Zainab from Srinagar wrote “pollution is a big problem” four times in one essay. She knew a lot about the environment; she just didn’t have the words for it.

Learn IELTS environment vocabulary as phrases with their usual partners, not as single words. The 15 phrases below sit in two groups, with three Task 2 questions and three Part 3 questions to practise on.

Beyond “Pollution Is a Big Problem”

That sentence names a topic but no cause, place or result. The phrases below let you name each one.

If winter air pollution or monsoon flooding affects your area, you already have examples. India’s environment ministry also restricted some single-use plastic items, such as straws and cutlery, from 1 July 2022, according to the Press Information Bureau.

Environment Words: Causes and Problems

Word or phrase Meaning Example
carbon emissions Carbon dioxide released into the air, for example by burning fuel. Power stations that burn coal produce large carbon emissions.
fossil fuels Fuels such as coal and oil, formed from ancient plants and animals. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the air.
deforestation The cutting down or burning of trees over a large area. Deforestation can destroy the habitats of wild animals.
air pollution Smoke, dust and harmful chemicals in the air. Traffic and factories add to air pollution in big cities.
single-use plastic Plastic items that are thrown away after being used once. Single-use plastic bags can end up in rivers and the sea.
extreme weather Unusual and severe weather, such as floods or heatwaves. Extreme weather events such as floods can damage homes and crops.
endangered species Types of animal or plant at risk of dying out. National parks help to protect endangered species.
loss of biodiversity A fall in the number and variety of living things. Cutting down forests can lead to a loss of biodiversity.

Environment Words: Solutions

Word or phrase Meaning Example
renewable energy Power from wind, sun or other sources that do not run out. Some governments invest in renewable energy such as solar power.
sustainable Not harming the environment, and able to continue for a long time. Sustainable farming protects the soil for future generations.
carbon footprint The amount of carbon dioxide that a person or company produces. Cycling to work can reduce your carbon footprint.
waste management The collection, treatment and disposal of rubbish. Good waste management keeps rubbish out of rivers and streets.
conservation The protection of nature, wildlife and natural resources. She works for an organisation that supports wildlife conservation.
raise awareness To make people more aware of an issue. A school campaign can raise awareness of plastic waste.
eco-friendly Not harmful to the environment. Eco-friendly packaging can be made from recycled paper.

Collocation and Word Form: Errors to Avoid

Incorrect: “Single-use plastics bags can pollute rivers and the sea.”

Correct: “Single-use plastic bags can pollute rivers and the sea.”

Use the adjective “plastic” before a noun: plastic bags, plastic waste.

Incorrect: “We must use natural resources sustainable.”

Correct: “We must use natural resources sustainably.”

“Sustainable” is the adjective (sustainable farming); “sustainably” is the adverb.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Environment Practice Questions

Give yourself five minutes to plan each answer, which is our advice, not an IELTS rule. Then write it using at least four phrases from the tables.

Practice question 1 (written for this post)

Some people believe that only governments and large companies can protect the environment, while others argue that individuals can make a real difference. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

  • Governments can pass laws and fund large renewable energy projects.
  • Companies make production and packaging decisions that affect many people.
  • Individual choices, such as using public transport, can reduce a person’s carbon footprint.
  • Individual action may have limited effect without supportive rules and services.

Practice question 2 (written for this post)

Single-use plastic items, such as bags and bottles, create a lot of waste. What problems does this cause, and what can be done about them?

  • Plastic waste can block drains and pollute rivers and the sea.
  • Producing plastic can add to carbon emissions.
  • Governments could restrict some items and encourage reusable alternatives.
  • Better waste management would keep plastic out of rivers and streets.

Practice question 3 (written for this post)

Some people suggest that air travel should cost more in order to reduce its environmental impact. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

  • Higher prices may reduce unnecessary flights and carbon emissions.
  • Extra money could fund research into cleaner fuels and rail travel.
  • Higher fares could hit ordinary families and people who work abroad hardest.
  • Fewer flights could harm tourism and local jobs.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Environment Questions and Sample Answers

Part 3 is a discussion of general, abstract issues linked to your Part 2 topic, so practise extended answers on abstract topics and language for giving reasons.

Do young people today care more about the environment than older generations?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

In some ways, yes. My generation talks a lot about extreme weather and plastic waste, and many of us choose eco-friendly products or join online campaigns to raise awareness. But older people tend to avoid waste in daily life, for example by repairing things instead of throwing them away.

What can cities do about air pollution?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

They could expand electric public transport, so fewer people drive to work and carbon emissions fall. They could also check factory emissions and improve waste management, because burning rubbish adds to air pollution. I think the first step is making public transport reliable enough that people choose it.

Should companies pay for the pollution they cause?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

I think so, because the public shouldn’t pay for damage that a factory causes. If companies have to pay, they have a reason to cut their carbon footprint and invest in renewable energy. However, if the cost is too high, they might raise prices, so the rules need to be fair.

Tip

Match each problem in your notes to a solution, such as fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn environment phrases with their usual partners, not as single words.
  • Check word forms: plastic bags, use resources sustainably.
  • In Part 3, give a reason and an example for each opinion.

The bottom line: Replace “pollution is a big problem” with a specific cause and result, using phrases from these tables.