IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a person who likes to look after the natural world.

Describe a person who likes to look after the natural world. You should say: - who this person is - how you know this person - what this person does to look after nature - and explain how you feel about this person

Part 2 model answer

A person who really cares about the natural world is my friend Rafsan. We met at a youth volunteering programme about three years ago, and we've been close friends ever since.

Rafsan is studying environmental science at university, but his love for nature goes far beyond his studies. He's an active member of a volunteer group that works to protect rivers and green spaces around Dhaka. Every month, they organise clean-up drives along the banks of the Buriganga and Turag rivers, collecting plastic bottles, polythene bags, and other waste. I've joined him a few times, and honestly, it's shocking how much rubbish they manage to pull out in just a few hours.

Apart from that, he's passionate about planting trees. During the monsoon season, his group runs a campaign where they plant saplings along roadsides, in school yards, and in empty spaces. He even gives away free plants to children to encourage them to care for nature from a young age. In his daily life too, he practises what he preaches. He always carries his own water bottle and cloth bag, avoids single-use plastic, and travels by bicycle whenever possible.

I really admire him because he doesn't just talk about environmental problems; he actually takes action. Many people complain about pollution but do nothing, while he gives up his weekends to make a real difference. He's also very positive and never makes others feel guilty. Instead, he inspires them gently. Because of him, I've become much more aware of my own habits, and I now try to reduce plastic use as much as I can.

Part 3 discussion

Why do some people care more about nature than others?

I think upbringing plays a big role. People who grew up close to nature, or whose parents taught them to respect it, usually care more. Education and awareness also make a difference. On the other hand, some people are so busy with daily struggles, like earning a living, that they don't have time to think about the environment.

What can individuals do to protect nature?

Individuals can make small but meaningful changes, like reducing plastic use, saving electricity and water, and recycling whenever possible. Planting trees and joining clean-up activities also help. Choosing public transport or cycling instead of driving reduces pollution. Most importantly, people can spread awareness by encouraging friends and family to do the same.

Should children be taught about protecting the environment at school?

Yes, definitely. Children are the future, and habits formed at a young age usually last a lifetime. Schools can teach them through practical activities, like gardening, recycling projects, and field trips to natural areas. When children learn to care about nature, they often influence their parents too.

Do you think volunteer groups can make a real difference to the environment?

Yes, I believe they can. Volunteer groups can clean up polluted areas, plant thousands of trees, and raise awareness in local communities. They often reach places that the government ignores. However, their efforts are limited without proper funding and support, so they work best when they cooperate with authorities and businesses.

What are the biggest environmental problems in your country?

In Bangladesh, river pollution is a huge problem, mainly because of industrial waste and plastic. Air pollution in big cities like Dhaka is also among the worst in the world. On top of that, climate change is causing more floods, cyclones, and rising sea levels in coastal areas. These problems affect millions of people's health and livelihoods.