Cue Card

Describe a time when you saw a lot of plastic waste (eg, in a park, on a beach, etc)

You should say:

• where and when you saw the plastic waste
• why there was a lot of plastic waste
• what you did after you saw it; and
• explain what you thought about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you think we should use plastic products?
2. How can we reduce our use of plastic?
3. What kinds of plastic waste are often seen in your country?
4. Why do people like to use plastic products?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was on a solo hike in Big Sur last summer, and the scenery was breathtaking – until I hit the beach. The tide was out, and the shoreline was littered with trash. I'm not talking about a few stray water bottles or discarded snacks. I'm talking about a sea of plastic waste as far as the eye could see. It was like a graveyard of humanity's addiction to single-use plastics.

There were old fishing nets, tangled in seaweed, and microbeads scattered everywhere. I saw plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam cups, all broken down into tiny pieces, but still recognizable. It was like the ocean was vomiting up all the trash we'd been feeding it. I felt like I was walking through a crime scene, with the evidence of our thoughtless consumption scattered all around me.

As I walked along the beach, I started to notice the impact on the wildlife. Seagulls were pecking at plastic debris, mistaking it for food. Crabs were trapped in six-pack rings wrapped around their shells. It was heartbreaking to see these incredible creatures struggling to survive in a world filled with our trash.

That experience stuck with me. It made me realize that plastic waste isn't just an environmental issue; it's a human issue. We're not just polluting the ocean; we're polluting our own future. It's time for us to take responsibility for our actions and make a change. We can start by reducing our plastic use, recycling more, and holding corporations accountable for their packaging. We owe it to ourselves, our planet, and the creatures that call it home.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

sea of plastic waste

a large amount of plastic waste covering a wide area

The beach was covered in a sea of plastic waste.

The ocean is filled with a sea of plastic waste.

addiction to single-use plastics

the habit of using plastics that are used once and then thrown away

Many people have an addiction to single-use plastics.

We need to break our addiction to single-use plastics.

vomiting up

to forcefully expel something from the body or a system

The ocean was vomiting up all the trash we'd been feeding it.

The company was vomiting up excuses for their mistake.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you think we should use plastic products? Honestly, I think we should try to limit our use of plastic products as much as possible. I mean, think about it - plastic is everywhere, and it's not biodegradable, so it just ends up in our oceans and landfills, harming animals and the environment. Plus, there are so many alternative options available now, like reusable bags and water bottles, that it's easier than ever to make a change. For example, I've started carrying a reusable straw and shopping bag with me, and it's made a big difference. Of course, I'm not perfect, and I still use some plastic products, but I'm trying to be more mindful of my impact and make better choices.

How can we reduce our use of plastic? One way we can reduce our use of plastic is by making small changes to our daily habits. For instance, instead of buying bottled water, we can use a refillable water bottle. Or, when we're out shopping, we can bring our own bags and containers to avoid using single-use plastics. It's also important to choose products with minimal packaging or those that use biodegradable materials. Additionally, we can support companies that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness in their practices. Every little bit counts, and making these small changes can add up to make a big difference in reducing our plastic waste.

What kinds of plastic waste are often seen in your country? Unfortunately, in my country, it's common to see plastic waste like discarded water bottles, chip bags, and straws littering our parks, beaches, and streets. I've also noticed that a lot of people don't properly dispose of their trash, which contributes to the problem. It's heartbreaking to see the impact that human carelessness can have on the environment. But, on a more positive note, I've also seen a growing awareness and movement towards reducing plastic waste, with many communities and organizations working together to clean up public spaces and promote sustainability.

Why do people like to use plastic products? I think people like to use plastic products because they're often convenient and affordable. Plastic is also a versatile material that can be molded into all sorts of shapes and forms, making it a popular choice for packaging and consumer goods. Additionally, many plastic products are designed to be disposable, which can be appealing in our fast-paced, on-the-go society. However, this convenience comes at a cost, and it's essential to consider the long-term effects of our plastic use on the environment and our health.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

Limit our use of plastic products

To reduce the amount of plastic products we use

We should try to limit our use of plastic products as much as possible.

Make a big difference

To have a significant impact or effect

For example, I've started carrying a reusable straw and shopping bag with me, and it's made a big difference.

Make small changes to our daily habits

To make minor adjustments to our regular routines

One way we can reduce our use of plastic is by making small changes to our daily habits.

Add up to make a big difference

To collectively have a significant impact or effect

Every little bit counts, and making these small changes can add up to make a big difference in reducing our plastic waste.

Littering our parks, beaches, and streets

To scatter or dispose of waste in a careless or thoughtless manner

Unfortunately, in my country, it's common to see plastic waste like discarded water bottles, chip bags, and straws littering our parks, beaches, and streets.

Contributes to the problem

To add to or exacerbate an existing issue

I've also noticed that a lot of people don't properly dispose of their trash, which contributes to the problem.

Growing awareness and movement

An increasing recognition and collective effort towards a particular issue

But, on a more positive note, I've also seen a growing awareness and movement towards reducing plastic waste, with many communities and organizations working together to clean up public spaces and promote eco-friendliness.

At a cost

With a negative consequence or drawback

However, this convenience comes at a cost, and it's essential to consider the long-term effects of our plastic use on the environment and our health.