In the current 2026 forecast, environmental topics are making a significant appearance. Examiners are looking for your ability to discuss sustainability with nuance, using high-level vocabulary that goes beyond “cleaning the beach” or “recycling.”
Part 1: Warm-up Questions
1. Are you interested in environmental protection?
To be perfectly honest, I’ve become increasingly conscientious about environmental issues lately. It’s hard to ignore the ecological crisis we’re facing, so I try to stay informed about how my daily actions impact the planet.
2. Do you think you’ve done enough to protect the environment?
In all fairness, there’s always room for improvement. While I’ve made some modifications to my lifestyle, such as reducing single-use plastics, I still feel like a small cog in a large machine. I’m striving to do more, particularly in terms of reducing my carbon footprint.
3. Is there much pollution in your hometown?
Unfortunately, yes. The industrial runoff and heavy traffic congestion have led to quite severe air and water pollution. It’s a pressing concern for many residents, and there’s a growing demand for stricter environmental regulations.
Part 2: Cue Card (Long Turn)
Describe a sustainable habit you recently adopted.
You should say:
– What the habit is
– When and why you started it
– How you do it
– And explain how you feel about this habit.
Sample 1: Practical Household Habit
I’d like to talk about a habit that has significantly altered my consumption patterns: composting organic waste. I initiated this practice about six months ago after watching a profoundly eye-opening documentary about the staggering amount of food waste that ends up in landfills, contributing to methane emissions.
Initially, I was a bit apprehensive because I live in a relatively small apartment and was concerned about potential odors. However, I discovered a compact, odorless bokashi bin system that fits perfectly under my kitchen sink. The process is quite straightforward—I simply collect fruit peels, coffee grounds, and vegetable scraps, and then add a special microbial bran to accelerate the decomposition process.
Adopting this habit has been deeply rewarding. It has made me much more mindful of what I buy and consume. Beyond the practical benefit of producing nutrient-rich soil for my balcony plants, it gives me a sense of agency in the face of global environmental challenges. Knowing that I’m diverting several kilograms of waste from landfills every month is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s a constant reminder that incremental changes can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Sample 2: Lifestyle & Transportation
Personally, I’ve recently made a conscious effort to forgo private vehicle travel in favor of public transportation. I made this decision at the start of the year as a response to the escalating levels of urban smog and traffic congestion in my metropolis. I realized that my reliance on ride-hailing apps was significantly inflating my personal carbon footprint.
The transition wasn’t without its hurdles. I had to become much more meticulous with my scheduling and familiarize myself with the intricate subway and bus networks. Instead of the door-to-door convenience of a car, I now utilize a combination of cycling to the station and taking the light rail. While it takes roughly fifteen minutes longer, it has become a dedicated time for me to read or listen to podcasts, turning a stressful commute into a period of intellectual enrichment.
I feel incredibly empowered by this shift. It’s given me a different perspective on my city and a feeling of **communal solidarity** with other commuters. Economically, it’s also been a windfall, as I’ve saved a considerable sum on fuel and maintenance. Overall, replacing my car usage with public transit has made me feel more congruent with my values of environmental stewardship.
Part 3: Discussion
1. Do you think individuals or governments should take more responsibility for the environment?
I believe it’s a symbiotic relationship. While individual actions are essential for creating a cultural shift towards sustainability, governments possess the legislative power to implement large-scale changes. Without robust policies and incentives for green energy, individual efforts might remain fragmented and insufficient.
2. How can schools educate children about sustainability?
Schools should move beyond theoretical knowledge and integrate hands-on experiences into the curriculum. For instance, maintaining a school garden or organizing waste-sorting competitions can make abstract concepts like biodiversity and the circular economy more tangible for young learners.
3. Why is it difficult for some people to change their environmental habits?
Often, it comes down to a matter of convenience and cost. In many societies, the unsustainable option is frequently the cheapest and most accessible. Unless we make eco-friendly alternatives more financially viable and easy to integrate into a busy modern lifestyle, many people will inevitably stick to their old, less sustainable habits.
Vocabulary & Idioms
- Conscientious /ˌkɒn.ʃiˈen.ʃəs/ (adj): Putting a lot of effort into your work; being very careful.
- Carbon Footprint (n): The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to support human activities.
- Pressing Concern (n): A problem that needs immediate attention.
- Financially Viable (adj): Capable of being successful and yielding profit.
- Incremental Change (n): Small, gradual improvements rather than big, sudden ones.
- A small cog in a large machine (idiom): An organization or person that has a small part in a large process.
