntary (adj): Happening without the person concerned wanting it to.

The distinction between voluntary and involuntary unemployment is often blurred.

Itinerary (n): a plan of a journey, including the route and the places that you visit.

Visits to four different countries are included in your itinerary.

Lucid (adj): clearly expressed; easy to understand.

There is only one lucid explanation for this problem.

Lucrative (adj): producing a large amount of money; making a large profit.

Many of the engineers left the service for more lucrative jobsabroad.

Ludicrous (adj): Unreasonable; that you cannot take seriously.

It was ludicrous to think that the plan might succeed.

Jurisdiction (n): the authority that an official organization has to make legal decisions about
somebody/something.
The British courts have universal jurisdiction over torture cases.

Lenient (adj): not as strict as expected when punishing somebody or when making sure that rules
are obeyed.
School examiners say that marking has become more lenient in recent years.

Loathe (v): To dislike somebody/something very much.

Many of the people fear and loathe the new government.

Obsess (v): to completely fill your mind so that you cannot think of anything else, in a way that is not
normal.
Modern people are becoming obsessed with material wealth.

Abstract (adj): based on general ideas or principles rather than specific examples or real
events.
=> Human beings are the only creatures capable of abstract thought.

Aggregate (v): (Usually Passive) to put together different items, amount, etc. into a single
group or total.
=> The scores were aggregated with the first round totals to decide the winner.

Cooperative (adj): willing to cooperate.

=> He was doing his best to be cooperative.

Discrimination (n): The practice of treating somebody or a particular group in the society
less fairly than others.
=> Government figures suggest that ethnic minorities face discrimination looking for jobs.

Diversity (n): a range of different people, things, or ideas.

=> Cultural diversity is a central feature of modern British society.

Exceed (v): to be more than a particular number or amount.

=> Working hours must not exceed 42 hours a week.

Immigrant (n): someone who enters another country to live there permanently.
=> Large numbers of illegal immigrants have found their way into the country.

Inevitable (adj): Certain to happen and impossible to avoid.

=> A rise in the interest rates seems inevitable.

Phenomenon (n): something that happens or exists in society, science, or nature, especially
something that is studied because it is difficult to understand.
=> The idea that we may be able to live forever is not a new phenomenon.

Paradox (n): a situation that seems strange because it involves two ideas or qualities that
are very different.
=> It's a paradox that in such a rich country there can be so much poverty.

To commence with, I would like to give you some ideas about the Pros and Cons of Sport that help
you not only in speaking test but also in writing test.
Pros

Feel a sense of enjoyment

Example: Whenever I play football with my friends, I feel a sense of enjoyment although I sweat a lot.

Have an opportunity to socialize

Example: Anticipating in a sport give you the opportunity to socialize, which means you can meet
and make a new friend
Cons

Face the risk of injury

Example: You should be careful when playing sports otherwise you will face the risk of injury.

Need large investment of time

Example: Playing a sport will need large investment of time.

Collocations And Phrases For IELTS Speaking Test - Topic: Sport

1 . To take up exercise: to start doing exercise
Example: I say I'm going to take up exercise all the time, but I always find an excuse to delay.
2. To train hard: to train with a lot of effort
Example: An athletic has to train hard to achieve their goal.
3. To do judo
To play tennis/football
Example: At the weekends I like to play football with friends, and sometimes I just do judo to kill my
times.
4. A strong swimmer: a good swimmer
Example: My father who is a strong swimmer teaches my how to swim.
5. To get into shape: to become fit
Example: My brother do many exercises, which help him to get into shape.
6. To keep fit: to stay in good physical condition
Example: I try to keep fit by consuming healthy food and doing exercise regularly
7. To go jogging: to run around the street
Example: I usually go jogging with my mother in the park which is near my house in the early
morning or in the afternoon.
8. To set a record: to achieve best result in sport
Example: All athletics always want to set a record or get personal bests.
9. Sport facilities: the equipment and services needed to do a sport

Example: My university spend a lot of money on upgrading the sport facilities.

10. A personal best: to achieve the best result so far in sport
Example: Sara trains hard with the purpose of achieving her personal bests.
11. Brisk walk: a fast walk
Example: Doing brisk walk is one of the best way to maintain our health.
12. A big/huge/massive fan of: supporter or admirer who really like something
Example: I am a huge fan of football, and my favorite club is Real Marid.
13. To be out of condition: to be not physical fit
Example: Lacking of doing exercise and playing sport can lead to being out of condition.
14. An athletics meeting: an event where various athletics sports are held
Example: It has been my dream to go to an athletics meeting with my family to watch sports,
especially football matches.
15. A football match: a game of football
Example: I have never missed a football match of my favorite club.

PRACTICE
IELTS Speaking Part 1:
Do you do any sport?
Absolutely yes, I am fond of playing football with my friends after school, because we are big fan of
football, and whenever playing it, we have a lot of fun with that and feel a sense of enjoyment.
Do you watch sports on TV?
Football is my favorite sport to watch on TV. Since I a huge football fan, I have barely
missed football matches of my favorite team including away games and home games. I prefer to
spend my Sunday night staying at home to see a match with my father.

What is the most popular sport in your country?

In my opinion, I believe football is the most common sport in my country. This is because it is not too
hard to take up the sport, in addition in term of watching a football match, this can bring so much
fun to viewer, not to mention that, the sport does not cost much money to play and watch, which
allow people to find it easy to approach.
IELTS Speaking Part 2:
Describe your favorite sport?

What is the name of the sport?

When do you play it?

How do you feel after playing it?

And explain why do you like it?

Band 8.0 Sample answer:

Since I was a little boy, I began to fall for football, and until now I have ever stopped loving the sport.
At the very beginning, I first came to know football when my father took me to watch a football
match in which our local team played against their biggest competitor. Although our team lose
that match, but I knew that they had trained hard to prepare for the big match, also during the
match, they showed their determination to win that game. All of this made me to love our team and
to start to fall in love with the interesting sport. After that, I always followed our local team, and asked
my father to buy season tickets, then I would never miss any games of my favorite team.
Apart from watching football, I am also into playing it. Thus, whenever I have spare time, I prefer to
spend on playing football with my friends, which is not only easy for us to take up but also give us a
sense of enjoyment. Though it make me sweat a lot anytime I play with the ball, I love the fact that
I always have great time with my buddy. In addition, I was really proud that by playing football
regularly I can get into shape, then my relativescompliment on my fit body each time we meet.
Finally, I believe that does not matter that how busy I will be in the future, I will constantly spend a
part of my time on football, and my love for football will never be faded.
IELTS Speaking Part 3:
Should people be encouraged more to take up sport?

Definitely yes, the most important reason is that playing sports can be regarded as a recreational
activity. Indeed, while in the modern world individuals have to suffer from high level of stress at
work or school, so this activity can allow people to reduce stress significantly and feel comfortable.
Another reason is anticipating in sport will give people the opportunity to socialize, which means
they can meet and make new friends.
Which sport do you think are best for people aren't used to physical activity?
In my point of view, these kind of people wont prefer strenuous exercise, so brisk walk can be the
great choice, because the sport does not require high level of fitness. Also, going on a brisk walk
regularly help people to keep fit and have a good effect on their health. People who aren't used to
physical activity can also choose swimming, which is easy to take up and after go swimming, they
can feel a sense of freshness.

Idioms And Expression About Happiness:

On cloud nine: extremely happy and satisfy.

When I got my result of the exam, I was on cloud nine and can't wait to tell my parent about
this.

Like a dog with two tails: have the same meaning of on cloud nine, extremely happy

When Paul won the competition, he was like a dog with two tails.

Full of the joys of spring: very happy, excited, and full of energy.

Amanda was full of the joys of spring ! Did she receive a good new ?

Grin from ear to ear: If somebody grins from ear to ear, they seem like very satisfied and happy.

When we saw Jack grinning from ear to ear, we knew he had passed the exam.

Jump for joy: express their happiness and satisfaction through excited movements and gestures.

The player jumped for joy when he scored the winning goal.

Idiom and expression about Anger

To be steamed up: feel annoyed.

When I failed to get this job, my father was very steamed up about it.

To get hot under the collar: feel irritated.

Because I told him that I couldn't bring him to amusement centre, he got a bit hot under the
collar this morning.

To be hopping mad: Feel furious

Jack is hopping mad because his son has borrowed his car for the weekend without first
asking his permission.

To fly off the handle: Suddenly lose one's temper.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't have flown off the handle like that. Please forgive me.

To throw a wobbler: Become suddenly angry with someone .

When he realised that Jane had been stealing his money, he threw a wobbler and wouldn't
stop finding her.

1. A minority government: that does not have enough politicians to control parliament

His party had gained only enough seats to form a minority government.

2. Central government: this is the national government of a country.

Funding will continue to be available from central government for further education for
adults.

3. Government spending: the money is spent by government

Government spending on health care totals about $60 billion a year.

4. Government minister: a politician who is in charge of a government department.

A government minister said that there would be an inquiry.

5. Domestic politics: within a country

The war had a major impact on the countrys domestic politics.

6. A government body (also a government agency): an organization run by the government.

Patents are granted by U.K Patent Office, a government body.

7. Elect a government: vote to choose a government

A new government was elected last October.

8. Bring down a government: Force it to lose power.

It was a major scandal that nearly brought down the government.

9. Regulatory authority: a regulatory authority has the official power to control an activity and make
sure that it is done in a satisfactory way.

New drugs have been approved by the regulatory authority.

10. Pass legislation: officially approve it so that it become a law

The legislation was passed banning the use of child labour.

11. Enact legislation: make it into a law

Much legislation has been enacted to control pollution.

12. Propose legislation: suggest a new law

The government proposed legislation on data protection.

13. Political corruption: dishonest or illegal behavior in politicians.

It is a country with a long history of political corruption.

14. Make policy: decide what it will be

A committee of representatives makes policy.

15. Shape policy: develop it or have an influence on it

These terrorist acts will not be allowed to shape our foreignpolicy.

16. Pursue/ follow a policy: continue with a policy over a period.

The organization is pursuing a policy of cost cutting.

17. Reverse a policy: Stop a policy and change it

The new government set about reversing previous policies.

18. Take measures: do something in order to deal with a problem

The situation is now so severe that the government must take measures to police the

Internet.
19. Long-term plan/strategy/solution: continuing for a long period.

The government needs to consider the long-term solution of a poorly trained workforce.

20. A political strategy: a planned series of actions for politics.

Baldwins political strategy was almost totally successful.

Positive effects of holiday

To get away from it all: get away from work and studies

Example: Travelling can be regarded as a recreational activity, which could allow travelers to get
away from it all

Spend quality time with family and friends

Example: Going on a holiday is a time when family can be together and spend quality time with each
other.

Negative effects of holiday

Impair the local environment: destroy the local environment

Example: Many tourists throw rubbish into the water, which can significantly impair the local
environment

Cost an arm and a leg: cost a lot of money

Example: Travelling overseas will cost people an arm and a leg.

Useful collocations & phrases for IELTS Speaking test - Topic:

Holiday
1. Holiday of a life time: a special holiday that you are unlikely to repeat
Example: My trip to Ha Long Bay last week is the holiday of a life time in which I had a lot of
memorable memories with my family.
2. All - in package/ package holiday: a holiday where you purchase the travel and accommodation
together
Example: I do not prefer package holiday because when it comes to travelling, I have always wanted
to explore a new place by myself.
3. Guided tour: an organised group shown around a place of interest by an expert
Example: It is suggested that signing up for a guided tour could help traveler to avoid tourist traps.
4. Holiday destination: where you go for a holiday
Example: Ha Long Bay is a famous holiday destination in Vietnam, where welcome a million of
traveler a year.
5. A far-off destination: somewhere a long way away
Example: These days traveling to a far-off destination is really common activity, which attract
attention from many young travelers.
6. Places of interest: sites of interest to tourists

Example: When going to a new place, the first thing I will do is to travel to some places of interest
and try local food.
7. To go sightseeing: to look around the tourist sites
Example: I like to go sightseeing at the weekend with my friends in the countryside areas.
8. Breathtaking view: an extremely beautiful view
Example: One thing that I really love about my previous trip is that I could experience many
breathtaking view.
9. Hordes of tourists: crowds of tourists
Example: On holiday season, a tour guide get very busy with hordes of tourists.
10. Local crafts: objects produced locally
Example: The shop sell a various types of local crafts with a wide range of prices.
11. Charter - flight: a cheaper form of flying than a scheduled flight
Example: I usually choose to travel by charter - flight, then I could save a lot of money in term of
travelling cost.
12. Check - in desk: the place at the airport where you register for your flight and deposit your
luggage
Example: Check - in desk is the first place that you have to go to when you want to get on the plane.

PRACTICE:
IELTS Speaking Part 1:
What kind of holiday do you like?
Whenever I go on a holiday with my family, I usually choose to sign up for a guided tour, which will
have us to avoid tourist traps. Also, by doing that we will have an opportunity to experience a
professional tour in which I can learn a lot about the new place.

What do you like to do when you're on holidays?

I prefer going sightseeing with my family around the place where I travel to, then I could take some
photographs, which allow me to keep memorable memories. Not to mention that, one of my
favorite activity is go around and try some local food.
IELTS Speaking Part 2:
Describe a holiday you recently had?

Where you went?

How you got there?

what you did there?

and explain if you enjoyed it?

Band 8.0 Sample answer:

Last week, I had two days off, so my family decided to go on a picnic in a park, which is not a very
popular holiday destination & quite near my house. It took us about 30 minutes to get there. Since
we did not prefer package holiday, we chose to explore the place by ourselves, which would be
flexible for us to travel.
We got up at 6 am, and started to go there by car. When we were on the way travelling to there, we
saw hordes of tourists along the road, which made me feel really excited. After 30-minute drive,
eventually my family and I arrived in 6.30 am. Then my sister and I began to prepare the food and
drink, while my parents set up the tent. After finishing preparation stage, me and my older sisterwent
sightseeing around the park, and it is interesting that although the park is not a famous
destination, there arebreathtaking views that I barely could experience in the city areas. When we
got hungry, we ate sandwiches that we prepared at home.
On the sun was about to go down, We gathered around the fire and grilled the beefs and potatoes for
the dinner, then we sang a song. At that moment I did not think of any thing and my mind
went blank, I felt like I can get away from it all. Then we had the chance to talk with each
other, spend our quality time to share laugh and happiness together, and relax in the middle of
stunning landscape.
For me, It is a holiday of life time & a once-in-a-lifetime experience which I gave me a lot
of precious memories with my family that I will never forget.

IELTS Speaking Part 3:

What do you think has led to the growth in the tourist industry?
In my opinion, affordable price of tour is the most important sector which lead to a development in
tourist industry. Indeed, at the present using all - in packages to travel to some famous destination is
the common way, which do not cost much money, then it is very easy for everyone to pay for a trip.
What are some of the benefits of going away on holiday?
Firstly, It could give us a wonderful chance to unwind or chill out after tiring days at work. For
example, we could go to a far - off destination and stay for few day, then we can stop thinking about
hard work and get some rest. The second benefit is by going on holiday, we can spend our quality
time with family, which is really precious in the modern world because almost the time we have to
work or study, then we have less time to be with our family.