Part 1: Introduction & Interview (2-3 Minutes)

1. Do you enjoy spending time in nature?
   Sample Answer:
   “Yes, I enjoy spending time in nature because it’s a great way to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Being surrounded by greenery and fresh air really helps me clear my mind, and I find activities like hiking and camping quite refreshing.”

2. What do you think are the main environmental problems in your area?
   Sample Answer:
   “In my area, one of the main environmental problems is air pollution, mainly due to traffic and industrial activities. There’s also the issue of waste management, as not enough people are recycling properly, which leads to a lot of unnecessary landfill waste.”

3. What changes can individuals make to help protect the environment?
   Sample Answer:
   “Individuals can make simple changes like reducing their plastic usage, recycling more effectively, and conserving water and energy at home. Small actions like using reusable bags, choosing public transportation instead of cars, and supporting sustainable products can collectively have a significant impact on the environment.”

Part 2: Long Turn (4 Minutes)

Prompt:
Describe a place you have visited that is affected by environmental issues.

• You should say:
  • Where the place is
  • What environmental problems it faces
  • How it has been affected
• And explain what can be done to improve the situation.

Sample Answer:
“One place that comes to mind is a coastal town I visited last year. It was beautiful, with sandy beaches and clear waters, but it was also heavily affected by plastic pollution. While walking along the beach, I saw a lot of plastic bottles, wrappers, and even fishing nets washed up on the shore. The marine life there has suffered greatly, with sea turtles and fish often getting entangled in the waste. To improve the situation, I think there needs to be a stronger community effort to clean the beaches regularly, better waste disposal systems, and perhaps more awareness campaigns about the importance of reducing plastic use.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think environmental issues like these should be addressed at a local or global level?

Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 Minutes)

Task Prompt:
Here are some ways to help the environment. Talk together about how effective each of these ideas might be and decide which would have the biggest impact on improving the environment.

• Recycling programs
• Renewable energy sources
• Environmental education in schools
• Banning single-use plastics
• Planting more trees

Sample Discussion Points:
“I think recycling programs are a great way to manage waste and reduce our environmental footprint. However, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power might have a more significant impact in the long term by reducing carbon emissions. What’s your perspective on these options?”
“I agree that renewable energy is vital, but I believe that banning single-use plastics would bring about an immediate change in how we manage waste. Plastic is a major pollutant, and by reducing its use, we could see cleaner oceans and land. Do you think environmental education plays a role in how effective these measures could be?”

Part 4: Discussion (5 Minutes)

1. How has climate change affected your country or region?
   Sample Answer:
   “Climate change has had noticeable effects on my region, particularly in terms of extreme weather events. Summers have become much hotter, and we’ve seen an increase in flooding and droughts. This has impacted agriculture, causing difficulties for farmers and affecting food production. It’s also led to changes in wildlife behavior, as some animals are struggling to adapt to the new weather patterns.”

2. Do you think governments are doing enough to tackle environmental problems?
   Sample Answer:
   “I think some governments are making progress, especially with policies promoting sustainable practices and investments in green technology. However, many are still not doing enough. Environmental issues require global cooperation, but sometimes economic interests take precedence over environmental concerns, slowing down necessary changes. A more aggressive approach is needed, with stricter regulations on carbon emissions, greater support for renewable energy, and incentives for companies and individuals to adopt eco-friendly habits.”

3. What role does technology play in solving environmental issues?
   Sample Answer:
   “Technology plays a significant role in finding innovative solutions to environmental problems. For example, advancements in renewable energy technology have made solar and wind power more efficient and affordable. Smart agriculture helps reduce water usage and improve crop yields. Additionally, technology like electric vehicles reduces our dependency on fossil fuels. However, it’s crucial that we use technology responsibly, ensuring that the development of new products and solutions is done in an environmentally sustainable manner.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Hustle and bustle: The busy, noisy activity of a place, usually a city.

   • "Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city can be very relaxing."

2. Greenery: Green foliage, plants, and trees.

   • "Being surrounded by greenery is very calming."

3. Waste management: The collection, transport, processing, and disposal of waste materials.

   • "Proper waste management is crucial for a clean environment."

4. Plastic pollution: The accumulation of plastic objects and particles in the environment that adversely affects wildlife, habitat, and humans.

   • "Plastic pollution is a serious problem for our oceans."

5. Marine life: Animals and plants that live in the sea.

   • "Marine life is endangered by pollution and overfishing."

6. Carbon emissions: The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

   • "Reducing carbon emissions is essential to fight global warming."

7. Renewable energy sources: Energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydro power.

   • "Investing in renewable energy sources is key to a sustainable future."

8. Single-use plastics: Plastics intended to be used once and then discarded.

   • "Banning single-use plastics could drastically reduce waste."

9. Sustainable practices: Actions that do not harm the environment and can be continued over the long term.

   • "Sustainable practices like recycling and using renewable energy are important for environmental conservation."

10. Extreme weather events: Severe or unseasonal weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves.

    • "Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events."

11. Drought: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.

    • "Droughts have become more common due to climate change."

12. Eco-friendly habits: Practices that are environmentally friendly and aim to reduce harm to the planet.

    • "Adopting eco-friendly habits like reducing waste and saving energy can help protect the environment."

13. Smart agriculture: Farming practices that use technology to increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

    • "Smart agriculture helps reduce the environmental impact of farming."

14. Incentives: Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something, often related to rewards or benefits.

    • "Governments can provide incentives for people to adopt more sustainable practices."

15. Awareness campaigns: Organized efforts to inform and educate the public on a particular issue.

    • "Awareness campaigns about recycling can lead to more responsible waste disposal."

16. Landfill waste: Trash that is buried underground in designated areas known as landfills.

    • "A significant amount of plastic ends up as landfill waste."

17. Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.

    • "Preserving biodiversity is vital for a balanced ecosystem."

18. Fossil fuels: Natural fuels formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

    • "Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels is essential for combating climate change."