Describe a Time When You Saw a Lot of Plastic Waste IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Describe a time when you saw a lot of plastic waste (e.g. in a park, on the beach, etc.).

You should say:
Where and when you saw the plastic waste?
Why there was a lot of plastic waste?
What you did do after you saw it?
And explain what your thoughts were about this.

NOTE – The examiner gives you one minute to plan your answer, and to help you prepare for the topic, the examiner provides you with a pencil and a notepad. You’ll have to answer the questions given on the topic for one-to-two minutes

Sample Answer 1

Introduction

Being a voracious traveller, I have visited many places. One of them is worth mentioning where I found a lot of plastic waste.

Where and when you saw the plastic waste?

Last year I went to Manali to spend my summer vacation. A visit to this hill station is incomplete without a trip to the Rohtang Pass. So I decided to visit it and reached it.

The place is the scenic beauty, and I had a gala time there. To explore further, I followed the road to Ladakh. And there I saw a lot of plastic bags scattered here and there.

Why was there a lot of plastic waste?

There was a lot of plastic waste because tourists from various parts of India visit Rohtang Pass, and the climate there is usually freezing cold.

Due to that, people bring packed food and throw plastic bags here and there.

What did you do after you saw it?

After seeing it, I called the local pollution board and told them about the filthy condition of that beautiful place.

Within one hour, the concerned team visited the place and assured me they would clear the mess within a few hours.

And explain what your thoughts were about this.

In my opinion, nature is a god of gift to us. But we are leaving no stone unturned to ruin it. The prominent cause for this is the urge of people to live a comfortable lifestyle.

Moreover, the lack of strict guidelines from the government is another reason for this.

It is the bounden duty of all people to keep our surroundings neat and clean.

Vocabulary from Sample Answer 1

1. Worth mentioning

Meaning: Important enough to require a comment.

Sentence: The role of Elon Musk in space exploration is worth-mentioning.He is leaving no stone unturned to colonize Mars in the coming decades.

2. Filthy

Meaning: Very dirty.

Sentence: The footfall in Goa has increased tremendously in the past few years and due to this the place has become filthy as many tourists throw rubbish here and there.

3. Leave no stone unturned

Meaning: Make use of every possible course of action to do a task.

Sentence: Despite a humble beginning Sachin Tendulkar left no stone unturned to become the best batsman in the world. He ingrained paramount discipline in his schedule to achieve success.

3. Prominent

Meaning: Important or famous

Sentence: The prominent reason behind America’s success is its education system which pays excessive heed to skill development.

4. Bounden Duty

Meaning: A responsibility regarded as obligatory

Sentence: I take it as my bounden duty to keep my surroundings neat and clean because I belive in the saying that “cleanliness is next to godliness.”

Sample Answer 2

Introduction

Being a nature lover, I hate plastic. Recently I visited a place where there was heaps of plastic waste.

Where and when you saw the plastic waste?

Last week there were elections in my hometown. Due to that, the political parties left no stone unturned to vow the innocent voters.

A lot of rallies took place, and I visited one of them. When the rally ended, I saw a lot of plastic waste lying here and there.

Why was there a lot of plastic waste?

Plastic waste was there for two reasons. Firstly, the political party distributed many promotional materials in flags, caps and danglers. Most of these items were made of plastic.

The central focus of the political party was to spread awareness among the general public regarding their candidate. However, the public didn’t take it seriously and threw it to the ground.

Secondly, many water bottles were distributed to quench people’s thirst. After using the bottles, people left them at the rally venue.

What did you do after you saw it?

I immediately called the pollution board office. Their team came in half an hour and cleared all the mess, and they warned the political party to make sufficient arrangements for waste disposal; otherwise, a hefty fine would be charged.

And explain what your thoughts were about this.

I think it is our responsibility to keep our surroundings in good shape. People from all walks of life should refrain from using plastic; when they use it, they must ensure its proper disposal.

Sample Answer 3

Introduction

There is no denying this conviction that modern technology has made our lives comfortable through various discoveries. On the other hand, it has created products like plastic which are detrimental to our environment.

Where and when you saw the plastic waste?

Last year I went to watch a cricket match at PCA Stadium Mohali. The match was between India and Australia. It was a nail-biting match, and both teams left no stone unturned to win it.

In the end, due to the breathtaking performance of Virat Kohli, the Indian team won the match. However, when the spectators left the stadium, heaps of plastic waste were visible in the stands.

Why was there a lot of plastic waste?

The plastic waste was there because, during the match, the catering service supplied the food items in plastic bags.

Apart from this, the water bottles available to quench the thirst of the spectators were also of plastic.

Lastly, there was a shortage of dustbins. Due to that, many spectators placed plastic bottles and bags beneath the chairs.

What did you do after you saw it?

I immediately contacted the stadium authorities, who deputed their housekeeping team to clear the mess. I also worked as a volunteer to put all plastic waste in the dustbins. The whole process took three hours of hard work.

And explain what your thoughts were about this.

In my opinion, most people are aware of the disastrous repercussions of the persistent use of plastic, but still, people are continuing with the usage. It is the bounden duty of the higher authorities to frame stringent guidelines to restrict its rampant usage.

Follow up Questions

Here are some examples of follow-up questions that the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Describe a time when you saw a lot of plastic waste (e.g. in a park, on the beach, etc.).”

1. Do you think we should use plastic products?

There is no denying this conviction that plastic products are detrimental to our environment. Their persistent usage leads to disastrous aftermaths because they have contaminated the water and soil.

It is the bounden duty of all the sections of society to refrain from using plastic products so that the planet earth can become a better place.

2. How can we reduce our use of plastic?

We can reduce the use of plastic by using alternate products. Instead of plastic bottles, we can use bamboo and steel bottles.

Moreover, people should give preference to cane furniture instead of plastic.

Apart from this, the government should encourage the research and development of alternatives to plastic.

3. What kinds of plastic waste are often seen in your country?

The wider use of plastic is in making bags. Wherever you go, you can see used, and unused plastic bags lying here and there.

4. Why do people like to use plastic products?

There are two main reasons. Firstly plastic products are convenient to use because they are not only durable but also possess elasticity. Art from this cost is another factor; plastic products cost less than others.

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