Examiner: Are there any environmental problems in your country?
Kelly: Yes … we have a serious issue with pollution levels in some of our big cities … exhaust fumes from cars and lorries are definitely one reason for the problem but we also have a lot of heavy industry in some areas and this also results in poor air quality …
Examiner: Do you take an interest in nature?
Jenny: Well … I’m a city person through and through and don’t get back to nature very often I’m afraid … but like everyone else I’m fascinated by the natural world and I like watching documentaries showing wild animals in their natural habitat …
Examiner: Do you or your family take steps to help the environment?
Mira: My parents have always tried to make us aware of our impact on the environment… they’re really into energy conservation … and always try to buy environmentally friendly products if they have the chance …
Describe an environmental problem that has been in the news. You should say
when this was
where the event happened
what actually took place
and say how you felt about this problem.
Martin: Well … this is an interesting question … there are so many issues I could think of … natural disasters like earthquakes and floods seem to be in the news almost every year … but there was one story recently about some animals that were under threat … it wasn’t focused on one place in particular … it was looking at various animals that could actually become extinct in different African countries … if we don’t take steps to protect them … these were really iconic animals like gorillas … leopards … rhinos … and apparently they’re now listed as endangered species … what made it really depressing was they were in danger thanks to us … in some cases it was due to a loss of habitat either because people need more agricultural production … or even worse I think … because of hunting and poaching … I hate to think of future generations being robbed of the chance to see creatures like these in their natural environment… it’s lucky we have lots of organisations that focus on wildlife conservation … hopefully with their help we can put pressure on those in power to do something to stop creatures like these dying out …
Examiner: What do you think is the main danger the world faces in terms of the environment?
Spencer: Well … climate change is a real issue … in my country we have flash floods and heatwaves on a yearly basis … so yes … I think global warming is the biggest issue.
Examiner: What examples are there of how we damage the natural world?
Stella: There are so many examples … there are factories that empty toxic waste into rivers and oceans … oil spills that damage the coastline … the way we destroy vast areas of land and rain forests in search of fossil fuels or to increase agricultural production …
Examiner: In which ways do we respond well to environmental problems?
Matheus: Well … on the one hand there are various worldwide agencies that are always the first on the scene with humanitarian aid after natural and man-made disasters … and on the other hand we have environmental pressure groups that are constantly raising awareness of issues and trying to stop disasters happening …
air quality: the cleanliness of the air we breathe
to become extinct: to no longer exist
to be under threat: to be in danger of becoming extinct
climate change: the change in worldwide weather patterns
to die out: see ‘to become extinct’
endangered species: categories of animals or plants that are in danger of becoming extinct
energy conservation: the careful management of energy resources to ensure they last as long as possible
environmentally friendly: behavior and products that do not harm the environment
exhaust fumes: the toxic gases given off by vehicles powered by petrol
flash floods: floods that happen quickly
fossil fuels: energy resources like gas and oil that are produced deep below the ground over millions of years
future generations: the people who live after us
to get back to nature: to live a life that is closer to nature
global warming: the increasing temperature of the world brought about by gases such as carbon dioxide
heavy industry: the manufacture of heavy articles and materials in large numbers
humanitarian aid: the act of showing support to people struggling to survive
impact on: the effect on
loss of habitat: the decline in areas of land where animals and plants would normally exist
man-made disaster: widespread damage or loss of life brought about by the action of humans
natural disaster: an event such as an earthquake, flood or hurricane which causes widespread damage or loss of life
natural environment: the place where animals and plants would normally be found in nature
the natural world: the world of nature
oil spill: waste usually deposited in the seas and oceans after an accident at sea
poaching: to hunt and kill wild animals illegally
pollution levels: the amount of toxic waste
pressure group: a group of people who try to raise awareness of issues and try to affect the views and actions of people and organisations
toxic waste: poisonous, unwanted rubbish often produced by industrial processes
wildlife conservation: to protect animals and plants and their habitats
До конца акции осталось:
Мне очень нравится изучать английский в языковой школе «StudyRoom». Здесь очень дружный и веселый коллектив. Занятия проходят очень интересно и непренужденно.
Обучение на курсах английского языка «StudyRoom» проходит довольно на высоком уровне. Занятия дают возможность дискутировать на различные темы, практиковать разговорную речь.
Мне очень нравится изучать английский в языковой школе «StudyRoom». Здесь очень дружный и веселый коллектив. Занятия проходят очень интересно и непренужденно.
Обучение на курсах английского языка «StudyRoom» проходит довольно на высоком уровне. Занятия дают возможность дискутировать на различные темы, практиковать разговорную речь.