IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted
Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted
You should say:
Where the place is
When you visited this place
Why the air was not good
And explain how you felt about the place
SUGGESTED IDEAS
Where the place is: Think of a city, town, or region you have visited that is known for having high levels of pollution. Some examples could be Beijing, Delhi, Los Angeles, or Mexico City.
When you visited this place: Mention the approximate date or time period when you went there. For instance, you could say “last summer”, “a few years ago”, “during my business trip”, etc.
Why the air was not good: Explain what factors contributed to the poor air quality. These could include industrial emissions, traffic congestion, wildfires, weather conditions, or other environmental issues. Use some pollution-related vocabulary, such as smog, particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, etc.
And explain how you felt about the place: Describe your overall impression of the place and how the pollution affected your experience. You could talk about physical symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or eye irritation, as well as psychological effects like discomfort, disappointment, or concern.
USEFUL PHRASES
Where the place is:
“I would like to talk about a city I visited recently that has a serious air pollution problem.”
“The place I’m thinking of is a popular tourist destination, but also notorious for its poor air quality.”
When you visited this place:
“I went there a couple of years ago for a conference.”
“It was during the winter season, when the pollution tends to be at its worst.”
Why the air was not good:
“The air was thick with smog due to the heavy traffic and the many factories in the area.”
“The city is surrounded by mountains, which trap the pollution and make it difficult to disperse.”
And explain how you felt about the place:
“I have to admit that the air pollution really affected my enjoyment of the city.”
“It was a shame to see such a beautiful place shrouded in haze and fumes.”
“I felt sorry for the locals who have to breathe that air every day and for the children who were playing outside oblivious to the health risks.”
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
One place I visited where the air was heavily polluted is Beijing, China. I went there a few years ago during the summer season.
The air quality in Beijing was not good due to several factors. The city has a high population density, which results in heavy traffic congestion and exhaust emissions. Additionally, there are numerous industrial areas surrounding the city, contributing to the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. The combination of these factors, along with weather conditions like temperature inversions, leads to the formation of smog and high levels of particulate matter in the air.
Being in Beijing and experiencing the polluted air was quite disheartening. The city, known for its rich history and cultural landmarks, was overshadowed by a thick haze of smog. The visibility was poor, and the air felt heavy and difficult to breathe. I remember coughing and experiencing eye irritation during my time there.
It was a shame to see such a vibrant and beautiful city covered in pollution. The polluted air detracted from the overall experience, as it limited outdoor activities and made it uncomfortable to explore the city. It also raised concerns about the long-term health effects on the residents who have to breathe that air every day.
I felt sorry for the locals who had to endure the poor air quality on a daily basis. It made me reflect on the importance of environmental conservation and the need for sustainable practices to improve air quality and protect public health.
Generally, visiting Beijing exposed me to the harsh reality of severe air pollution. It affected my perception of the city and raised awareness about the pressing issue of air quality in heavily populated areas. The experience made me appreciate the value of clean and breathable air, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship.
