Learn environment-related vocabulary for IELTS to score higher India

Preparing for the IELTS test also includes learning a wide range of vocabulary. Understanding environment-related vocabulary is essential for both the Writing and Speaking sections of the test, as it can significantly improve your score. By familiarising yourself with these words, you will not only enhance your comprehension but also improve your ability to express ideas clearly and accurately. This blog will introduce you to key environment-related vocabulary with meanings and examples, to help you prepare well for your IELTS exam.

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Importance of using rich vocabulary related to the environment in your IELTS test

Using rich vocabulary related to the environment in your IELTS test can significantly enhance your performance in both the Speaking and Writing sections. Here are some reasons why it's important:

1. Demonstrates lexical resource

Using a wide range of vocabulary shows your ability to use the language effectively and flexibly. It reflects your proficiency and can contribute to a higher band score in the lexical resource criterion.

2. Addresses common topics

Environmental issues are a frequent topic in the IELTS test. Being prepared with relevant vocabulary ensures you can discuss these topics confidently and comprehensively.

3. Shows specific knowledge

Employing specific environmental terms, such as "sustainable development," "carbon footprint," "biodiversity," and "renewable energy," shows examiners that you know the specialised vocabulary, which is often required in academic and professional contexts.

4. Enhances cohesion and coherence

Using precise terms helps in conveying your ideas, making your arguments more coherent and easier to follow. It ensures that your responses are well-structured and logically connected.

List of IELTS vocabulary related to environment

Here is the list of IELTS vocabulary words with meaning and examples related to the environment that you can consider using in your IELTS test to score higher:

Vocabulary Word	Meaning	Example
Biodiversity	The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat	The Amazon rainforest is known for its rich biodiversity.
Conservation	The act of preserving, protecting, or restoring the natural environment	Conservation efforts are crucial to protect endangered species.
Deforestation	The clearing of trees, transforming a forest into cleared land	Deforestation contributes significantly to climate change.
Ecosystem	A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment	Coral reefs are an important part of the marine ecosystem.
Emission	The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation	Carbon emissions from factories are a major cause of air pollution.
Endangered	At risk of extinction	The giant panda is an endangered species.
Extinction	The state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct	Many species are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss.
Fossil Fuels	Natural fuels formed from the remains of living organisms, such as coal or gas	Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Global Warming	The long-term heating of Earth’s climate system due to human activities	Global warming is causing ice caps to melt and sea levels to rise.
Habitat	The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism	Urban development is destroying the natural habitat of many wildlife species.
Natural Resources	Materials or substances occurring in nature which can be exploited for economic gain	Water and minerals are essential natural resources.
Pollution	The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful effects	Air pollution is a serious problem in many industrial cities.
Recycling	The process of converting waste into reusable material	Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Renewable	Capable of being renewed; replaced naturally	Solar and wind energy are renewable sources of power.
Sustainable	Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources	Sustainable farming practices help preserve the environment.
Acid Rain	Rainfall made sufficiently acidic by atmospheric pollution that it causes environmental harm	Acid rain has damaged many lakes and forests.
Carbon Footprint	The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or group is responsible	We can reduce our carbon footprint by using public transportation.
Climate Change	Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other aspects of Earth's climate	Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events.
Erosion	The gradual destruction or diminution of something	Soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile land.
Greenhouse Effect	The trapping of the sun's warmth in a planet's lower atmosphere	The greenhouse effect is essential for life on Earth, but too much can lead to global warming.
Overfishing	Depleting the stock of fish in a body of water by too much fishing	Overfishing is threatening the survival of many marine species.
Ozone Layer	A layer in the Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun's UV radiation	The ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Sewage	Wastewater and excrement conveyed in sewers	Proper treatment of sewage is essential to prevent water pollution.
Solar Power	Power is obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun's rays	Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source.
Toxic Waste	Waste materials that can cause death or injury to live creatures	Improper disposal of toxic waste can lead to environmental contamination.
Urbanisation	The process of making an area more urban	Urbanisation often leads to habitat destruction and increased pollution.
Waste Management	The process of treating solid wastes and offers a variety of solutions for recycling items	Effective waste management can reduce the environmental impact of waste.
Wildlife	Animals that live and grow in natural conditions	Wildlife conservation is crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
Afforestation	The process of planting trees to create a forest	Afforestation can help combat desertification.
Biodegradable	Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms	Using biodegradable materials can help reduce environmental pollution.

Environment-related questions asked in the IELTS Speaking test

Here are some environment-related questions that might be asked in the IELTS Speaking test for Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3:

Part 1: Introduction and interview

Do you recycle? Why or why not?
How do you feel about climate change?
Do you think it’s important to conserve water? Why?
Are there any environmental problems in your city?
Do you use public transportation to help the environment? Why or why not?

Part 2: Long turn (Cue Card)

Describe an environmental problem that has occurred in your country.

What is the problem?
What caused it?
What effects has it had on the environment and people?
What can be done to solve this problem?

Part 3: Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask you further questions connected to the topic in Part 2, allowing you to discuss more abstract ideas and issues.

What do you think is the biggest environmental problem facing the world today?
How can individuals contribute to solving environmental problems?
Do you think the government is doing enough to tackle environmental issues? Why or why not?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy sources?
How can we encourage more people to recycle?

Hope these vocabulary words improve your language skills and help you effectively discuss environment-related questions asked in your IELTS exam. We recommend you include these words in your learning to score a high band in the IELTS test.

If you want to know more about the IELTS test, you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will guide you with all your doubts.

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Learn environment-related vocabulary for IELTS to score higher