Sample Speaking Part 2, 3: Describe a law on environmental protection

The topic "Describe a law on environmental protection" has been appearing frequently in recent IELTS Speaking exams. However, this is a challenging question that catches many candidates off guard. One of the reasons for feeling hesitant when encountering this question is the lack of knowledge and vocabulary related to the field of law. Therefore, in this article, PREP would like to introduce a sample answer as well as vocabulary to help you master this topic!

I. Sample Speaking Part 2, 3: Describe a law on environmental protection

1. Cue card: “Describe a law on environmental protection”

Describe a law on environmental protection. You should say:

• What the law would be about?
• How the law would work
• What effects this law would have (= What changes would result from this law)

And explain why you would like to see this law in existence or why you think this law is needed.

2. Part 2 Outline

3. Sample Speaking: Describe a law on environmental protection

Below is a sample for IELTS Speaking Part 2 on the topic "Describe a law on environmental protection." Refer to it now to effectively practice IELTS Speaking at home.

If I am to talk about a law that would contribute to protecting the environment, I will pick the one that subsidizes nuclear power plants. Specifically, the government would be responsible for providing subsidies to companies involved in constructing and maintaining nuclear power generators.

You may wonder how this is related to safeguarding the environment, but this is one of the most realistic choices any government can opt for, when we’re surrounded by so many suggestions that sound good but aren’t based in reality.

Now, hopefully, if this law goes into effect, it would open the door to the construction of nuclear power plants. And when nuclear power generators are built, the country would be expected to have an alternative method of producing electricity to coal-mining.

Coal is currently the source of the most electricity in the world, but have you ever seen a coal mine? It is extremely dirty and can cause irreparable damage to the environment. Electricity production from coal should be replaced somehow, but solar power and wind power are neither efficient nor developed quickly enough to supplant coal.

We need to look to existing technologies and nuclear energy fits the bill, it’s both clean and cost-effective. Producing electricity from nuclear reactors would phase out the coal industry and prevent any further impact that mining coal inflicts on the environment. It’s why I think this law is necessary.

Note: This sample can also be used for other topics such as "Describe a law on environmental protection your country should have," "Describe an environmental protection law," "Describe a law about the environment you would like to see in the future," "Talk about a law on environmental protection,"...

Some vocabulary to score points used in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 sample - Describe a law on environmental protection:

• Subsidize (v.): to provide financial support
• Subsidy (n.): a financial grant or support
• Safeguard (v.): to protect
• Opt for (v.): to choose
• Go into effect (v.): to become effective
• Irreparable (adj.): unable to be repaired
• Supplant (v.): to replace
• Cost-effective (adj.): providing the best value for the money spent
• Phase out (v.): to eliminate gradually
• Inflict (v.): to cause harm

Refer to the article for more information:

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• Sample IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, 3: Describe one of your best friends

II. Sample answer for IELTS Speaking Part 3 topic: Law

1. Do you think this law is acceptable to the people?

Yes, I think the law I’ve just spoken about is completely acceptable. There might be some pushback from people who are overly concerned with the safety of nuclear power, but that’s expected. In the long run they’ll understand why this law is deserved, when the country’s environment is no longer contaminated by coal and every house is overflowing with electricity.

• Pushback (n.): opposition or resistance
• Overly (adv.): excessively or too much
• Deserved (adj.): worthy or merited
• Contaminated (adj.): polluted or tainted
• Overflow with sth (v.): to be filled or crowded with something

2. Is there any situation wherein people may disobey the law?

Of course. People violate the law for all sorts of reasons. Have you ever heard of the term “crimes of passion”? It refers to crimes which the perpetrator commits because their anger got the best of them, despite knowing what they’re doing is wrong. If a man goes home and finds his wife in bed with another man, then murders that other man, that is a crime of passion.

• Perpetrator (n.): the person who commits a crime or wrongdoing
• Get the best of sb (v.): to gain control or dominance over someone

3. Do people like being a police officer in your country?

I don’t really think so. Being a police officer is a tough job, which I think is mainly because a policeman or woman has to work extra time when something unexpected comes up. Also, catching criminals, especially murderers, makes working for the police perilous because those people may do anything to avoid being arrested. All in all, unless you’re really into protecting your own community, those reasons could disincentivize you from joining the police force.

• Perilous (adj.): full of danger or risk
• Disincentivize (v.): to discourage or reduce the motivation or desire to do something

4. What qualities should a police officer possess?

I believe that a police officer has to possess various qualities. One that I could think of is adaptability because each day could be very different from the day before. Another one is alertness for patrol officers, as they would need to notice anything abnormal on the street. Last of all is the ability to stay calm under pressure when arresting suspects, which I think is one of those skills that could only come with experience.

• Adaptability (n.): the ability to adjust or change in response to new circumstances or situations
• Alertness (n.): the state of being attentive and vigilant
• Abnormal (adj.): deviating from what is considered normal or typical
• Calm under pressure (adj.): able to remain calm and composed in stressful situations
• Come with experience (v.): to be accompanied by or gained through experience

This article has provided the most comprehensive sample for the IELTS Speaking topic "Describe a law on environmental protection." PREP wishes you effective exam preparation, confidence when entering the Speaking test, and the ability to win over the hearts of the examiners!