Describe a person who helps to protect the environment: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who this person is?
What actions they take?
How they inspire others?
And explain why you admire them.

152 unique answers with expert feedback

What other ways can individuals contribute to environmental protection?

Individuals can contribute by reducing waste, recycling, using public transport, conserving water, and supporting sustainable practices. Educating others about environmental issues and participating in community clean-up events are also effective ways to make a positive impact.

How important is education in promoting environmental awareness?

Education plays a crucial role in promoting environmental awareness. It helps individuals understand the importance of conservation, the impact of human activities on nature, and encourages responsible behavior. Schools and communities can implement programs to teach sustainable practices.

What challenges do people face in protecting the environment?

People face various challenges such as lack of resources, political resistance, and insufficient awareness. Economic pressures can also lead to prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. Overcoming these challenges requires collective effort and commitment from all sectors of society.

Band 7

00:00

One person I would like to talk about is my friend. She was my classmate who was also a fashion designer. She was extremely passionate about sustainability and make a real effort to protect the environment through her work. What makes her stand out is a unique approach to the fashion. She reuses all recycled old clothes to create an entirely new outfit. So instead of buying new fabrics or reducing waste, she used to collect second-hand garments, unused textile or even damaged clothes and creatively transform them into a stylish piece. For example, she once turned an old pair of jeans and a faded cotton shirt into a trendy jacket and skirt set. Her designs are not only environmental friendly but also very fashionable which inspire people to look at recycled fashion into a new light. As a person, she's very thoughtful and highly driven and creative. She's genius. We care about the planet and always try to educate others on the importance of sustainable living. She often shares tips on social medias about how to reduce waste, recycle clothes or repurpose household items. I really admire her because she proves that small action when done consistently and creatively can make a big difference. She has managed to blend her passion for fashion with a strong environmental message and that's something I find truly inspiring about her. She's a great example of how we can all contribute to protecting the environment in our own way.

Follow up questions

How can fashion designers promote sustainability?

Fashion designers can promote sustainability by using eco-friendly materials, creating timeless designs, and encouraging recycling. They can also educate consumers about the environmental impact of fast fashion and inspire them to choose sustainable options.

What are some other ways individuals can help the environment?

Individuals can help the environment by reducing waste, recycling, conserving water and energy, using public transport, and supporting local and sustainable businesses. Small actions like planting trees or participating in clean-up drives also make a significant impact.

Why is it important to educate others about sustainable living?

Educating others about sustainable living raises awareness about environmental issues and encourages collective action. It helps people understand their impact on the planet and motivates them to adopt eco-friendly practices, leading to a healthier environment for future generations.

Band 7

00:00

Greta Thunberg is an environment activist who has worked for over a decade to fight against climate crisis. She has been a leading voice in the world's climate action and has worked really hard to raise awareness about issues such as global warming and climate change that we as a people are suffering from. Moreover, she started out when she was really young and has continued to participate in activities to raise awareness among people. Greta has participated in a variety of activities which have allowed for a greater number of people to understand the effect of climate change on our future generations and on our planet. I really admire her as she has started out at a young age and has continued to fight for a noble cause despite several backlashes. She has continued to be a leading voice against climate crisis and global warming.

Follow up questions

What specific actions has Greta Thunberg taken to raise awareness?

Greta Thunberg has organized school strikes, spoken at international conferences, and participated in climate marches. Her 'Fridays for Future' movement encourages students to protest for climate action, drawing global attention to the urgency of the climate crisis.

How do you think young activists like Greta influence others?

Young activists like Greta inspire others by showing that age is not a barrier to making a difference. Their passion and commitment resonate with people, especially youth, motivating them to take action and engage in environmental issues, fostering a sense of responsibility.

What challenges do environmental activists face today?

Environmental activists often face challenges such as political opposition, misinformation, and public apathy. They may also encounter backlash from industries that oppose environmental regulations, making it difficult to promote their message and achieve meaningful change.

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Band 7

00:00

One person I would like to talk about is my school teacher Mr. Verma. He teaches science, but more than that he is a strong environmentalist and always motivates students to take care of nature. He protects the environment in many ways, for example, he never uses plastic bags, he always carries a cloth bag for shopping, he also rides a bicycle to school instead of using a vehicle which helps reduce air pollution. At school, he started a small garden with students where we grow plants and learn about composting using kitchen waste. I really admire Mr. Verma because he not only talks about protecting the environment but also protects it in daily life. He inspired me and many other students to him a more eco-friendly lifestyle. I believe if more people followed his example, the world would be a much cleaner and healthier place.

Follow up questions

What other activities does Mr. Verma do to promote environmental awareness?

Mr. Verma organizes workshops and clean-up drives in our community. He also encourages students to participate in local environmental campaigns and often invites guest speakers to talk about sustainability.

How can students contribute to protecting the environment?

Students can contribute by reducing waste, recycling, and participating in tree planting activities. They can also spread awareness among peers about the importance of protecting nature and adopting eco-friendly habits.

Why do you think it's important to have role models like Mr. Verma?

Having role models like Mr. Verma is crucial because they inspire and motivate others to take action. They demonstrate that individual efforts can lead to significant changes and encourage a collective responsibility towards the environment.

Band 7

00:00

One inspiring individual who has made a significant contribution to protecting the environment is, I would say that Afroz Shah, an environmental activist and lawyer based in Mumbai. He is globally recognized for launching the world's largest beach clean-up drive at Sova Beach in Mumbai, Maharashtra. His journey began in 2015 when he noticed that the beach near his home was covered in plastic and other waste. Instead of ignoring the problem, he began collecting trash every weekend. Initially, he worked alone, but soon local residents, students and volunteers started joining him. Over the course of more than 80 weeks, they removed over 20 million kilograms of waste. His efforts to go beyond just cleaning, he actively promotes behavioral change, especially by educating slum dwellers on waste segregation, reducing plastic waste and recycling. His work is aligned with India's national initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Plastic Waste Management Rules. What truly sets him apart is his focus on community-led initiatives, which is a key aspect of environmental governance in India. His work embodies the spirit of Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, which calls upon every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment. He has also been awarded the UN Champion of Earth Award in the UN's highest environmental honour, which further reflects the global impact of his actions. Moreover, his campaign has led to the return of All You Rightly Turtles to Verzova Beach after decades, which is an ecologically successful story. This shows the grassroots-level initiatives can contribute to climate resilience.

Follow up questions

What inspired Afroz Shah to start his beach clean-up initiative?

Afroz Shah was inspired to start his initiative after witnessing the pollution on Sova Beach. He felt a strong sense of responsibility to take action rather than ignore the problem, which motivated him to begin collecting trash and rallying the community to join him.

How can individuals contribute to environmental protection in their communities?

Individuals can contribute by organizing local clean-up drives, educating others about waste management, reducing plastic use, and promoting recycling. Small actions, like picking up litter or spreading awareness, can collectively lead to significant positive changes in the environment.

What role does community involvement play in environmental initiatives?

Community involvement is crucial as it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents. When people work together, they can achieve greater impact, share knowledge, and create sustainable practices that benefit the environment and strengthen community bonds.

Show all 152 answers

Cue 1:Who this person is?

Introduce the person by name and their relationship to you, such as a friend, family member, or community leader.
Provide a brief background about their passion for environmental protection.

Example

The person I want to talk about is my uncle, Rajesh. He is an environmental activist who has dedicated his life to protecting nature. Ever since I was a child, I have seen him involved in various environmental initiatives, which has inspired me greatly.

Cue 2:What actions they take?

Describe specific actions this person takes to protect the environment, such as organizing clean-up drives or planting trees.
Mention any projects or campaigns they are involved in that have made a significant impact.

Example

Rajesh organizes monthly clean-up drives in our local park and has planted over a thousand trees in our community. He also runs workshops to educate people about recycling and reducing plastic use, which has helped raise awareness among many residents.

Cue 3:How they inspire others?

Explain how this person motivates others to join their cause, perhaps through their enthusiasm or by leading by example.
Share any stories of how they have influenced friends or family to take action for the environment.

Example

His passion is contagious. Many of my friends have joined him in his clean-up drives, and he often shares inspiring stories on social media, encouraging others to take part. He has even inspired my younger sister to start her own small garden at home, promoting the idea of growing plants.

Cue 4:And explain why you admire them.

Discuss the qualities you admire in this person, such as their dedication, knowledge, or ability to connect with others.
Reflect on how their actions have positively impacted your own views on the environment.

Example

I admire Rajesh for his unwavering commitment to the environment and his ability to inspire change in others. His dedication has made me more aware of my own habits, and I now try to reduce waste and recycle more. He shows that one person can truly make a difference.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, my uncle Rajesh is a remarkable person who not only protects the environment but also inspires those around him to do the same. His actions remind us that we all have a role to play in safeguarding our planet for future generations.

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

Avoid being too general when describing the person. Vague answers can make your response less engaging and informative, which may not impress the examiner.

Tip

Provide specific examples of the person's actions and characteristics to create a clearer picture of who they are.

2: Neglecting Personal Impact

Failing to explain how the person inspires others can weaken your response. It's important to show the broader impact of their actions on the community.

Tip

Include anecdotes or examples of how this person has motivated others to take action for the environment.

Lack of Personal Connection

Not expressing why you admire this person can make your answer feel impersonal. Personal connections add depth to your response.

Tip

Share a personal story or feeling that illustrates your admiration for the person's efforts in protecting the environment.

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