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

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.

78 unique answers with expert feedback

What are some common sources of plastic waste in your area?

In my area, common sources of plastic waste include single-use bags from grocery stores, plastic bottles from beverages, and packaging materials from online shopping. Many people tend to discard these items carelessly, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution.

How do you think communities can reduce plastic waste?

Communities can reduce plastic waste by organizing clean-up drives, promoting recycling programs, and encouraging the use of reusable bags and containers. Education on the impact of plastic waste can also motivate individuals to change their habits and support local initiatives.

What role do you think individuals play in tackling plastic pollution?

Individuals play a crucial role in tackling plastic pollution by making conscious choices, such as reducing plastic use, participating in clean-up efforts, and advocating for policies that limit plastic production. Every small action can contribute to a larger positive impact on the environment.

Band 7

00:00

I think one of the times where I noticed a lot of plastic waste was during my trip to Varanasi. Around six months back, I had been to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with my family. We'd gone there because my grandmother really wanted to visit Kashi. Then we had gone to Triveni Sangam, which is basically a point where three different rivers meet and that's usually one of the places that people visit when they go to Kashi. Over there, right before you enter the river, there were a lot of people selling flowers and these flowers were basically sold in plastic bags. Apart from flowers, there were a lot of other things being sold, candles for example, or even just stuff that you can basically feed fish in the rivers, all of these were being sold in plastic bags. And that is the reason why there was just so much waste over there because every time anyone would purchase the flowers or the candles or anything from any of these merchants who were selling these items, they would end up throwing those plastic bags near the river itself and that's why there was so much pollution. And I found it rather ironic because this is supposed to be a holy place, this is supposed to be a religious place and there still happened to be so much pollution just in terms of plastic waste, in terms of water pollution and also just air pollution coming from boats that were present in the river. And I think apart from all of this, another thing that genuinely triggered me during this trip was the vast range of child labour that existed. So overall, I think I was quite disheartened to see this.

Follow up questions

What do you think can be done to reduce plastic waste in tourist areas?

I believe that raising awareness among tourists and local vendors about the impact of plastic waste is crucial. Implementing strict regulations on plastic usage, promoting eco-friendly alternatives, and organizing regular clean-up drives can significantly help in reducing plastic waste in tourist areas.

How does plastic waste affect the environment and local communities?

Plastic waste can severely impact the environment by polluting water bodies, harming aquatic life, and disrupting ecosystems. For local communities, it can lead to health issues, loss of tourism revenue, and a decline in the quality of life due to polluted surroundings and reduced natural beauty.

Have you noticed any initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste in your area?

Yes, I've seen several initiatives, such as local campaigns encouraging the use of reusable bags, community clean-up events, and educational programs in schools about the importance of reducing plastic waste. These efforts are vital in fostering a culture of sustainability within the community.

Band 7

00:00

It was a cold winter night when I decided to go for a quick jogging session. I was at my campus at that time. I decided to take on the main road for jogging. It was a two lane road where one lane was dedicated for vehicles and the other was dedicated for students to walk. The road on which I was jogging, by its side there were many trees, bushes and all sorts of greenery that you could expect, flowers too. And as I was nearing the end of my jogging session, at the extreme end of the road, I could see a lot of plastic waste being accumulated. Seeing it disgusted me. I don't know if it disgusted me because of the transition that I faced from greenery to plastic waste or just because I couldn't understand how one part of the campus was so clean and the other part was so dirty. To summarize it, you could say it was a pleasant experience and also an unpleasant one at the same time.

Follow up questions

What do you think causes plastic waste to accumulate in certain areas?

I believe plastic waste accumulates due to a lack of awareness and responsibility among people. Many individuals do not dispose of their waste properly, and some areas may lack adequate waste management systems. This leads to a stark contrast between clean and polluted areas.

How can communities work together to reduce plastic waste?

Communities can organize clean-up drives, promote recycling programs, and educate residents about the importance of reducing plastic use. Collaborating with local businesses to minimize packaging waste and encouraging the use of reusable items can also make a significant impact.

Have you noticed any changes in attitudes towards plastic waste recently?

Yes, I've noticed a growing awareness about plastic waste and its impact on the environment. More people are advocating for sustainable practices, and there are increasing initiatives to reduce plastic use, such as banning single-use plastics in many places.

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Band 7

00:00

There was one beach in my hometown, which I used to visit all the time during my childhood. But recently, it has been infested with a lot of toxins and plastic waste, which made me realize that it is our responsibility as humans to stop that from happening. People are careless and they do not think about saving the environment and keeping it clean. They do not understand that plastic is non-biodegradable and it is not safe for the planet. We can incorporate some habits into our daily life, which can stop this from happening. They can be using a dustbin or putting the wrapper into your pocket and then throwing it away later. It is the small detail that counts, which can make the world a better place. Thank you.

Follow up questions

What are some common sources of plastic waste in your area?

In my area, common sources of plastic waste include single-use bags, bottles, and food packaging. Many people use plastic containers for takeout food, and there are often plastic straws and utensils that are discarded after one use. This contributes significantly to the pollution problem.

How can communities work together to reduce plastic waste?

Communities can organize clean-up drives at local beaches and parks, promote recycling programs, and educate residents about the importance of reducing plastic use. Workshops on sustainable practices, like using reusable bags and containers, can also help raise awareness and encourage collective action.

What role do you think education plays in addressing plastic waste?

Education is crucial in addressing plastic waste. By teaching people about the environmental impact of plastic and the importance of sustainability from a young age, we can foster a culture of responsibility. Schools can incorporate environmental studies into their curriculum to raise awareness.

Band 7

00:00

This was in Bangalore near K.R. Market. The area was a dump area, waste dump area, which was being segregated by many waste picking women. The complaints by the women were that the waste generated through online delivery services such as X and Y were creating much larger plastic waste and segregating it is more difficult because of the fact that many people would not bother to throw away the food or leftovers as the food is expired. I found the situation very dreadful and inhumane as many waste picking women have to deal with the already existing segregation criteria which means that plastic has to be separated into six different categories along with cleaning other people's leftover food. This is double work for them and this needs an end. Hence I took a video to share on Instagram to create an awareness on what is happening in these dump yards.

Follow up questions

What impact do you think plastic waste has on the environment?

Plastic waste severely harms the environment by polluting land and water bodies, harming wildlife, and contributing to climate change. It takes hundreds of years to decompose, leading to long-term ecological damage. Reducing plastic use and improving waste management are crucial for a healthier planet.

How can individuals contribute to reducing plastic waste?

Individuals can reduce plastic waste by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, avoiding single-use plastics, and supporting businesses that prioritize sustainable practices. Additionally, educating others about the importance of reducing plastic consumption can create a larger impact.

What role do you think the government should play in managing plastic waste?

The government should implement stricter regulations on plastic production and waste management, promote recycling programs, and invest in public awareness campaigns. Policies that encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices and penalize excessive plastic use can also be effective.

Show all 78 answers

Cue 1:Where and when did you see the plastic waste?

Begin by describing the location where you encountered the plastic waste, such as a beach, park, or riverbank.
Mention the time of year or specific occasion, like a festival or holiday, to give context to your experience.

Example

I saw a lot of plastic waste last summer at Juhu Beach in Mumbai. It was during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, a time when many people visit the beach to immerse idols. Unfortunately, after the celebrations, the beach was littered with plastic bags, bottles, and food wrappers.

Cue 2:Why was there a lot of plastic waste?

Explain the reasons behind the accumulation of plastic waste, such as lack of awareness or inadequate waste disposal facilities.
You can also mention the cultural practices that contribute to the problem, like the use of single-use plastics during festivals.

Example

The reason for the excessive plastic waste was mainly due to the large number of visitors who brought food and drinks in plastic containers. Many people were unaware of the environmental impact of their actions, and there were not enough bins available for proper disposal.

Cue 3:What did you do after you saw it?

Share your immediate reaction upon seeing the plastic waste and any actions you took.
Mention if you participated in any clean-up efforts or raised awareness about the issue.

Example

After seeing the plastic waste, I felt compelled to do something. I joined a local group that was organizing a beach clean-up the following weekend. We collected bags full of plastic and other debris, and it felt good to contribute to the environment.

Cue 4:And explain what your thoughts were about this.

Reflect on your feelings regarding the situation and the broader implications of plastic waste.
Discuss any changes in your behavior or perspective that resulted from this experience.

Example

Seeing the plastic waste made me really concerned about our environment. It made me realize how important it is to reduce plastic usage and promote recycling. Since then, I’ve started carrying my own reusable bags and bottles to minimize my plastic footprint.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, witnessing the plastic waste at Juhu Beach was an eye-opening experience. It highlighted the urgent need for awareness and action regarding plastic pollution. I believe that if we all take small steps, we can make a significant difference in protecting our environment.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about the location or situation of the plastic waste.

Tip

Be specific about where and when you saw the plastic waste. Use descriptive language to paint a clear picture for the examiner.

2: Lack of Personal Reflection

Failing to share your personal thoughts can make your response less engaging. It's important to express how the experience affected you emotionally or intellectually.

Tip

Include your feelings and thoughts about the plastic waste. Explain why it was significant to you and what you learned from the experience.

Ignoring the Cause

Not addressing why there was a lot of plastic waste can lead to an incomplete answer. Understanding the cause adds depth to your response.

Tip

Discuss the reasons behind the plastic waste, such as local events or habits. This shows your awareness of environmental issues and enhances your answer.

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