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.

77 unique answers with expert feedback

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

Plastic waste can have devastating effects on the environment, including harming wildlife, polluting oceans, and contributing to climate change. It takes hundreds of years to decompose, leading to long-term ecological damage and affecting ecosystems and human health.

How can individuals contribute to reducing plastic waste?

Individuals can reduce plastic waste by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, avoiding single-use plastics, recycling properly, and participating in local clean-up initiatives. Education and awareness about the impact of plastic waste are also crucial for encouraging sustainable practices.

What role do local authorities play in managing plastic waste?

Local authorities play a vital role in managing plastic waste by implementing waste management policies, providing recycling facilities, organizing clean-up drives, and educating the community about waste reduction. Their involvement is essential for creating a cleaner and more sustainable 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 implementing stricter regulations on plastic use, promoting eco-friendly alternatives, and increasing awareness among tourists and vendors can significantly reduce plastic waste. Additionally, organizing clean-up drives and providing proper waste disposal facilities can help maintain the cleanliness of these areas.

How does plastic waste impact the environment and local communities?

Plastic waste can severely harm the environment by polluting water bodies, harming aquatic life, and disrupting ecosystems. For local communities, it can affect tourism, health, and the overall quality of life, as polluted areas may deter visitors and lead to health issues among residents.

Have you seen any initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste in your country?

Yes, I've seen various initiatives, such as campaigns promoting the use of reusable bags, banning single-use plastics in some cities, and community clean-up events. These efforts aim to raise awareness and encourage people to take action against plastic pollution.

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 in public areas?

I believe plastic waste in public areas is primarily caused by people's negligence and lack of awareness. Many individuals do not dispose of their waste properly, and some may not realize the environmental impact of their actions. Additionally, the convenience of single-use plastics contributes to this issue.

How can communities reduce plastic waste effectively?

Communities can reduce plastic waste by organizing clean-up drives, promoting recycling programs, and educating residents about the importance of reducing plastic use. Implementing stricter regulations on plastic production and encouraging the use of eco-friendly alternatives can also make a significant difference.

Have you noticed any changes in plastic waste management in your area?

Yes, I have noticed some positive changes in plastic waste management in my area. There are more recycling bins available, and local campaigns have raised awareness about reducing plastic use. However, there is still a long way to go, as many people still rely on single-use plastics.

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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, water bottles, and food packaging. Many people opt for convenience over sustainability, leading to an increase in plastic litter. It's crucial to raise awareness about these sources to encourage better waste management practices.

How can communities work together to reduce plastic waste?

Communities can organize clean-up drives, promote recycling programs, and educate residents about the impact of plastic waste. By collaborating with local businesses to reduce packaging and offering incentives for using reusable items, communities can create a more sustainable environment.

What role does education play in addressing plastic waste?

Education is vital in raising awareness about the effects of plastic waste on the environment. Schools and community programs can teach individuals about recycling, the importance of reducing plastic use, and how to make environmentally friendly choices in their daily lives.

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 has a significant negative impact on the environment. It pollutes land and water, harms wildlife, and contributes to climate change. The breakdown of plastics can release harmful chemicals, affecting ecosystems and human health. Reducing plastic waste is crucial for a sustainable future.

How can individuals contribute to reducing plastic waste?

Individuals can reduce plastic waste by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers. They can also choose products with minimal packaging, participate in recycling programs, and support businesses that prioritize sustainability. Raising awareness and educating others about the importance of reducing plastic waste is also vital.

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

Governments should implement stricter regulations on plastic production and waste management. They can promote recycling initiatives, invest in waste management infrastructure, and encourage the use of biodegradable materials. Public awareness campaigns can also help educate citizens about the importance of reducing plastic waste.

Show all 77 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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