Discussing Air Pollution in a City You Visited for IELTS

You step off the plane in a bustling city, excited to explore. But as you wander around, you notice a hazy layer hanging in the air, almost like a fog. The air feels heavy, and you see people wearing masks, moving quickly to get indoors. This experience might be the perfect start for your IELTS cue card on air pollution.

During the IELTS speaking test, you often encounter cue cards that prompt you to talk about everyday experiences. Topics such as air quality provide an excellent opportunity to illustrate a location while improving your ability to tell a clear and engaging story.

Here are some example questions that can assist you in handling this IELTS cue card with ease. We will also highlight important points to consider when describing your experience with speaking cue card pollution.

Prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test with a cue card detailing "a place you visited where the air was polluted." You will have one minute to organise your thoughts and two minutes to narrate your experience. This is an excellent opportunity to turn a challenge into a showcase of your skills. Let's craft an unforgettable response!

Be sure to include:

• The location of the place.
• The time of your visit.
• The reasons for the poor air quality.
• Your feelings about the place.

To effectively address the topic of a place visited with polluted air, consider the following approach:

• Location Awareness: Identify the city or region, providing specific and relatable context for those unfamiliar.
• Situational Analysis: Describe the timing and circumstances of your visit, which can highlight changes in air quality conditions.
• Pollution Factors: Explain contributing causes, such as industrial activities, traffic, or weather patterns, which offer depth to your narrative.
• Personal Reflection: Share your emotional response and any insights gained, reflecting the immediate and long-term impacts of air pollution.

Further, here are some model answers for the air pollution cue card topic "Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted," along with follow-up questions about IELTS air quality that may be useful for the IELTS exam.

Discuss the air pollution in a city you visited. You should state:

• What factors contribute to the air pollution in this city?
• Where and when did you observe this pollution?
• Why is this issue significant to address?
• How does the pollution affect the daily lives of residents?

To appropriately respond to this query:

• Give a quick overview of your visit to Ambala.
• Describe the specific pollution sources, such as traffic, industry, or burning practices, that contribute to the problem.
• Provide details regarding the locations and times you observed the pollution.
• Describe how this pollution impacts the environment and health.
• Discuss the effects of air pollution on residents’ daily lives, drawing parallels to challenges in other cities or regions.

When responding, consider linking your experience to overall environmental issues. For example:

“During my visit to Ambala in Haryana, I noticed heavy air pollution primarily caused by vehicular emissions and nearby industrial activities. I observed this issue most prominently during the morning rush hours in central areas of the city. Pollution is a significant concern due to its impact on respiratory problems and overall quality of life for residents. Experiencing this firsthand made me realise the importance of sustainable urban planning and stricter emission regulations, similar to global challenges in other urban areas. Environmental issues such as air pollution in cities are worsened by harmful chemicals released from various sources. Maintaining urban air quality is crucial for healthier living conditions."

Discuss the air pollution in a tourist city you visited. You should state:

• What factors contribute to the air pollution in this city?
• Where and when did you notice the pollution?
• Why is it crucial to address this issue?
• How does the pollution affect the lives of locals and tourists?

To engage with this query:

• Begin by providing a brief overview of your visit to Bangalore, a prominent tourist destination in the southern part of the country.
• Identify the primary pollution sources, such as high traffic congestion, industrial discharges, and construction dust, that contribute to the city's air quality issues.
• Describe your observations of the pollution levels, specifying the areas and times when it was particularly noticeable.
• Discuss the significance of addressing air pollution in terms of both environmental sustainability and public health.
• Explain the impacts of poor air quality on residents and tourists, including health concerns and diminished experiences, while illustrating connections to broader global challenges.

You could answer by linking your experience of severe air pollution to a particular location, providing details and context about what you did to stay safe. For instance:

When visiting Bangalore, “I observed considerable air pollution caused by dense traffic and ongoing construction projects. The poor air quality was most noticeable in heavily congested areas during the evening. Addressing this issue is critical as it poses serious health risks and detracts from the city's appeal as a travel destination. This experience highlighted the need to implement clean air initiatives, embrace sustainable practices, and address industrial pollution, similar to global challenges in metropolitan cities. Wearing a face mask can help protect individuals against the poor air quality in such areas.”

Discuss air pollution in a city you visited for IELTS preparation. You should say:

• What factors contribute to the air pollution in this city?
• When and where did you notice the pollution?
• Why do you think this situation is concerning for residents?
• How your visit influenced your understanding of environmental issues

To appropriately respond to this question:

• Start with a brief overview of your visit to Kanpur.
• Explain the factors causing pollution, such as industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, or construction dust.
• Provide details about when and where you noticed the pollution during your visit.
• Describe why you believe this pollution is a concern for the local population.
• Discuss how witnessing this situation impacted your perspective on environmental challenges.

When responding, you could draw similarities between your experience and global climate change efforts. For instance:

"During a visit to Kanpur, a bustling industrial city in India, I observed significant air pollution caused by industrial emissions and heavy traffic. I noticed the haze and reduced air quality, specifically during rush hours in the busy market areas. This situation concerns residents due to the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air. Air pollution impact is evident as even outdoor activities affected are noticeable. Witnessing these conditions firsthand deepened my understanding of urban environmental challenges like carbon emissions. It also motivated me to focus on environmental studies for my IELTS preparation, aiming to apply my knowledge to global initiatives addressing pollution and promoting clean energy solutions.”

Discuss an example of air pollution in a city you visited. You should say:

• What contributes to the air pollution in this city?
• When did you visit, and what impact did it have on your experience?
• Why do you think this pollution is a concern for residents and visitors?
• How has this issue been addressed by local authorities or organisations?

To address this question effectively:

• Provide a quick overview of your visit to the city, focusing on environmental conditions.
• Describe the sources contributing to air pollution, like vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust.
• Offer details about the timing of your visit and how pollution affected your stay.
• Explain how this pollution challenges residents' health and visitors' experiences.
• Discuss any measures that have been taken to tackle this problem.

When responding, you could make connections between your experience and broader environmental concerns. For instance:

“Last winter, when I visited Delhi, I noticed a thick smog caused by heavy vehicle emissions and industrial pollution. The poor air quality affected my ability to explore the city and heightened my awareness of environmental health issues. Pollution is a significant concern, impacting both the local community and tourists. To address this, the city has implemented government measures such as stricter emission standards and encouraging public transport usage. These efforts are crucial for improving air quality and ensuring a healthier environment for everyone. Embracing these changes contributes to sustainable living.”

Below are some follow-up questions that consider the details you provided in response to the IELTS cue card question about discussing air pollution in a city you visited.

• How do you think air pollution affects the overall health of a city’s population?
• What measures could be taken to reduce air pollution in cities like Delhi?
• Do you believe individuals can make a significant difference in combating air pollution? How?
• In your opinion, how does air pollution impact tourists visiting a city?
• How would you compare the air quality in Delhi to other major cities you’ve visited?
• What role do industries contribute to air pollution, and what can be done to regulate them?
• How can education and awareness campaigns influence people’s behaviour in reducing pollution?
• What technologies or innovations could help improve air quality in heavily polluted cities?
• Do you think cities with severe pollution can ever return to being pollution-free? Why or why not?
• What actions can the government and local authorities take to reduce air pollution in urban areas?

These follow-up questions aim to deepen the conversation, offering space for more detailed responses while allowing the speaker to connect with the audience and provide actionable insights on tackling air pollution.

So, when you talk about air pollution on an IELTS cue card, it’s not just about getting ready for a favourable answer. It also helps you become more aware of critical global issues, from air pollution impacts to clean energy solutions.

AECC provides a range of services, like IELTS prep courses and study abroad guidance, to help students achieve their goals. Contact AECC today to kick off your IELTS journey!