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.

29 unique answers with expert feedback

What do you think are the main causes of littering in cities?

I believe the main causes of littering in cities include a lack of awareness about environmental issues, insufficient waste disposal facilities, and a general disregard for public spaces. Many people do not realize the impact of their actions on the environment and the community.

How can communities encourage people to reduce plastic waste?

Communities can encourage waste reduction by organizing clean-up drives, providing more recycling bins, and conducting educational campaigns about the importance of keeping the environment clean. Engaging local schools and businesses can also foster a sense of responsibility.

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

The government should play a crucial role by implementing strict regulations on waste management, providing adequate facilities for waste disposal and recycling, and promoting public awareness campaigns. They should also enforce penalties for littering to deter such behavior.

Band 6-7

00:00

I usually go for my evening exercise into my nearby park and the park is a public place so there's there are always people around it and so they come and eat everything there or just hang out with their friends and whatever reasons they came to the park it's a public place and there was a lot of plastic I saw that people left behind they don't carry their waste with them whenever they leave so there were there were a lot of plastic accumulated all over the park so I got the idea to clean the park for our children to have a safe have a clean space to play and for me to have my fresh exercise and my with my fresh mood so when I when I posted it about online people volunteered and we hold this one day cleaning drive to clean the park and it was very satisfying felt like I was doing something right for the people around our society and for myself as well I feel the sense of responsibility and I think people need to learn that that we cannot litter the place where we hang out or where there is a common place for people to feel free or feel fresh but the government should take a little bit of initiative about this but it was a beautiful drive and whenever I see that it's happening again I hold this campaign or drive I ask people online and they volunteered every time it's very one of the beautiful things that we do together to clean our society or to keep our space

Follow up questions

What motivated you to organize the cleaning drive?

I was motivated by the sight of plastic waste in the park and the desire to create a cleaner environment for everyone, especially for children. I felt a sense of responsibility to take action and inspire others to care about our shared spaces.

How do you think communities can reduce plastic waste?

Communities can reduce plastic waste by organizing awareness campaigns, encouraging recycling, and providing more bins for waste disposal. Education on the impact of littering and promoting alternatives to single-use plastics can also help change people's habits.

What role do you think the government should play in this issue?

The government should implement stricter regulations on waste disposal, provide more public waste management resources, and support community clean-up initiatives. They can also run educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of keeping public spaces clean.

Band 6-7

00:00

It's been a year ago, me and my friends planned to enjoy the environment and a peaceful place. So we just selected a destination to Kodaikanal and we just travelled by car itself. We reached there and we just picked up some specific sports to enjoy the Kodaikanal. It was a cool climate which is more preferable for everyone that can enjoy the nature. Suddenly we reached to a spot called Kuwarni which is a famous place in Kodaikanal itself. It's a hilltop place and there is no permission to go inside because it's restricted from the forest department. I saw that most of the people are just not aware of what they are restricted and just got into inside. While I was observing too close, I saw that so many waste has been thrown through the area after their use. Even discharged from a small plastic to a big plastic waste itself. I just reported to the forest office about this and I feel hectic environment in that side because I don't think this is a good way to treat the environment.

Follow up questions

What do you think causes people to litter in natural areas?

I believe a lack of awareness and education about environmental issues leads people to litter. Many individuals may not understand the impact of their actions on nature and wildlife. Additionally, some might feel that their single act of littering won't make a difference, which contributes to the problem.

How can communities encourage people to reduce plastic waste?

Communities can organize clean-up drives, educational workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste. Providing more recycling bins and promoting alternatives to plastic, like reusable bags, can also help change people's habits and attitudes towards waste.

What role do you think government regulations play in managing waste?

Government regulations are crucial in managing waste effectively. They can enforce laws that limit plastic production and promote recycling initiatives. By implementing stricter penalties for littering and providing incentives for sustainable practices, governments can significantly reduce plastic waste in natural areas.

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Band 6-7

00:00

Two months ago when I was travelling by the train, when I reached, as soon as I reached Wadala, I saw a huge amount of plastic waste that was piled up in the ground and people just living around the corner of that street. That time I wondered how can people can live in such an unhygienic condition and what was the reason of the waste. Sooner I realized that it was not done by the people themselves, it was that people, not only people but also the government used to dump the waste on that street. Later I decided to join Young India Unchained Club which is a club consisting of youth generation who conduct several activities to safeguard our environment, children and women. So I raised this thing in the community meeting that why shouldn't we just work on our environment and work on reducing wastage. Nevertheless people agreed with me and we conducted a seminar in the locality of that place and thus we were able to reduce the waste of that place.

Follow up questions

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

Plastic waste can have severe impacts on the environment, including harming wildlife, polluting water sources, and contributing to climate change. It takes hundreds of years to decompose, leading to long-term ecological damage. Reducing plastic waste is crucial for protecting our planet.

How can communities work together to reduce plastic waste?

Communities can collaborate by organizing clean-up drives, promoting recycling programs, and educating residents about the importance of reducing plastic use. Initiatives like community seminars and workshops can raise awareness and encourage collective action towards a cleaner environment.

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

The government should implement stricter regulations on waste management, promote recycling initiatives, and invest in public awareness campaigns. They can also provide facilities for proper waste disposal and encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices to reduce plastic production.

Band 6-7

00:00

Yes, indeed I went for a summer vacation last time and on a beach in Goa and we were just passing by the beach and I saw a heap of plastic over there. There were bottles, there were wrappers of chocolates, chips and also there were vendors selling the things in plastic plates and I was very tensed about that so I was with my mother and we walked around throughout the day on the beach telling the people about the consequences of this plastic if it was thrown in the water which is usually done and how it was harmful to the marine animals. So after two days of hard work we went around the beach, we circulated circulars and all just to make the people realize that how the things could become worse if the marine animals ate the plastic or consume the plastic and how it can affect our earth. So finally after two days of hard work we got five people who were ready to help us with the help of government and we brought cranes and other things which could help to remove the plastic and seeing us many other people joined us and they also realized that yes it was harmful for the marine animals and we took out that plastic waste and we threw it in the lorry and then it went.

Follow up questions

What motivated you to take action against plastic waste?

I was motivated by the sight of the plastic waste harming the beach and the marine life. Seeing the impact it had on the environment and knowing that we could make a difference inspired me to take action and raise awareness among others.

How do you think communities can better manage plastic waste?

Communities can manage plastic waste by organizing clean-up drives, promoting recycling programs, and educating people about the importance of reducing plastic use. Collaboration with local governments and businesses can also lead to better waste management solutions.

What are some alternatives to using plastic at beaches?

Alternatives to plastic at beaches include using biodegradable plates and utensils, encouraging visitors to bring reusable containers, and providing refill stations for water. Promoting eco-friendly products can significantly reduce plastic waste in these areas.

Show all 29 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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