IELTS vocabulary for environment
145 words and phrases taken from Band 8 answers to real environment questions in our test bank, each with its meaning and the sentence it was used in. The first list is formal vocabulary for Writing Task 2; the second is everyday vocabulary for Speaking.
Writing Task 2 vocabulary
- mitigates : makes something less severe, serious, or painful
- ambient : relating to the immediate surroundings of something
Prohibiting private cars in central zones facilitates a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and ambient noise levels, which directly enhances the quality of life for residents.
Banning private vehicles in city centers: discuss the impact- robust : strong and unlikely to break or fail
These individuals may find their daily commutes significantly lengthened or more expensive if public transport infrastructure is not sufficiently robust to handle the increased demand.
Banning private vehicles in city centers: discuss the impact- inadvertently : without intention or accidentally doing something
For example, if a city center lacks an extensive underground network, banning cars may inadvertently isolate workers who have no viable alternative to travel, potentially damaging local businesses that depend on a steady stream of visitors from outside the urban core.
Banning private vehicles in city centers: discuss the impact- livability : the factors that make a place pleasant
To conclude, although the exclusion of private vehicles from city centers poses logistical challenges for some commuters, the positive impact on the environment and urban livability is far more significant.
Banning private vehicles in city centers: discuss the impact- logistical : relating to the organization of complex operations
To conclude, although the exclusion of private vehicles from city centers poses logistical challenges for some commuters, the positive impact on the environment and urban livability is far more significant.
Banning private vehicles in city centers: discuss the impact- infrastructure : basic physical systems of a city or country
Urban areas globally are increasingly implementing policies to prohibit private vehicles from city centers, aiming to address critical environmental and infrastructure challenges.
Banning private vehicles in city centers: discuss the impact- dependency : a state of relying on or needing someone
Provided that municipal authorities invest in reliable public transport alternatives, the transition away from private car dependency is a necessary step towards creating sustainable and functional urban spaces.
Banning private vehicles in city centers: discuss the impact- planned obsolescence : designing products to have a limited useful life
The primary drivers of environmental degradation are the reliance on finite raw materials and the prevalence of planned obsolescence.
Consumer goods production and environmental damage: causes and solutions- exacted a heavy toll : caused a great deal of damage or suffering
The rapid expansion of global manufacturing has led to a significant increase in the availability of consumer goods, yet this progress has exacted a heavy toll on the natural world.
Consumer goods production and environmental damage: causes and solutions- finite : having a limited size or a clear end
The primary drivers of environmental degradation are the reliance on finite raw materials and the prevalence of planned obsolescence.
Consumer goods production and environmental damage: causes and solutions- leach : drain away from soil or waste into water
For instance, the electronics industry often releases new models annually, rendering previous versions obsolete and filling landfills with toxic components that leach heavy metals into the soil.
Consumer goods production and environmental damage: causes and solutions- circular economy : an economic system aimed at eliminating industrial waste
To address this challenge, governments must enforce stringent environmental regulations that incentivise a circular economy.
Consumer goods production and environmental damage: causes and solutions- virgin materials : raw resources that have not been processed before
By taxing companies that rely on virgin materials and providing subsidies for those adopting sustainable production methods, authorities can steer industries toward greener practices.
Consumer goods production and environmental damage: causes and solutions- mitigate : to make something less severe or harmful
By combining robust policy interventions with a shift toward more responsible consumption, society can mitigate these impacts and foster a more sustainable future for the planet.
Consumer goods production and environmental damage: causes and solutions- stringent : very strict, precise, and demanding of adherence
To address this challenge, governments must enforce stringent environmental regulations that incentivise a circular economy.
Consumer goods production and environmental damage: causes and solutions- legislative capacity : the legal power to create or enact laws
Governments occupy a central role because they possess the legislative capacity to mandate change across entire industries.
Environmental protection: government or individual responsibility?- curb : to keep something in check or restrain it
By enacting strict environmental regulations, such as carbon taxes or bans on single-use plastics, authorities can effectively curb industrial pollution that individuals cannot influence.
Environmental protection: government or individual responsibility?- top-down : decisions made by people in positions of authority
Thus, without top-down policy frameworks, large-scale ecological restoration remains unattainable.
Environmental protection: government or individual responsibility?- catalyst : a person or thing that precipitates an event
Therefore, personal responsibility serves as the necessary catalyst that complements government action by forcing private entities to prioritise environmental stewardship.
Environmental protection: government or individual responsibility?- stewardship : the responsible overseeing and protection of something considered
Therefore, personal responsibility serves as the necessary catalyst that complements government action by forcing private entities to prioritise environmental stewardship.
Environmental protection: government or individual responsibility?- endeavour : an attempt to achieve a goal or task
In summary, environmental protection is a shared endeavour rather than the sole domain of either sector.
Environmental protection: government or individual responsibility?- aggregate : a whole formed by combining several separate elements
While state-led regulation is required to manage industrial impact, the aggregate effect of individual lifestyle choices provides the momentum needed for lasting change.
Environmental protection: government or individual responsibility?- indispensable : something that is absolutely necessary or essential
Both pillars are indispensable, and focusing on one at the expense of the other would likely lead to failure in addressing the current climate crisis.
Environmental protection: government or individual responsibility?- paramount : more important than anything else in importance
Environmental degradation has become a paramount global concern, prompting debates regarding the allocation of responsibility for mitigation efforts.
Global Environmental Responsibility: Should Rich Nations Lead Alone?- mitigation : the action of reducing the severity of something
Environmental degradation has become a paramount global concern, prompting debates regarding the allocation of responsibility for mitigation efforts.
Global Environmental Responsibility: Should Rich Nations Lead Alone?- imperative : an essential or urgent thing that needs action
While their role is significant, I believe that environmental protection is a shared imperative that transcends economic boundaries.
Global Environmental Responsibility: Should Rich Nations Lead Alone?- transcends : to go beyond the range of normal limits
While their role is significant, I believe that environmental protection is a shared imperative that transcends economic boundaries.
Global Environmental Responsibility: Should Rich Nations Lead Alone?- precedent : an earlier event regarded as a helpful guide
For instance, the European Union’s commitment to carbon neutrality sets a vital precedent for others to follow, demonstrating how wealthy nations can leverage their capital to foster cleaner technologies.
Global Environmental Responsibility: Should Rich Nations Lead Alone?- shortsighted : failing to think about future consequences of actions
However, limiting responsibility solely to wealthy countries is shortsighted and ignores the rapid industrialisation occurring in emerging economies.
Global Environmental Responsibility: Should Rich Nations Lead Alone?- nullified : to make something have no value or effect
If developing nations continue to pursue unchecked growth without regard for the environment, the progress made by wealthier states will be nullified.
Global Environmental Responsibility: Should Rich Nations Lead Alone?- urbanisation : The process of people moving to live in cities.
Rapid urbanisation has prompted a debate regarding the most effective allocation of public funds.
Green spaces versus public transport: discuss both views- urban heat island : City areas that are warmer than surrounding rural areas.
Such spaces also mitigate the 'urban heat island' effect, making cities more liveable during warmer months.
Green spaces versus public transport: discuss both views- populace : The people who live in a particular country or area.
For instance, cities like Singapore have integrated extensive park connectors that encourage cycling and walking, leading to a healthier populace.
Green spaces versus public transport: discuss both views- carbon footprint : The amount of carbon dioxide released by an activity.
For example, the expansion of the London Underground has allowed millions to commute efficiently without relying on private vehicles, significantly lowering the city's overall carbon footprint.
Green spaces versus public transport: discuss both views- structural : Relating to the basic framework of a complex system.
Addressing climate change and urban mobility through better infrastructure provides a more structural solution to the challenges of modern city living.
Green spaces versus public transport: discuss both views- cultivate : to prepare and use land for growing crops
The debate regarding whether individuals should cultivate their own vegetables or rely on commercial retailers is a common subject of discussion.
Growing versus buying vegetables: discuss both views- allotment : a small plot of land rented for gardening
By producing vegetables in a backyard or allotment, individuals eliminate the carbon emissions associated with transporting produce across long distances.
Growing versus buying vegetables: discuss both views- carbon emissions : gases released into the atmosphere from human activity
By producing vegetables in a backyard or allotment, individuals eliminate the carbon emissions associated with transporting produce across long distances.
Growing versus buying vegetables: discuss both views- horticultural : relating to the art or practice of gardening
Not everyone possesses the physical space, time, or horticultural skills required to maintain a successful vegetable patch.
Growing versus buying vegetables: discuss both views- viable : capable of working successfully or being done
For those living in high-density urban apartments, shopping at a local store is the only viable method to access fresh produce regularly.
Growing versus buying vegetables: discuss both views- synthetic : made by chemical synthesis rather than naturally occurring
For example, a family cultivating their own tomatoes and leafy greens can ensure their produce is completely organic, thereby significantly reducing exposure to synthetic pesticides while enjoying the psychological benefits of gardening.
Growing versus buying vegetables: discuss both views- self-reliance : reliance on one's own powers and resources
Therefore, I believe everyone should attempt to grow at least some of their own food to foster greater self-reliance.
Growing versus buying vegetables: discuss both views- ecological footprint : the impact of a person on the environment
Some argue that personal accountability is the key to a greener future, whereas others maintain that only state-led initiatives can provide the scale required to address ecological crises.
Individual versus government responsibility in environmental protection: discuss both views- systemic : relating to an entire system rather than parts
Conversely, those who look to governments point out that systemic issues, such as industrial pollution and carbon emissions, cannot be solved by individual action alone.
Individual versus government responsibility in environmental protection: discuss both views- synergistic : working together to produce a greater effect
Effective environmental protection necessitates a synergistic relationship where citizens adopt sustainable behaviours, while governments provide the legal frameworks and structural investments required for large-scale change.
Individual versus government responsibility in environmental protection: discuss both views- bottom-up : progressing from individual people to the larger organisation
Such bottom-up approaches empower citizens and foster a widespread culture of environmental stewardship, ensuring that sustainability becomes a social norm rather than a mere afterthought.
Individual versus government responsibility in environmental protection: discuss both views- overhaul : to repair or improve a system or structure
For instance, the widespread adoption of reusable shopping bags and the refusal of single-use plastics by millions of consumers have forced many retailers to overhaul their packaging strategies.
Individual versus government responsibility in environmental protection: discuss both views- mandates : official orders or commissions to do something
Without such top-down mandates, private companies are often incentivised to prioritise profit over ecological health.
Individual versus government responsibility in environmental protection: discuss both views- pervasive : spreading widely throughout an area or a group
The accumulation of refuse in public green spaces has become a pervasive issue in urban environments.
Littering in public parks: causes and potential solutions- apathy : lack of interest, enthusiasm, or general concern
At the root of this problem is a prevailing apathy among park users regarding their environmental footprint.
Littering in public parks: causes and potential solutions- exacerbated : made a problem or bad situation even worse
This mentality is exacerbated by a scarcity of conveniently located waste bins.
Littering in public parks: causes and potential solutions- scarcity : the state of being in very short supply
This mentality is exacerbated by a scarcity of conveniently located waste bins.
Littering in public parks: causes and potential solutions- deterrent : a thing that discourages someone from doing something
Supplementing these measures with modest fines for littering would serve as a powerful deterrent.
Littering in public parks: causes and potential solutions- degradation : the condition or process of being brought down
In summary, the degradation of public parks through littering is a consequence of poor habits and infrastructure gaps.
Littering in public parks: causes and potential solutions- communal : shared by all members of a specific community
This trend is primarily driven by a decline in personal responsibility and a shortage of logistical infrastructure, necessitating a multifaceted approach to restore the cleanliness of these communal areas.
Littering in public parks: causes and potential solutions- decarbonised : reduced the amount of carbon emissions produced
For instance, France has successfully decarbonised its national grid by investing heavily in nuclear infrastructure, allowing the country to maintain a stable power supply while adhering to strict international emission targets.
Nuclear energy for power generation: advantages and disadvantages- mitigating : making something less severe or harmful
Unlike coal or gas, nuclear reactors produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation, which is essential for mitigating global climate change.
Nuclear energy for power generation: advantages and disadvantages- carbon-intensive : relying heavily on fuels that emit carbon
This reliability makes it an attractive alternative for nations striving to transition away from carbon-intensive energy systems.
Nuclear energy for power generation: advantages and disadvantages- hazardous : involving risk or danger to human health
Conversely, the most concerning drawback remains the long-term management of hazardous radioactive waste and the catastrophic danger of reactor failures.
Nuclear energy for power generation: advantages and disadvantages- geological : relating to the physical structure of earth
Spent nuclear fuel remains toxic for thousands of years, requiring expensive and technically complex storage solutions that must be secured against geological instability.
Nuclear energy for power generation: advantages and disadvantages- sustainable : able to be maintained at a certain level
Governments must balance the immediate need for clean energy with the imperative to develop safer, more sustainable alternatives to ensure long-term global safety.
Nuclear energy for power generation: advantages and disadvantages- proliferation : the rapid increase in the number of something
The proliferation of plastic waste has reached critical levels, threatening ecosystems globally.
Plastic Pollution Solutions: Individual versus Institutional Responsibility- grassroots : involving the ordinary people in a society
This grassroots approach fosters a culture of sustainability and encourages citizens to take ownership of their environmental footprint.
Plastic Pollution Solutions: Individual versus Institutional Responsibility- circular : designed to be reused or recycled continuously
A pertinent example is the recent move by global beverage companies to transition toward fully circular packaging models, a shift prompted by legal frameworks rather than consumer demand alone.
Plastic Pollution Solutions: Individual versus Institutional Responsibility- unprecedented : never having happened or existed in the past
The rapid expansion of human consumption has resulted in an unprecedented surge in waste generation, creating alarming consequences for the planet.
Rising global waste production: environmental challenges and potential solutions- detrimental : tending to cause harm or negative effects
This essay will examine the detrimental impacts of this phenomenon on ecosystems and propose actionable strategies to curb the current trajectory of environmental degradation.
Rising global waste production: environmental challenges and potential solutions- biodiversity : the variety of life in a particular habitat
The primary concern regarding excessive waste is the pollution of natural habitats, which often leads to the loss of biodiversity.
Rising global waste production: environmental challenges and potential solutions- exacerbates : makes a problem or bad situation much worse
Furthermore, the decomposition of organic matter in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates global warming.
Rising global waste production: environmental challenges and potential solutions- incentivise : to provide a motive or reward for action
A practical example of this is the successful implementation of 'pay-as-you-throw' waste collection schemes in various European cities, which incentivise households to minimise their rubbish output through financial rewards for effective recycling.
Rising global waste production: environmental challenges and potential solutions- subsequent : coming after something else in time or order
Protecting the environment requires a unified and committed approach to waste management, ensuring a habitable future for subsequent generations.
Rising global waste production: environmental challenges and potential solutions- inherently : existing as a permanent and inseparable basic quality
While some maintain that these institutions are inherently unethical and should be abolished, others contend that they provide a necessary service for global conservation efforts.
The ethics of keeping animals in zoos: discuss views- deprivation : the damaging lack of basic material or comfort
From this viewpoint, the educational or recreational value of observing animals is insufficient to justify the deprivation of their liberty.
The ethics of keeping animals in zoos: discuss views- pertinent : relevant or applicable to a particular matter
A pertinent example is the San Diego Zoo, which has played a fundamental role in the recovery of the California condor population through intensive monitoring and breeding initiatives.
The ethics of keeping animals in zoos: discuss views- safeguarding : protecting something from harm or potential damage
Provided that these institutions focus on high standards of animal care and habitat enrichment, they remain a vital tool in safeguarding the planet's wildlife for future generations.
The ethics of keeping animals in zoos: discuss views- captivity : the condition of being imprisoned or confined
In summary, although the ethical concerns surrounding captivity are valid, the contribution of zoos to scientific research and conservation is significant.
The ethics of keeping animals in zoos: discuss views- enrichment : improving the quality or value of an environment
Provided that these institutions focus on high standards of animal care and habitat enrichment, they remain a vital tool in safeguarding the planet's wildlife for future generations.
The ethics of keeping animals in zoos: discuss views- propensity : an inclination or natural tendency to behave inordinately
The modern propensity for rapid consumption has become a defining characteristic of global society.
The impact of consumerism on the environment and solutions- resource depletion : the exhaustion of raw materials within a region
A practical example is the growing movement of repairing appliances or buying second-hand clothing, which extends the lifecycle of products and diminishes the need for virgin resource extraction.
The impact of consumerism on the environment and solutions- non-biodegradable : substances that cannot be broken down by organisms
- virgin resource : raw materials extracted directly from the natural environment
A practical example is the growing movement of repairing appliances or buying second-hand clothing, which extends the lifecycle of products and diminishes the need for virgin resource extraction.
The impact of consumerism on the environment and solutions- systemic change : fundamental transformation of the entire interconnected social system
Systemic change is undoubtedly required, but the collective impact of mindful consumption remains a vital component of environmental preservation.
The impact of consumerism on the environment and solutions- Habitability : The quality of being suitable for people living.
While such development is necessary to accommodate increasing populations, I firmly believe that maintaining green areas is vital for urban habitability, and this can be achieved through strict zoning regulations and innovative architectural designs.
Urban development and green spaces: is preservation essential?- Urban sprawl : The uncontrolled expansion of cities into surrounding areas.
By designating protected zones where construction is strictly prohibited, city planners can prevent urban sprawl from encroaching upon vital ecosystems.
Urban development and green spaces: is preservation essential?- Biophilic design : Architecture that connects people to the natural environment.
Through rigorous land-use policies and the creative adoption of biophilic design, cities can successfully balance the demands of modern infrastructure with the essential need to sustain natural environments for future generations.
Urban development and green spaces: is preservation essential?- Densification : Increasing the number of people living in areas.
Singapore serves as a prime example, where developers are mandated to replace any greenery lost during construction with equivalent or superior landscaping, ensuring that densification does not necessitate the complete eradication of nature.
Urban development and green spaces: is preservation essential?- Eradication : The complete destruction or removal of something.
Singapore serves as a prime example, where developers are mandated to replace any greenery lost during construction with equivalent or superior landscaping, ensuring that densification does not necessitate the complete eradication of nature.
Urban development and green spaces: is preservation essential?- depletion : the reduction in the number or quantity of something
The most significant cause of water depletion is the expansion of industrial agriculture, which consumes nearly three-quarters of the world’s freshwater resources.
Water scarcity: addressing primary causes and global solutions- exacerbation : the act of making a problem much worse
Furthermore, the exacerbation of climate change has disrupted traditional precipitation patterns, leading to prolonged droughts that prevent the replenishment of aquifers.
Water scarcity: addressing primary causes and global solutions- aquifers : bodies of permeable rock containing underground water supplies
Furthermore, the exacerbation of climate change has disrupted traditional precipitation patterns, leading to prolonged droughts that prevent the replenishment of aquifers.
Water scarcity: addressing primary causes and global solutions- regulatory frameworks : systems of rules that guide human or social behaviour
To address this, international cooperation must focus on the implementation of advanced water-management technologies and the establishment of global regulatory frameworks.
Water scarcity: addressing primary causes and global solutions- equitable : fair and impartial treatment for all involved parties
Additionally, international bodies like the United Nations could coordinate cross-border water management agreements to resolve disputes over shared river basins, ensuring equitable distribution.
Water scarcity: addressing primary causes and global solutions- riparian : relating to the banks of a river or stream
A pertinent example of this is the collaborative management of the Nile Basin, where international mediation has been vital in navigating the conflicting water needs of riparian nations.
Water scarcity: addressing primary causes and global solutions- insurmountable : too great to be overcome or dealt with
In summary, while the depletion of freshwater is accelerated by agricultural inefficiency and climate instability, these issues are not insurmountable.
Water scarcity: addressing primary causes and global solutions
Speaking vocabulary
- elusive : difficult to find, catch, or achieve by anyone
Occasionally, I hear foxes at night, but they are incredibly elusive creatures that tend to avoid human contact entirely.
Part 1: Animals- binge-watch : watching multiple episodes of a programme in succession
I frequently binge-watch nature documentaries whenever I have some downtime during the weekends.
Part 1: Animals- cinematography : the art of making motion pictures and photography
I find the cinematography in modern wildlife programmes mesmerising, especially those that capture the intricate migration patterns of marine life in high definition.
Part 1: Animals- intricate : very complicated or detailed in design or structure
I find the cinematography in modern wildlife programmes mesmerising, especially those that capture the intricate migration patterns of marine life in high definition.
Part 1: Animals- open-air : happening or existing outdoors rather than inside buildings
Seeing majestic animals like lions and giraffes roaming in large, open-air enclosures felt far more ethical and engaging than traditional, cramped zoo exhibits.
Part 1: Animals- daydreamed : indulged in pleasant thoughts while awake and distracted
Working as a marine biologist is something I have often daydreamed about.
Part 1: Animals- milestones : significant events or stages in a person's life
I typically present flowers to loved ones during significant milestones, such as birthdays or wedding anniversaries.
Part 1: Flowers- vibrant : full of energy and bright in colour
My personal favourite is the sunflower because its vibrant yellow petals always seem to symbolise positivity and warmth.
Part 1: Flowers- hardy : plants that can survive difficult or cold conditions
In my local area, we have a lot of hardy shrubs and native wildflowers that thrive in the temperate climate.
Part 1: Flowers- aesthetic : a set of principles concerned with visual beauty
During the spring, the neighbourhood is filled with bluebells and hawthorn blossoms, which create a lovely, natural aesthetic along the walking paths near my house.
Part 1: Flowers- tranquil : a state of being free from disturbance or calm
Having greenery indoors is quite essential for me as it helps to create a tranquil and refreshing living environment.
Part 1: Flowers- floral arrangements : a decorative display of cut flowers and foliage
Actually, I frequently purchase floral arrangements for my mother, especially whenever I visit her for Sunday lunch.
Part 1: Flowers- cultivated : To grow crops or plants for food or pleasure.
Actually, my grandmother and I had a small vegetable patch in her backyard where we cultivated tomatoes and cucumbers.
Part 1: Plants- succulents : Plants with thick leaves that store a lot water.
Yes, I currently keep a variety of succulents on my windowsill.
Part 1: Plants- low-maintenance : Something that does not require much effort or care.
They are remarkably low-maintenance, which suits my busy lifestyle perfectly, and I find that having a touch of greenery in my living space makes the room feel far more tranquil and inviting.
Part 1: Plants- foliage : The leaves of a plant or a group of plants.
I am particularly drawn to indoor foliage like ferns and monsteras because of their lush, vibrant appearance.
Part 1: Plants- bustling : A place that is full of busy, lively activity.
These plants add a sophisticated aesthetic to my apartment and help purify the air, which is a lovely bonus for someone living in a bustling city centre.
Part 1: Plants- nurturing : Caring for and encouraging the growth of something.
There is something incredibly therapeutic about nurturing a living thing, and I find that tending to my garden is a fantastic way to unwind after a long, stressful day of work or study.
Part 1: Plants- grimy pockets : small areas that are dirty or covered in soot
Actually, my city is fairly well-maintained, though it certainly has its grimy pockets.
Part 1: Plastic and rubbish- thoroughfares : main roads or public routes that people travel along
The local council employs street cleaners who work around the clock, so the main thoroughfares are kept immaculate, even if the residential side streets occasionally suffer from overflowing bins.
Part 1: Plastic and rubbish- pristine : in its original condition and perfectly clean or tidy
It is absolutely vital because a pristine environment directly impacts the mental well-being and physical health of the residents.
Part 1: Plastic and rubbish- civic pride : a feeling of care for one's own local community
When streets are free from litter, it fosters a sense of civic pride and discourages antisocial behaviour, making the entire community feel much safer and more welcoming.
Part 1: Plastic and rubbish- minimalist : favouring simplicity and a limited number of items
I prefer keeping my workspace minimalist because it helps me focus, but I must admit that my wardrobe often ends up in a state of chaos by the end of a hectic week.
Part 1: Plastic and rubbish- diligent : showing care and conscientiousness in one's work duties
In my household, we are quite diligent about sorting our waste into separate colour-coded bins provided by the local authority.
Part 1: Plastic and rubbish- lethargic : feeling a lack of energy and enthusiasm
Rain often makes me feel a bit lethargic and confined, whereas sunshine encourages me to head out to the park or meet friends for a coffee in the fresh air.
Part 1: Rain- pitter-patter : a light, repeated tapping sound of rain
There is something incredibly soothing about the pitter-patter of raindrops against the windowpane, especially when I can just curl up on the sofa with a gripping novel and a hot cup of tea.
Part 1: Rain- windowpane : a single sheet of glass in a window
There is something incredibly soothing about the pitter-patter of raindrops against the windowpane, especially when I can just curl up on the sofa with a gripping novel and a hot cup of tea.
Part 1: Rain- gloomy : dark or poorly lit, especially so as to appear depressing
When the weather turns gloomy, I usually catch up on household chores or dive into some creative projects.
Part 1: Rain- culinary : relating to cooking or the kitchen
Lately, I have been using that time to work on my culinary skills.
Part 1: Rain- dreary : dull, bleak, and making one feel depressed
Since I cannot go out for a jog, I spend my rainy afternoons experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, which is a therapeutic way to turn a dreary day into something quite rewarding.
Part 1: Rain- crisp : pleasantly cool, fresh, and invigorating weather conditions
I love the crisp atmosphere and the way the foliage turns vibrant shades of orange and gold.
Part 1: Seasons- sweltering : uncomfortably hot and humid weather
It is the perfect weather for long walks in the park without the sweltering heat of summer or the biting cold of winter.
Part 1: Seasons- bundles up : dressing in many warm layers of clothing
During the freezing winter months, everyone bundles up in heavy woollen coats and scarves, whereas in the height of summer, the focus shifts entirely to breathable fabrics like linen to stay comfortable.
Part 1: Seasons- influx : an arrival of a large number of people
Many coastal towns experience a massive influx of tourists throughout July and August, which brings a lively, energetic atmosphere to areas that are otherwise quite sleepy during the colder months.
Part 1: Seasons- sleepy : a place that is quiet and lacks activity
Many coastal towns experience a massive influx of tourists throughout July and August, which brings a lively, energetic atmosphere to areas that are otherwise quite sleepy during the colder months.
Part 1: Seasons- coastal getaways : Short holidays spent in a location near the ocean.
I absolutely adore coastal getaways because the sound of the crashing waves is incredibly therapeutic.
Part 1: The sea- daily grind : The repetitive and tiring nature of everyday working life.
Whenever I have the chance, I try to head to a quiet beach resort to escape the daily grind and just unwind by the shoreline for a few days.
Part 1: The sea- boasts : Possesses something that is a source of great pride.
Actually, my country boasts an extensive coastline, so there are countless accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts.
Part 1: The sea- quaint : Attractively unusual or old-fashioned in a charming way.
Actually, my country boasts an extensive coastline, so there are countless accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts.
Part 1: The sea- panoramic views : A wide, unbroken view of an entire surrounding area.
Many of these properties are strategically positioned to offer guests panoramic views of the ocean, which makes them very popular with tourists.
Part 1: The sea- recharge their batteries : To rest and regain energy after a busy period.
Most travellers typically spend about a week by the coast to fully recharge their batteries.
Part 1: The sea- lush : Growing thick and healthy with plenty of foliage
There is something incredibly calming about being surrounded by lush greenery, especially in a bustling city centre.
Part 1: Trees- sapling : A young tree that has recently been planted
If everyone with a small garden or balcony took the initiative to plant even a single sapling, the cumulative effect on our local air quality and urban biodiversity would be genuinely transformative.
Part 1: Trees- carbon sinks : Natural areas that absorb more carbon than they release
As we face the challenges of rising temperatures and climate change, trees act as natural carbon sinks and provide much-needed shade, which is vital for keeping our urban environments liveable during the summer months.
Part 1: Trees- canopy : The upper layer of branches and leaves in trees
Increasing our tree canopy is essential for environmental sustainability.
Part 1: Trees- sprawling : Spreading over a wide area in an untidy way
Actually, there is a sprawling woodland just a short drive from where I grew up.
Part 1: Trees- Temperate : A climate that is mild without any extreme temperatures.
I live in a region with a very temperate climate, so it rarely gets extreme.
Part 1: Weather- Overcast : When the sky is completely covered with dark clouds.
It is generally quite overcast for much of the year, which is typical for this part of the country, but I find it quite comforting.
Part 1: Weather- Partial to : Having a strong preference or liking for something specific.
Actually, I am much more partial to cold weather.
Part 1: Weather- Hinders : Makes it difficult for someone to do something effectively.
Although rain can be quite poetic, it often hinders my plans and makes commuting a bit of a nightmare.
Part 1: Weather- Distinct : Clearly different or easy to notice and distinguish separately.
My country experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year.
Part 1: Weather
Use them in an answer and get scored
Write a Task 2 essay or record a Speaking answer on a environment question and get a band for lexical resource, with the words used wrongly marked.
Practise IELTS writing and speakingFrequently asked questions
How do I use environment vocabulary in IELTS Writing?
Use a few precise phrases that fit your argument, not a list of rare words. Examiners reward accurate collocations such as those above; a misused advanced word lowers the lexical resource score.
Should I memorise these words?
Learn them in the sentence they come from, then write one sentence of your own with each. Words learned in context are the ones you can use under time pressure.
Which environment questions come up in IELTS?
Our bank has 15 Task 2 questions and 9 Speaking Part 1 topics on this theme; each word above links to the answer it comes from.
Environment questions with answers
- Banning private vehicles in city centers: discuss the impact
- Consumer goods production and environmental damage: causes and solutions
- Environmental protection: government or individual responsibility?
- Global Environmental Responsibility: Should Rich Nations Lead Alone?
- Green spaces versus public transport: discuss both views
- Growing versus buying vegetables: discuss both views
- Individual versus government responsibility in environmental protection: discuss both views
- Littering in public parks: causes and potential solutions
- Speaking Part 1: Animals
- Speaking Part 1: Flowers
- Speaking Part 1: Plants
- Speaking Part 1: Plastic and rubbish
- Speaking Part 1: Rain
- Speaking Part 1: Seasons
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