ENVIRONMENT
🔶 Pollution & Environmental Damage
Word/Phrase Meaning Sample Sentence
Unchecked industrial activities have led to severe
Environmental Decline in quality of the
environmental degradation in many developing
degradation environment
countries.
The amount of carbon Reducing our carbon footprint is essential if we want to
Carbon footprint
dioxide one emits combat climate change effectively.
Pollutants that travel The increase in airborne pollutants has significantly
Airborne pollutants
through the air worsened respiratory health in urban populations.
Breakdown of an
Deforestation could result in an irreversible ecosystem
Ecosystem collapse ecosystem due to
collapse.
imbalance
Rising acidity in oceans due Ocean acidification is threatening marine biodiversity,
Ocean acidification
to CO₂ especially coral reefs.
🔶 Climate Change & Sustainability (su ben vung)
Word/Phrase Meaning Sample Sentence
Building climate-resilient infrastructure
Climate resilience The ability to adapt to climate change
should be a top priority for governments.
Sustainable Development that meets present needs The concept of sustainable development
development without harming future generations must guide all economic decisions.
Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is
Net-zero emissions Balancing emitted and removed carbon
critical to limiting global warming.
Many companies claim to be carbon neutral,
Carbon neutrality When the net carbon output is zero
but their methods are questionable.
Greenhouse gas Transportation is a major contributor to
Gases like CO₂ that cause global warming
emissions greenhouse gas emissions.
🔶 Greenwashing & Corporate Behavior
Word/Phrase Meaning Sample Sentence
Misleading consumers about Some companies are accused of greenwashing by
Greenwashing
environmental practices exaggerating their eco-friendly credentials.
Corporate social A company's duty to act CSR should go beyond token gestures and
responsibility (CSR) ethically actually address environmental concerns.
Pretending to care about the Token environmentalism is often used as a
Token environmentalism
environment marketing ploy rather than a real commitment.
🔶 Conservation & Renewable Energy
Word/Phrase Meaning Sample Sentence
Biodiversity loss Loss of variety of life Biodiversity loss is one of the most pressing
Word/Phrase Meaning Sample Sentence
environmental challenges today.
Damage to living areas of Urban sprawl has led to widespread habitat
Habitat destruction
animals destruction.
Renewable energy Energy that comes from Governments must invest more in renewable energy
sources natural sources sources like wind and solar.
Tech that minimizes Green technology could play a crucial role in
Green technology
environmental damage reversing environmental damage.
🔶 Legislation & Action
Word/Phrase Meaning Sample Sentence
Environmental Stronger environmental regulations are required to
Rules to protect the environment
regulations hold corporations accountable.
Environmental Responsible management of the Citizens must practice environmental stewardship
stewardship environment to ensure a livable future.
The impact a person/place has Reducing our ecological footprint starts with small
Ecological footprint
on the environment lifestyle changes.
Environmental Actions to promote Environmental activism has been instrumental in
activism environmental protection raising awareness of climate issues.
🔸 Idioms & Advanced Collocations
Phrase Meaning Example Sentence
A drop in the Planting a few trees is just a drop in the ocean if we don't
A very small amount
ocean address the root causes.
At the tipping On the edge of a major
We are now at the tipping point of environmental catastrophe.
point change
Something that causes The recent floods should be a wake-up call for climate policy
A wake-up call
awareness makers.
The clock is The clock is ticking on global warming—we need urgent action
Time is running out
ticking now.
Turn a blind
Ignore something bad Many governments turn a blind eye to illegal logging.
eye to
Useful Sentences
● There is growing concern that environmental degradation is reaching an irreversible level.
● While some argue that economic growth should be prioritized, I believe that sustainable development is the only viable path
forward.
● The rampant use of fossil fuels has drastically increased carbon emissions, exacerbating global warming.
● Governments must enact stringent environmental regulations to curb pollution and promote green innovation.
● It is imperative that individuals take steps to reduce their carbon footprint, such as using public transport or recycling.
● Many corporations use greenwashing tactics to mask their harmful environmental practices, which misleads eco-conscious
consumers.
● The loss of biodiversity and destruction of habitats are symptoms of human greed and short-term thinking.
● Unless immediate action is taken, climate change will reach a point of no return.
● Investing in renewable energy is not just a trend, but a moral obligation to future generations.
● I always try to opt for environmentally friendly alternatives, like bringing my own tote bag or using reusable containers,
because I believe small habits can collectively make a huge difference.
IELTS Speaking Questions – Environment
Part 1 Questions
1. What environmental problems concern you most in your city?
2. Do you separate your household waste for recycling?
3. How do you save energy at home?
4. Have you ever participated in an environmental campaign?
5. Do you think your country is doing enough to protect the environment?
Part 2 Questions
(Choose one to speak for 2 minutes)
1. Describe an environmental issue in your community.
o What the issue is
o How it affects people and nature
o What is being done to address it
And explain how you feel about these efforts.
2. Describe a time you changed your habits to be more eco-friendly.
o What habit you changed
o Why you decided to change it
o How you implemented the change
And explain what difference it made.
3. Describe a place you visited that impressed you with its natural beauty.
o Where it was
o What you saw
o What you did there
And explain why you found it so memorable.
4. Describe an environmental campaign or project you would like to join.
o What the campaign/project would be
o Who would be involved
o What activities it would include
And explain why you are interested in it.
Part 3 Questions
1. Why are some people reluctant to adopt eco-friendly practices?
2. How can governments balance economic growth with environmental protection?
3. To what extent should individuals be held responsible for reducing pollution?
4. What role do businesses play in either harming or protecting the environment?
5. How effective are international agreements (e.g., Paris Accord) in combating climate change?
6. Do you think environmental education should be compulsory in schools? Why?
7. What are some simple actions individuals can take to reduce their environmental impact?
8. How has climate change affected agriculture and food production in different parts of the world?
9. In what ways do consumer choices influence environmental sustainability?
10. Should large corporations be legally required to reduce their carbon emissions? Why or why not?
11. How can developing countries grow economically without damaging the environment?
7. Debate Questions – Environment
1. “Should governments impose strict fines on individuals who litter?”
o For: Heavy fines deter careless behavior and protect public spaces.
o Against: Education and community programs are more effective than punishment.
2. “Is reliance on renewable energy realistic for all countries?”
o For: Technological advances make renewables cost-competitive and scalable.
o Against: Some nations lack the infrastructure or resources to implement them fully.
3. “Should single-use plastics be banned worldwide?”
o For: A ban will drastically reduce ocean pollution and wildlife harm.
o Against: Alternatives are costly and may shift pollution elsewhere.
4. “Do environmental activists do more harm than good?”
o For: Extreme protests can alienate the public and hinder progress.
o Against: They raise awareness and pressure policymakers to act.