Vocabulary to talk about THE ENVIRONMENT in the IELTS exam

 
8 vocabulary words with sample sentences to talk about the environment

The environment is a common topic in IELTS Speaking. Today’s lesson gives you some helpful vocabulary to prepare for this theme in the exam. Please note that the sample answers are given just to demonstrate the vocabulary in use. You should never give one-sentence answers in the exam. 

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To go green (idiom)
To adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle

Examiner: Do you do anything to help the environment?
My family has decided TO GO GREEN by recycling all our waste and no longer using plastic bags.

Endangered (adjective)
animals or plants in danger of becoming extinct or disappearing in the near future

Examiner: What are some of the biggest environmental problems that we face?
For me, the most serious issue is the extinction of animals. Many species, such as the Sumatran tiger, are ENDANGERED, and this is a real cause of concern.  

Energy-efficient (adjective)
able to use less energy (esp. of vehicles, appliances, buildings, etc.)

Examiner: Does your family do anything to save energy in the home?
Yes, we buy ENERGY-EFFICIENT light bulbs and we are very serious about recycling. We try to conserve water during summer and avoid taking long showers.

fossil fuel (noun)
a fuel like oil or coal formed from very old plant and animal fossils

Examiner: How can we improve air-quality in our cities?
Well, it’s not easy to fix this issue because of our over-reliance on cars and the presence of large factories. We should use public transportation as much as possible and reduce the use of FOSSIL FUELS, such as coal.

renewable energy (noun)
can be used without running out, esp. of energy sources like solar and wind

Examiner: What changes can you see happening in the future that will help the environment?
In my opinion, a big change, and the most important one, will be an increase in the use of RENEWABLE ENERGY. I think solar panels are going to become cheaper and most households will probably be able to afford them.

Carbon footprint (noun)
a measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide that a person or organization produces

Examiner: What are some ways in which we can help the environment?
Well, for one, we can use energy-efficient products in the home and the workplace. These days we have the technology to help the environment so we really should use it. Also, we need to ban the use of fossil fuels, reduce our CARBON FOOTPRINT and focus more on renewable energy.

Environmentalist (noun)
A person who is concerned about protecting the environment.

Examiner: Do you think governments can do more to protect the environment?
Absolutely, they could offer more funding to environmental programs and support ENVIRONMENTALISTS who are trying to raise awareness of certain issues.

To contaminate (verb)
to make a place or substance dirty or harmful by putting something such as chemicals in it 

Examiner: Do you agree that factories should take most of the responsibility for environmental damage?
Well, yes and no. They have been responsible for CONTAMINATING rivers and the air, but I think that individuals are just as guilty. We all need to take responsibility.

I hope that vocabulary is useful for you! Please leave any comments or questions below!