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.

18 unique answers with expert feedback

What measures do you think could improve air quality in polluted cities like Delhi?

I believe that increasing green spaces by planting more trees, promoting public transportation, and implementing stricter regulations on industries could significantly improve air quality. Additionally, raising awareness about pollution and encouraging people to use eco-friendly practices can help.

How does air pollution affect people's health in urban areas?

Air pollution can lead to various health issues such as respiratory problems, heart diseases, and allergies. In urban areas, people are often exposed to high levels of pollutants, which can exacerbate existing health conditions and reduce overall quality of life.

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

Yes, I have noticed that air quality in my city has worsened over the years due to increased traffic and construction. However, there have been some initiatives to improve it, like promoting electric vehicles and increasing public awareness about pollution.

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 lead to various health issues such as respiratory problems, allergies, and even long-term diseases like asthma or lung cancer. It can also affect mental health, as living in polluted areas can increase stress and anxiety levels. Overall, it poses a significant risk to public health.

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

To reduce air pollution in industrial areas, stricter regulations on emissions should be enforced. Industries can adopt cleaner technologies and practices, invest in better waste management systems, and utilize green energy sources. Public awareness campaigns can also encourage community involvement in pollution reduction.

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

Yes, I have noticed changes in air quality in my city. There are times when pollution levels rise, especially during festivals or construction activities. However, there are also initiatives being taken to improve air quality, such as planting more trees and promoting public transport, which I hope will make a difference.

Band 6-7

00:00

Actually, undoubtedly, I will say that it is Chennai city. It's a metropolitan city in Tamil Nadu located in the southern part of India. I used to go to that city every month almost because I have a job over there also. So every month I used to visit that city. There's too much of pollution, especially air pollution. Why? Because there's increased population and that results in an increased number of vehicles. People from other cities come and settle here in this city because there's a wide range of opportunities and higher income. So once the people come here and settle in Chennai, they will never think of going back to their cities. And if their husband and wife are working in two different places, obviously they won't offer public transport here. They think owning their own vehicle is showing others the level of their status. So as the number of vehicles increases, the number of pollution also increases and government is also taking necessary steps to control that, but the people are not understanding it and the pollution of air is becoming very bad day to day. It's so suffocating and mostly you have to wear a mask everywhere you have to go in order to protect yourself from the air pollution. It not only contaminates the air and infects our lungs, but it also affects the skin as well. People are getting acne problems, hair fall problems due to the continuous exposure to the air pollution. There are more number of cutting down of trees and turning it into plots and flats. So the air pollution level is increasing.

Follow up questions

What measures can individuals take to reduce air pollution in cities?

Individuals can reduce air pollution by using public transport, carpooling, biking, or walking instead of driving. They can also support local initiatives aimed at increasing green spaces, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices. Raising awareness about pollution and its effects is crucial.

How does air pollution affect people's health in urban areas?

Air pollution can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, and skin conditions. Long-term exposure can also affect mental health and overall quality of life, as people may experience fatigue and reduced productivity.

What role does government play in combating air pollution?

Governments can implement regulations to limit emissions from vehicles and industries, promote cleaner technologies, and invest in public transportation. They can also create awareness campaigns and enforce laws to protect green spaces, which are vital for improving air quality.

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Band 6-7

00:00

A place I recently visited that was polluted a lot was Faridabad. I visited there last year in the month of April for my cousin's engagement. So Faridabad is basically a city in Haryana and it is close to Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon and all of these cities also. So not only Faridabad but also a lot of cities nearby also have the same kind of air quality index. So pollution there is a really big problem I think and to all the citizens or residents of that area, I think people in future are going to have severe health issues. People living over there are kind of I think neglecting the fact that they are living in a very hazardous environment. I think one of the biggest reason of pollution over there is the increase in population. As Faridabad is quite a developed city, people from all around the country come there looking for employment. So the population of the city is increasing day by day. Also the city is surrounded by many industries through which the waste product is being mixing into.

Follow up questions

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

To reduce air pollution in cities like Faridabad, the government can implement stricter regulations on industries, promote public transportation, and encourage the use of cleaner energy sources. Additionally, raising awareness among residents about the importance of reducing emissions and protecting the environment can help.

How does air pollution affect the health of residents in polluted areas?

Air pollution can lead to various health issues such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even mental health issues. Long-term exposure can result in chronic conditions and reduced life expectancy. Vulnerable populations, like children and the elderly, are particularly at risk.

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

Yes, in my own city, I've noticed that air quality has deteriorated over the years due to increased traffic, construction, and industrial activities. There are days when the air quality index reaches unhealthy levels, prompting health advisories and encouraging people to stay indoors.

Band 6-7

00:00

I recently visited Chennai, which is the capital of Tamil Nadu, a month ago. Actually, I had a chance of a two-month stay over there and the reason why I find Chennai to be very much polluted is because of the number of vehicles that are seen on the roads. Because the city is so populated in Tamil Nadu, I really, really feel the necessity of those so many vehicles in and around Chennai. I really felt that each and every street were full of vehicles with so much of smoke, outlets. I guess that's one of those reasons why Chennai is pretty much polluted. I visited Chennai to attend a college competition where I had to stay for two months. Those two complete months, I really had to face a lot of breathing issues, acne problems related to this pollution. I think the air, the amount of air, fresh air we get to breathe is really, really less and it's going to obviously lower down the quality of lungs and even the survival chance. I really believe that government has to take initiatives in order to lower down the levels of pollution in the city, which will obviously increase the life expectancy of people over there.

Follow up questions

What measures do you think the government should take to reduce pollution in Chennai?

The government should implement stricter regulations on vehicle emissions, promote public transportation, and encourage the use of electric vehicles. Additionally, increasing green spaces and conducting awareness campaigns about pollution can help reduce the overall air quality issues in Chennai.

How does air pollution affect people's health in urban areas?

Air pollution can lead to various health issues such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and skin conditions like acne. Long-term exposure can significantly lower lung function and increase the risk of chronic illnesses, affecting the overall quality of life for residents.

Have you noticed any changes in air quality in your hometown?

Yes, in my hometown, I have noticed that air quality has deteriorated over the years due to increased traffic and industrial activities. There are more smoggy days, and I often see alerts about poor air quality, which is concerning for the health of the community.

Show all 18 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.

Tip

Use descriptive adjectives and specific examples to paint a clear picture of the place and its pollution.

2: Ignoring Emotional Impact

Failing to express how you felt about the polluted place can make your answer less engaging. Emotions help connect your experience to the listener.

Tip

Share your feelings about the pollution and how it affected your visit, using phrases like 'I felt disappointed' or 'I was shocked'.

Lack of Structure

A disorganized response can confuse the listener. Jumping from one point to another without a clear flow can weaken your answer.

Tip

Follow the cue card prompts in order, ensuring each point is addressed clearly and logically for better coherence.

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