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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Time When You Saw A Lot Of Plastic Waste: IELTS Cue Card

Updated on Aug 28, 2024, 20:01

Overview

The IELTS Speaking cue card plays a pivotal role in assessing your ability to speak fluently about a given topic for 1-2 minutes. This task evaluates key aspects of your spoken English, such as fluency, coherence, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
 

Interesting fact: IELTS is widely accepted in countries like the USAUKAustralia, and Canada!
 

Today, we focus on describing a time when you witnessed a significant amount of plastic waste. This issue is increasingly relevant globally due to its environmental impact. Throughout this discussion, we will explore various sample answers to illustrate how candidates can effectively respond to this topic.

Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Where and when did you see the plastic waste?)

 

  • I remember an incident last summer when I visited a beach during my holiday in Cornwall. The beach, usually pristine, was covered with plastic bottles, bags, and other debris. 
  • It was surprising and alarming to see such a significant amount of plastic waste.
     

Describing Your Experience (Covers: Why was there a lot of plastic waste?)

 

  • As I walked closer to the shore, I realised that the plastic waste was likely the result of a recent storm that had washed it ashore. My initial reaction was one of shock and disappointment, seeing the beach I loved in such a state. 
  • The various types of waste, mostly from everyday products, made me think about how our daily habits contribute to this problem.
     

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you do after you saw it?)

 

  • I decided to take action by joining a group of volunteers who were cleaning up the beach that day. We worked together, picking up rubbish and sorting it into recyclable and non-recyclable items. 
  • The experience made me more aware of the environmental impact of plastic and the importance of reducing our plastic use. I also learnt that many local wildlife species were affected by this waste, which was quite disheartening.

 

Conclusion (Covers: What were your thoughts about this?)

 

  • This experience left a lasting impression on me and reinforced my commitment to reducing plastic use in my daily life. I started carrying a reusable bag and water bottle to avoid contributing to the problem. 
  • Seeing that much plastic waste firsthand was a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for better waste management and personal responsibility. It’s crucial that we all do our part to protect the environment for future generations.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: Where and when did you see the plastic waste?)

 

  • I recall an incident from last winter when I visited the Yamuna River in Delhi during a festival. The riverbank, usually crowded with people, was littered with plastic bottles, bags, and other waste. 
  • It was shocking and saddening to see such a large amount of plastic waste in one of the city’s iconic rivers.
     

Describing Your Experience (Covers: Why was there a lot of plastic waste?)

 

  • As I observed the scene, I realised that the plastic waste was a result of the recent festival celebrations. Many people had left behind plastic items after the festivities. 
  • My initial reaction was one of frustration and concern, seeing how such celebrations could lead to severe environmental damage.
     

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you do after you saw it?)

 

  • Motivated to take action, I joined a local environmental group that was organising a clean-up drive along the riverbank. We worked together, collecting rubbish and segregating it into recyclable and non-recyclable items. 
  • This experience heightened my awareness of the plastic pollution crisis and the need for sustainable practices during festivals. I also discovered that the local wildlife was adversely affected by the waste, which was quite troubling.
     

Conclusion (Covers: What were your thoughts about this?)

 

  • This experience left a deep impression on me and strengthened my resolve to reduce plastic use in my daily life. I started using reusable bags and containers to avoid contributing to the problem. 
  • Witnessing the extent of plastic waste first-hand was a stark reminder of the urgent need for better waste management and personal responsibility. It’s crucial for everyone to play their part in protecting the environment and preserving it for future generations.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Where and when did you see the plastic waste?)

 

  • I recall a vivid incident from last summer when I visited the Marina Beach in Chennai. 
  • During an early morning walk, I was taken aback by the sight of heaps of plastic waste scattered along the shoreline. This sight was both disturbing and eye-opening.

 

Describing Your Experience (Covers: Why was there a lot of plastic waste?)

 

  • As I walked along the beach, I realised that the plastic waste was mostly from the previous night’s activities and celebrations. People had left behind plastic bottles, food wrappers, and bags after their evening gatherings. 
  • My initial reaction was one of sadness and anger, witnessing how carelessly people treated such a beautiful natural spot.
     

Key Highlights (Covers: What did you do after you saw it?)

 

  • Determined to make a difference, I joined a group of volunteers who were cleaning up the beach that morning. We worked together, picking up rubbish and sorting it into different categories for proper disposal. 
  • This experience made me acutely aware of the impact of plastic pollution and the importance of community involvement in addressing it. I also learnt that the marine life in the area was severely affected by the waste, which was heart-wrenching.
     

Conclusion (Covers: What were your thoughts about this?)

 

  • This experience left a lasting impression on me and motivated me to adopt more sustainable practices in my life. I began using reusable items and actively participated in local clean-up drives. 
  • Seeing the extent of plastic waste firsthand was a powerful reminder of the urgent need for responsible waste management and personal accountability. It’s vital that we all contribute to preserving our environment for the future.

When the cue card section of the IELTS speaking test begins, the examiner will hand you a cue card with a specific topic. You will have one minute to prepare your response and up to two minutes to speak.

 

This is how your cue card will look like: 

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Time When You Saw A Lot Of Plastic Waste
You should say
  • Where and when did you see the plastic waste?
  • Why was there a lot of plastic waste?
  • What did you do after you saw it?
  • And explain what your thoughts were about this.

 

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The best way to answer these cue cards is to break your response down into smaller parts: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. This structured approach helps you stay organised and ensures you cover all necessary points within the time limit.

 

Introduction

 

  • Briefly introduce the situation.
  • Mention when and where it happened.
  • Provide a general statement about the significance of the event.

 

Describing Your Experience

 

  • Describe what led you to see the plastic waste.
  • Explain your initial reaction and thoughts.
  • Mention any specific details that stood out to you.

 

Key Highlights

 

  • Discuss the impact of seeing so much plastic waste.
  • Talk about any actions you or others took in response.
  • Reflect on the broader environmental implications.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Summarise your feelings about the experience.
  • Mention any lasting impressions it left on you.
  • Conclude with a final thought on the importance of addressing plastic waste.

Describe A Time When You Saw A Lot Of Plastic Waste: Follow-Up Questions

The part-3 of IELTS Speaking is the follow-up round, or the two-way discussion. This part allows examiners to understand your thoughts and opinions deeply. 
 

They aim to assess your ability to articulate ideas, provide explanations, and sustain a conversation on related aspects.
 

Also Read: IELTS Speaking Vocabulary 
 

Below are some questions that may be asked in the part 3, along with 2 possible answers. 

 

Follow-Up Question 1

Question 1. Why do you think plastic waste is such a big problem?

 

Answer 1: Plastic waste is a significant problem because it takes hundreds of years to decompose, leading to long-term environmental pollution. It contaminates soil and water, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Additionally, plastic waste contributes to the growing issue of microplastics, which can enter the food chain and pose health risks to humans.

 

Answer 2: The issue with plastic waste lies in its sheer volume and durability. Our reliance on single-use plastics means that vast amounts of waste are generated daily, overwhelming waste management systems. This results in plastics ending up in oceans and landscapes, disrupting natural habitats and causing harm to marine and terrestrial life.

Follow-Up Question 2

Question 2:  What can individuals do to reduce plastic waste?

 

Answer 1: Individuals can significantly reduce plastic waste by adopting sustainable practices. For example, using reusable bags, bottles, and containers can cut down on single-use plastics. Additionally, avoiding products with excessive packaging and supporting brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices can make a substantial difference.

 

Answer 2: Educating oneself and others about the impact of plastic waste is crucial. Simple actions like recycling properly, participating in local clean-up events, and choosing products made from biodegradable or recycled materials can collectively reduce plastic waste. Encouraging community involvement in these efforts can also amplify the positive effects.

Follow-Up Question 3

Question 3: How can governments and organisations contribute to solving the plastic waste problem?

 

Answer 1: Governments and organisations can play a pivotal role by implementing stricter regulations on plastic production and use. For instance, banning single-use plastics and incentivising the use of biodegradable alternatives can drive significant change. Investing in better waste management infrastructure and recycling technologies is also essential.

 

Answer 2: Promoting public awareness campaigns about the dangers of plastic waste and the benefits of sustainable practices can encourage behavioural change. Governments can also support research and development of eco-friendly materials and products. Collaboration with international bodies to address the global nature of plastic pollution can enhance these efforts.

Follow-Up Question 4

Question 4: Do you think future generations will be more or less affected by plastic waste? Why?

 

Answer 1: Future generations are likely to be more affected by plastic waste if current trends continue. The accumulation of plastic in the environment and the rising presence of microplastics pose serious long-term threats to both ecosystems and human health. However, with increased awareness and proactive measures, this impact can be mitigated.

 

Answer 2: The extent to which future generations will be affected depends on the actions we take today. If we implement effective waste management strategies and reduce plastic consumption, the impact can be significantly lessened. Education and innovation will be key in ensuring that future generations inherit a cleaner, healthier planet.

FAQs

Q. What are cue cards in IELTS Speaking?

Ans. Cue cards are prompts given during the second part of the IELTS Speaking test. Each card features a specific topic that you discuss for about two minutes. Following your response, the examiner asks follow-up questions to explore your answer further.

Q. How do you prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 2?

Ans. To prepare for cue cards:

 

  • Familiarise yourself with common topics by reviewing past IELTS speaking cue card topics available online.
  • Practice speaking on various topics: Pick a cue card topic, set a two-minute timer, speak aloud, and record yourself. Listen back to identify areas for improvement in fluency, vocabulary, and organisation.
Q. How do you give good answers in IELTS speaking part 2?

Ans. Tips for delivering effective answers:

 

  • Structure your response: Begin with a brief introduction about yourself and the topic, elaborate on key points from the cue card, and conclude by summarising your thoughts.
  • Use appropriate vocabulary: Showcase your English proficiency by incorporating relevant words and expressions related to the topic.
  • Speak confidently and fluently: Before you start, take a deep breath and maintain a steady pace. Don't worry about minor pauses; focus on conveying your ideas clearly.

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