Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where the place is?
When you visited it?
Why the air was not good?
And explain how you felt about the place.

12 unique answers with expert feedback

What measures do you think can be taken to reduce air pollution in cities like Delhi?

I believe that cities like Delhi can implement stricter regulations on emissions from vehicles and factories. Increasing green spaces by planting more trees and creating parks can also help improve air quality. Public awareness campaigns about pollution and its effects can encourage people to adopt more eco-friendly practices.

How does air pollution affect people's health in polluted cities?

Air pollution can lead to various health issues such as respiratory problems, heart diseases, and even mental health issues. In polluted cities, people often experience difficulty breathing, increased asthma attacks, and a higher risk of chronic illnesses due to the harmful pollutants in the air.

Have you noticed any changes in air quality in your own city over the years?

Yes, in my city, I have noticed that air quality has worsened over the years due to increased traffic and industrial activities. However, there have been some initiatives to improve it, like promoting public transport and encouraging the use of electric vehicles, which I hope will make a difference.

Band 6-7

00:00

Thinking of a place where the air was polluted, a city or a part of city that comes to my mind is Havimumbai, it's a place next to Mumbai, it's an outgrown part or a newly developed area of Mumbai and I say that the air is polluted there is because there is a pungent smell in the air which is very hard to ignore and I didn't find it comforting at all. I went there to meet a friend recently and I found out that due to the industries around the area, the air there has become a lot polluted, the sewage is not proper in that area and it's just unpleasant to see or to inhale the air over there. I recently visited Havimumbai to meet a friend and one thing I noticed as I entered the area was the air had a stingy feeling or a stingy smell, a pungent smell if I would say. There is this place called Havimumbai which I visited recently, I went there to meet a friend of mine, she was staying in that area, one thing I noticed when I entered the area was the smell was very pungent, it was a general smell throughout the whole place and the reason being it is an industrial area, so there are a lot of big firms, a lot of big industries being set up there, the manufacturing they do have led to the air pollution in that area. Apart from just the air pollution which they are doing, the sewage plants and the sewage treatment over there was not proper at all, so you can smell the stinginess in the air when you move or when you are traveling around the industrial area and overall it made me feel very uncomfortable, it was a pleasureless experience for me and it was very hard to ignore or tolerate the smell. I asked a few people over there how do they manage with it and they were to my surprise they were very chill about it, they told that you get accustomed to it over time when you have been living there for a while and you get used to the smell, but for me as an outsider I found that smell and the pollution in the air very uncomforting and concerning for my health.

Follow up questions

How do you think air pollution affects people's health?

Air pollution can have serious health impacts, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and even mental health problems. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic conditions and reduced life expectancy. It's concerning, especially in industrial areas like Havimumbai, where pollution levels are high.

What measures can be taken to reduce air pollution in urban areas?

To reduce air pollution, cities can implement stricter regulations on industries, promote public transportation, and encourage the use of cleaner energy sources. Additionally, increasing green spaces and improving waste management can help mitigate pollution levels and improve air quality.

Have you noticed any changes in air quality over time in your area?

Yes, in many urban areas, air quality tends to worsen over time due to increased industrial activity and urbanization. However, some cities have made efforts to improve air quality through regulations and public awareness campaigns, leading to gradual improvements in certain areas.

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Answer

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Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

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Describe a book you recently read

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Yes, in many places, air quality has improved due to stricter regulations and increased awareness. However, in some areas, pollution levels have worsened due to urbanization and industrial activities. It's essential to monitor these changes to understand the effectiveness of environmental policies.

Show all 12 answers

Cue 1:Where the place is?

Begin by naming the city or location you visited, providing some context about it.
Include a brief description of the environment or notable landmarks that highlight the pollution.

Example

I visited Delhi, the capital city of India, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. However, during my trip, I noticed the heavy smog that often blankets the city, especially in winter.

Cue 2:When you visited it?

Mention the specific time of year or month when you visited, which can help set the scene.
Explain if there were any particular events or circumstances that contributed to the pollution during your visit.

Example

I visited Delhi in December last year. This is a time when air quality often deteriorates due to the cold weather and increased burning of crop residue in nearby states.

Cue 3:Why the air was not good?

Discuss the main causes of pollution in that area, such as traffic, industrial emissions, or seasonal factors.
You can also mention any health advisories or warnings that were in effect during your visit.

Example

The air was not good due to a combination of factors, including heavy traffic, construction dust, and the burning of agricultural waste. I remember seeing advisories urging people to wear masks and avoid outdoor activities.

Cue 4:And explain how you felt about the place.

Express your personal feelings and thoughts about the pollution and its impact on your experience.
You can also reflect on how it affected your health or mood during your visit.

Example

I felt quite disappointed and concerned about the pollution. It was hard to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city when I was constantly aware of the thick air. I found myself coughing frequently, which made me appreciate cleaner environments much more.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall impressions of the place and its pollution.
You can also suggest any changes you hope to see in the future regarding air quality.

Example

In conclusion, while Delhi has a lot to offer in terms of culture and history, the pollution significantly detracted from my experience. I hope that in the future, more measures will be taken to improve air quality, allowing visitors and residents to enjoy the city without health concerns.

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 response unclear. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about the place or your experience.