Garbage - IELTS Speaking Sample Answer

IELTS Speaking Part 1 gives a general topic on which you are expected to speak eloquently and cover the topic from various angles. In IELTS speaking part 1 candidates are asked several questions relating and relevant to the topic Garbage like- whether they help in keeping their city clean or what is the reaction of the candidate when he/she sees garbage on the street and more. There is no right or wrong answer. All you need to do is speak on the topic from your own experiences. Candidates need to practice daily from IELTS speaking practice papers to prepare well.

Topic: Garbage

Question 1. Why do some people throw garbage on the street instead of using trash bins?

Answer: In my country, it is a common sight to see someone throwing garbage on the street even when they can spot a trash bin in the vicinity. There are actually several reasons for such behaviour. Firstly, there are some people who are not aware how littering can in turn cause greater harm to the environment and continues to do so. Secondly, there are people who’ve enough awareness about everything surrounding the environment and plastic waste but still think that it’s a myth and refuse to take action. Lastly, there are people who’re just too lazy to throw garbage at the appropriate place, in spite of knowing how it can harm the environment.

Important Vocabulary:

• Vicinity: nearby
• Littering: making a place untidy by throwing rubbish

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Question 2. What do you do if you see garbage on the street?

Answer: To be very honest, if you’re staying in a developing nation with a problem of overpopulation, you’re bound to see garbage on almost every street. At least, that’s the case in my country. With people continuously littering and the country’s poor sanitation and hygiene schemes, this is a sight one can’t get rid of easily. The situation really saddens me as I know I alone can’t solve this problem and a collective effort and serious awareness is required in order to tackle this problem. When I was in school, I used to get very upset. I tried to clean some streets but I soon realized that wasn’t effective. So, I started volunteering at various places which specifically work towards keeping the city clean and awaring people through effective tools. Through this, I really think I can make a difference.

Important Vocabulary:

• Overpopulation: too many people living somewhere
• Littering: The unlawful deposit of any type of waste material
• Sanitation: public health conditions related to clean drinking water and adequate treatment

Question 3. How do you feel when you see people throw garbage on the street?

Answer: I feel agitated when I see people throwing garbage on the street. Especially when there is a trash bin, but they intentionally choose to throw it carelessly on the street. If I’m passing by, I mostly pick them up and throw it in the bin myself. Sometimes when there isn’t a bin around, I sometimes call the person out, asking him to not litter the street and pick up the trash. People do get embarrassed and make it a point to pick up the garbage and apologize. But sometimes, people just walk away,paying no heed. It really upsets me to see such reckless behavior.

Important Vocabulary:

• Agitated: feeling upset
• Paying no heed: not paying attention at all
• Reckless: not thinking about possible bad or dangerous results

Question 4. Do you help in maintaining the streets tidy?

Answer: Yes, I try to do my bit in keeping the city clean. Firstly, I try to be a responsible citizen who cares about the environment and knows the seriousness of pollution. Secondly, I try to make people around me keep their streets clean and ask their close associates to do the same. Lastly, I volunteer for various agencies to work tirelessly to keep the streets tidy through various activities and awareness programmes.

Important Vocabulary:

• Associates : a person that you meet and get to know through your work
• Volunteer: a person who offers or agrees to do something without being forced or paid to do it
• Tirelessly: with great effort or energy.

Question 5. Do you think your city is clean or not?

Answer: My city is not clean at all. It is partly because almost half of the city’s population is below the poverty line and is unable to maintain the basic hygiene which leads to filthy conditions. With lack of education, they litter everywhere and the government pays no heed to improving their condition or bettering the hygienic facilities, which has made my city unclean.

Important Vocabulary:

• Filthy: dirty
• Below the poverty line: an economic benchmark related to threshold income