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 IELTS environment vocabulary with meanings and examples, to help you prepare well for your IELTS exam.
Help me with IELTS registration
Importance of using IELTS environment vocabulary
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 environment vocabulary
Here is the list of IELTS environment vocabulary words with meaning and examples that you can consider using in your IELTS test to score higher:
Environment 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 IELTS environment vocabulary words will help you to 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.