Speaking practice: answer out loud for one minute
What is the biggest environmental problem in your country?
1:00
12 conversation questions about environment
- 1What is the biggest environmental problem in your country?
- 2What do you personally do to help the environment?
- 3Should plastic bags and bottles be banned?
- 4Who is more responsible for climate change: governments, companies or individuals?
- 5Would you pay more for eco-friendly products?
- 6Is flying less a realistic solution?
- 7How has the weather changed where you live?
- 8Should meat be taxed to protect the environment?
- 9Are electric cars really the answer?
- 10How can cities become greener?
- 11Do you feel optimistic or pessimistic about the planet's future?
- 12What should children learn at school about the environment?
Useful phrases
- One of the most pressing issues is...
- I do my bit by...
- It's easier said than done.
- The responsibility lies with...
- It's a step in the right direction, but...
- We can't expect individuals to...
- I'm cautiously optimistic because...
- Unless something changes, ...
Key vocabulary
- carbon footprint
- the amount of greenhouse gas your activities produce
- sustainable
- able to continue without harming the environment
- renewable energy
- energy from sources like sun and wind
- eco-friendly
- not harmful to the environment
- emissions
- gases sent into the air
- recycle
- process used materials so they can be used again
Sample answer
What is the biggest environmental problem in your country?
In my country, one of the most pressing issues is air pollution in big cities. On some days you can actually see the smog. I try to do my bit by using public transport and avoiding single-use plastic, but it's easier said than done. Honestly, I think real change has to come from governments and large companies, not just individuals.
Practise "Environment" with a real partner
Questions are easier to remember once you've answered them out loud. Start a live 1-on-1 video call and use this topic to get the conversation going.
Practise this topic liveHow to practise this topic
- Answer each question in at least two or three sentences.
- Try to use two of the useful phrases and one new word in every answer.
- With a partner, ask a follow-up question like "Why?" or "Can you give an example?"
- Alone, record your one-minute answer and listen back for one thing to improve.