# Describe an environmental problem in your area: IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 2 - Nature

Describe an environmental problem in your area.

You should say:
- what the problem is
- what causes it
- how it affects people in your area
- and explain what you think should be done about it

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

I'd like to talk about air pollution, which is a big environmental problem in the city where I live.

The problem is especially bad in winter. On some days, there's a grey layer of smog over the whole city, and you can't even see the mountains that are usually visible from my balcony. Sometimes the air even has a strange smell, like burning.

There are several causes. The main one is traffic. The number of cars and motorbikes have increased a lot in recent years, and many of them are quite old, so they produce a lot of exhaust fumes. Also, there are a lot of construction sites, because the city is growing very fast, and they create a lot of dust. In winter some people also burn wood or rubbish to keep warm, and that makes the situation worse, especially because the city is in a valley, so the polluted air gets trapped.

It affects people in many ways. A lot of people, especially children and old people, suffer from coughs and breathing problems. My grandmother has asthma, and on bad days she can't leave the house at all. Many people wear masks when they go outside, and some schools even cancel outdoor activities. It also affects tourism, because visitors don't want to come when the air is so dirty.

In my opinion, the government should invest more in public transport, like electric buses, so that people don't need to use their own vehicles so much. They should also check old vehicles more strictly and control dust from building sites. But individuals can help too, for example by walking or cycling for short trips. I think if everybody will do a little, the air could be much cleaner.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 answer is well organised and relevant, explaining causes, effects and solutions with suitable topic vocabulary ("smog", "exhaust fumes", "construction sites", "gets trapped"). The personal example of the grandmother makes the effects concrete. However, "a lot of" is repeated several times, linkers like "Also" are predictable, and the closing conditional has a typical error ("if everybody will do a little"). There is also an agreement error in "The number of cars and motorbikes have increased" (rather than "has increased"). Band 8 adds more precise, varied vocabulary, natural idiom and more nuanced discussion of solutions.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/describe-an-environmental-problem).

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.