Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Group or organisation that works to protect the environment - Cue Card # 808
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a group or organisation that works to protect the environment.
You should say:
- what type of group or organisation it is
- how you know about them
- what things/works they do
and explain how their initiatives and actions protect the environment.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
Introduction:
Ohhh! Thank you for this excellent topic. For it, I'd like to talk about an environmental organisation that I know about called "Blue Planet".
What type of group or organisation it is:
Blue Planet is a non-governmental organisation that works towards promoting peace, protecting the environment, and preventing environmental disasters. It was founded in 1971 in Vancouver, Canada. Now it is an international organisation, and, today, it operates in more than 55 countries with a mission to create a greener, safer and more peaceful world.
How you know about them:
I have learned about this organisation through social media, news channels and various other sources. I was intrigued by their work, and I decided to read more about them. Later I learned more about "Blue Planet" online through their and other websites and blogs.
What things/works they do:
Blue Planet is best known for its direct action campaigns, and it investigates and exposes environmental crimes, advocates for solutions, and takes peaceful action to protect the planet. They have also been involved in many successful campaigns to protect forests and oceans, and promote renewable energy. Its efforts towards promoting sustainable development are commendable, and it is an excellent example of how a group can work towards creating a greener and more sustainable future for all.
And explain how their initiatives and actions protect the environment:
Their initiatives and actions help protect the environment by raising awareness about environmental issues, encouraging people to take action and creating pressure on policymakers and corporations to change their practices. Their campaigns have led to positive changes such as banning harmful chemicals, stopping deforestation and promoting clean energy. They have also influenced policies related to climate change, which has helped reduce carbon emissions, a leading cause of global warming.
Model Answer 2:
It is a good thing that many organizations are working in cohesion to protect our environment all over the world and around the clock. Greenpeace is one such organization, and today I would be more than happy to talk about what it really does, and how it helps protect our environment.
I first learned about this great organization about a decade ago on our national television when it was trying to spearhead a campaign to prevent our government from making a power plant project that was based on coal. Now, even though I am not sure if this environmental organization was able to make an immediate impact on the decision-making process of the concerned authority inside our government, it surely did a great job by creating massive awareness among the environmentalists of my country in the long run. And that’s probably why our government eventually decided to stop this power plant project about 5 years ago.
Anyway, since then, I have learned about the many important roles this organization plays, in order to protect our environment, by doing things like protecting endangered whales and seals from hunting, the cessation of the process of dumping toxic chemical and radioactive wastes at sea, and the end of nuclear weapons testing.
Being founded in 1971 as a non-profit organization, this organization doesn’t only draw attention to many environmental problems and climate changes, which our world is facing today, through the acts of documentation, but also plays an active role in investigating and exposing the environmental crimes of people, companies/ corporations, and governments around the globe.
So, no wonder that the initiatives and actions, which are always direct and yet nonviolent, of Greenpeace, have helped mobilize public opinion against environmentally destructive practices. Besides, because of its rather bold and decisive role in protecting the environment, our world has also seen many favourable rulings from national and international regulatory bodies on the control of environmental abuses with considerable success. In fact, it would be fair to suggest that without organizations like Greenpeace, our world would have become a much more dangerous place environmentally, today.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
There are numerous organizations worldwide working towards environmental protection. These groups range from international organizations focused on global sustainability to local community groups targeting specific issues in their area. Below are some ideas that can help you answer this cue card effectively, whether you're referring to a well-known global organization or a smaller, local initiative.
1. Greenpeace:
Greenpeace is a renowned international environmental organization dedicated to addressing global environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and pollution. I first learned about Greenpeace through social media and their campaigns. Greenpeace carries out peaceful protests, educates the public, and pressures governments and corporations to adopt more sustainable practices. Their initiatives include working to reduce fossil fuel use, promote renewable energy, and protect biodiversity, ultimately contributing significantly to environmental conservation.
2. World Wildlife Fund (WWF):
The World Wildlife Fund is one of the largest environmental organizations globally, focused on conservation efforts to protect endangered species and ecosystems. I became aware of WWF through their widespread campaigns and fundraising events. WWF works on multiple fronts, including wildlife conservation, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Their work aims to protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and ensure a healthy planet for future generations.
3. The Sierra Club:
The Sierra Club is a grassroots environmental organization based in the United States that advocates for clean energy, conservation, and climate change action. I first learned about the Sierra Club through a friend who is an active member. The organization organizes campaigns, environmental education programs, and lobbying efforts to ensure public lands are preserved. They also work to reduce pollution and promote policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
4. Friends of the Earth:
Friends of the Earth is a network of environmental organizations working together to promote sustainable development and protect the planet's ecosystems. I became familiar with Friends of the Earth through their campaigns against climate change and environmental injustice. This organization works on multiple levels, from raising awareness about environmental issues to actively campaigning for policy changes at local, national, and global levels. Their work focuses on reducing pollution, protecting biodiversity, and advocating for green energy alternatives.
5. Plastic Pollution Coalition:
The Plastic Pollution Coalition is an organization focused on eliminating plastic pollution worldwide. I first heard about them during a beach cleanup event I participated in. Their efforts include raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic on wildlife and ecosystems, as well as advocating for the reduction and elimination of plastic waste. Their initiatives include clean-up projects, policy advocacy, and education on sustainable alternatives to plastic. They help protect the environment by minimizing waste and reducing plastic contamination in oceans and landfills.
6. The Nature Conservancy:
The Nature Conservancy is a global organization that works to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. I found out about this organization through environmental documentaries and news articles highlighting their impact. The Nature Conservancy collaborates with governments, businesses, and local communities to conserve important ecosystems, protect wildlife habitats, and address climate change. Their work in forest conservation, ocean protection, and restoring vital habitats is key to preserving biodiversity and the health of the planet.
7. 350.org:
350.org is a global movement focused on reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere to a safe level of 350 parts per million (ppm). I became aware of 350.org through their climate action campaigns. The organization uses grassroots organizing and digital campaigns to advocate for climate change action. Their initiatives focus on reducing fossil fuel use, promoting renewable energy, and lobbying for policies that address climate change. Their efforts are crucial in the fight against global warming and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
8. Local Community Clean-Up Initiatives:
In many cities and towns, local groups and organizations come together to organize clean-up drives in parks, rivers, beaches, and other public spaces. I first got involved in a local community clean-up initiative organized by a nearby environmental group. These groups collect trash, promote recycling, and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining clean public spaces. Their work helps reduce pollution, protect local wildlife, and improve the quality of life for residents. Such local efforts play a critical role in protecting the immediate environment.
9. Ocean Conservancy:
Ocean Conservancy is an organization dedicated to the protection of the world's oceans. I came across this organization while participating in an ocean clean-up campaign. Ocean Conservancy advocates for sustainable fishing practices, works to protect marine life, and conducts research on ocean pollution. They host an annual International Coastal Cleanup, where volunteers around the world clean up beaches and shorelines, helping to reduce the impact of plastic and other pollutants on marine ecosystems.
10. The Eden Project:
The Eden Project, located in Cornwall, UK, is a well-known environmental and educational organization. I first heard about the Eden Project during an environmental conference. The Eden Project is a collection of biomes that simulate various ecosystems and educate visitors on sustainable living practices. Their focus is on protecting biodiversity, promoting renewable energy, and fostering a connection between people and the environment. Through interactive exhibits, the Eden Project engages the public in environmental education, making it a vital organization in environmental advocacy.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an organization that protects the environment, using vocabulary that highlights their mission, activities, and impact can create an informative and compelling response. Focusing on their specific actions and the positive outcomes for the environment will help explain their importance. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Environmental advocacy group – An organization that campaigns to protect the natural world.
Example: They are a well-known environmental advocacy group.
Grassroots movement – A campaign that starts with ordinary people at a local level.
Example: It began as a grassroots movement concerned about deforestation.
Lobby governments for – Try to persuade politicians to support specific environmental policies.
Example: The organization lobbies governments for stricter environmental regulations.
Conduct research on – Carry out studies to gather information about environmental issues.
Example: They conduct crucial research on endangered species.
Implement conservation projects – Put plans into action to protect natural areas and wildlife.
Example: They implement various conservation projects in national parks.
Organize clean-up drives – Arrange events where volunteers collect litter and waste from the environment.
Example: They regularly organize beach clean-up drives.
Promote sustainable practices – Encourage ways of living and working that do not harm the environment.
Example: The group promotes sustainable farming practices.
Protect endangered species – Work to prevent animals and plants that are at risk of extinction from dying out.
Example: A significant part of their work involves protecting endangered species.
Restore degraded habitats – Bring back natural areas that have been damaged.
Example: They are involved in projects to restore degraded wetlands.
Campaign against pollution – Organize efforts to reduce the contamination of air, water, and land.
Example: They actively campaign against plastic pollution.
Educate the public about – Provide information to people to increase their understanding of environmental issues.
Example: They educate the public about the importance of recycling.
Monitor environmental threats – Keep track of activities or situations that could harm the environment.
Example: The organization helps monitor potential environmental threats.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a group or organisation that works to protect the environment", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a time when you visited a large office where someone you know works.
2) Describe a time when you visited a friend or family member at their workplace.
3) Describe a company or office that employs a large number of people.
4) Describe a job that you think you would be good at.
5) Describe a fascinating job that you know about.
6) Describe an organisation in which you would be interested to work in.
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