DISCUSSION ESSAYS

You have to mention both sides (both advantages & disadvantages, both benefits and
drawbacks/problems; arguments of people who think in view A and arguments of people with view B).
→ So BE CLEAR about what view A is and what view B is.

Your own opinion is not necessarily introduced in the introduction. Save it for the conclusion.
Remember to signal that it is your own opinion. During the body paragraphs, when introducing the
points that you don’t want to agree with, signal that it is other people’s opinion, and not you.

I/ WRITING THE INTRODUCTION

First, we have to introduce both sides . Usually we start with a fact leading to the debate, then we
introduce the arguments. But if you don’t have much time, just say what view A is and what view B is.
Language to introduce a fact:
Nowadays,/ Recently/ Today, there has been a steady increase in...
In these years, / In recent years, there is a growing concern about.../interest in...
More and more countries are being involved/interested in...

The impact of.../The development of.../The ... has become an area of focus these years./ has become a
matter of great interest/of increasing concern/ of great dispute/of great controversy. / ...is a hotly-
debated topic/ a controversial issue/a contentious matter
It is a contentious /controversial issue whether S +V....
There is no doubt/little doubt that today... It is a matter of fact that.... It is common knowledge that...
Language to introduce the views:
Many people/Some people claim that.... / believe that.../ are of the opinion that..../argue that.../
criticize N/ are in favor of N.../are against N/are opposed to N/ object to N.. / are concerned/worried
about the dangers/risks of...
Others, however, believe that/claim that...etc. / Others adopt an opposing view, believing that.../stating
that...

Next, if possible, try to use one statement to signal that you are going to mention both sides (not just
one side). (Depend on the length of your introduction and the flow of the speech. This sentence is not
compulsory).
Language to signal a discussion essay:
There are both advantages and disadvantages/both benefits and problems to N (name of the situation).
Each side has their own merits/arguments, which will be outlined below.
It is important to look at both sides’ arguments before coming to a conclusion.
It is the goal of this article to outline the arguments presented by both sides.
Below are some arguments concerning N (name of the problem).
This essay will elaborate on both positive and negative effects of N.
 II/ WRITING THE BODY
IDEAS: brainstorm ideas. Make sure you have arguments for BOTH sides. Silly ideas are also OK. 1
argument for 1 side is also OK.

ORGANIZATION: There are several ways of organization. You can use big paragraphs or smaller
paragraphs. Big paragraphs often have about 2 smaller ideas (so each small idea doesn’t need to be
developed too much) while a smaller paragraph often deals with only 1 idea.
Organization 1: 2 big paragraphs (about 3-4 ideas in total)
Body 1: present arguments of View A. (try to have 2 arguments in here. Each one doesn’t have to be too
long).
Body 2: present arguments of view B. (also, 2 arguments here, each of which can be expressed in about
2-3 sentences.)

Organization 2: at least 3 smaller paragraphs (at least 3 ideas)

Body 1: one argument for view A. (one idea only so you may want to write about 3 sentences).
Body 2: another argument for view A.
Body 3: one argument for view B.
(if you want you can have 4 small paragraphs, but normally we only need 3).

Organization 3: about 2-3 paragraphs. (used when the ideas of both sides are parallel). This shows the
most critical thinking, but is not always applicable.
Body 1: one aspect of the issue: view A vs. view B.
Body 2: another aspect of the issue: view A vs. view B.
Body 3: another aspect of the issue : view A vs view B.

LANGUAGE: Normally you just need to say advantages and disadvantages. However, try to include the
phrases to introduce whose opinion that is, especially when you’re talking about the view you will not
approve of.
*Introducing each view (especially when it’s the view you will not agree with):
Supporters of N/Those who support N/Proponents of this idea/Some people + point out that..../claim
that.../believe that.../argue that.... base their opinion on the various benefits/the various problems
of...N
Critics of N/ Opponents of N/ Those who do not support/Those who disapprove of N/ Those who
oppose this idea + ....
(if you don’t approve of this idea, you can keep saying: ) In their opinion, S+V.../ They argue that...
*Remember to use contrastive language to introduce points of the other side.
On the one hand, (para A, view A)... On the other hand, (para B, view B)...
On the negative side,..../ On the positive side,....
However, / Nevertheless, / Having said so, there are problems to...
*Words to signal advantages:
There are a number of advantages to N. / S brings certain benefits to ....
S will benefit N economically/financially/socially/academically.
benefit (v) a country/ a person in terms of....
Play a pivotal role in .... is of great importance have positive effects on...
Create a boost/a development in ; provide... a chance/an opportunity for sb to V ; contribute to N;
Help sb V / make sure that... /guarantee that .../ensure N
broaden (v) the knowledge of.... create more jobs revive the economy/ revitalize
handicrafts
make many changes revolutionize something make ... money
give hope to those who .... meet the needs / demands of.... find a new way to....

*Words to signal disadvantages:

Pose (v) a question of... have a negative impact on... have a bad influence on...
affect (v) someone negatively cause (v)/lead to/result in + a number of problems
Time-saving / time-consuming convenient /inconvenient gain ... information/knowledge
limit their chances of.... create pressure on... suffer from depression/health problems
it gives them a wrong impression/an illusion that they....
lack something there is a lack of smt there is insufficient smt / not enough smt for...
* Use “can V” to sound positive. Use “may V” to sound negative.

III/ WRITING THE CONCLUSION

Signal that this is the conclusion, summarizing what has been said (if possible, use key words). State your
own opinion and don’t forget to signal that this is your own opinion. If you’re short on time, go straight
to your opinion. Try to have 2 sentences.
Useful Language
As indicated above,/ As suggested above,/As outlined above, S can and also....... . However, it can
also... From my point of view,/ Personally, I think....
In light of the above arguments, I believe that / it is my opinion that......
From what has been discussed, we can draw a conclusion that.../one can see that.../ it is clear that....
Based on the points outlined above, I believe that...
Since the advantages of N outweigh its disadvantages, I believe..../in my view, /
We should.... in order to reap the benefits / maximize the advantages/ reduce the problem/alleviate
the problem / tackle the problem/ overcome the situation /reverse this trend/ limit the negative
effects
More practice:

1/ Some people believe that arts should receive subsidies or sponsorship from government and big
companies. Others feel such spending is a luxury and that it would be better if it were invested in
scientific projects.
Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
2/

3/

4/

5/

6/

7/
 THEME 3: NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT
TOPICS
1. The world is consuming natural resources faster than they can be renewed. Therefore, it is important
that products are made to last. Governments should discourage people from constantly buying more up to
date or fashionable products. To what extent do you agree with this statement? (Model tests for the IELTS)
2. One day the world’s oil and gas reserves will run out. Despite the search for alternative energy sources
like wind power, solar power, burning waste and water power are causing as much environmental damage
as the oil and nuclear power sources they are intended to replace. In what extent do you agree or disagree?
(Academic writing practice)
3. At present we rely on oil for most our energy needs. However, oil is a fossil fuel and causes air pollution,
and it will eventually run out. Nuclear energy is the only practical and clean source of energy for the
world. In what extent do you agree or disagree? (Essay Writing)
4. Trees are essential for the existence of the human race as they provide the oxygen that we need to
survive. Yet, daily all around the globe, large areas of woodland are being destroyed. Many people
feel that they as individuals can do nothing and that only governments and large companies can halt
the destruction. To what extent do you agree with this? (Academic writing practice)
5. Climate change is now an accepted threat to our planet, but there is not enough political action to
control excessive consumerism and pollution. In what extent do you agree or disagree? (Ielts on
Track)
6. The environment is one of the most important issues in the world today, but governments are not
doing enough about it. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Essay Writing)
7. Damage to the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard
of living. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Passport to Ielts)
8. Most pollution, especially air and water pollution, is caused by industry. If we want to protect the
environment, we should make factories and other forms of industry pay of all the pollution that they cause.
That is the only way to make sure that the owners will make a serious effort to reduce the pollution that
they cause. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Essay Writing)
9. Nowadays, environmental problems are too big to be managed by individual person or individual
country. In other words, it is an international problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
(October 4th, 2003)
10. Waste disposal presents increasing problems, especially in urban areas. Cause, effect, solution
(China writing)
11. The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel. To
what extent do you agree or disagree? (China writing)
12. Many people keep dogs and cats as companions. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pet
ownership for the animals involved and for the community as a whole. (Ielts on Track)
13. Animals should not be used for the benefit of human beings, unless there is evidence that the animals
do not suffer in any way. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Passport to Ielts)
14. As public safety is one of the highest importance, it is often necessary to test new products on animals.
It is better for a few animals to suffer than for human life to be placed at risk by untested products. In
what extent do you agree or disagree? (Reading and Writing module)

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15. Zoos are sometimes sees as necessary but poor alternative to a natural environment. It is necessary to
keep animals in zoos. In what extent do you agree or disagree? (China writing)
16. Wild animals have no place in the 21st century. Some people think that preventing these wild
animals from dying out is a waste of resource. In what extent do you agree or disagree? (China writing)
17. Some people think killing animals for food is cruel and unnecessary. Others think that it is essential
for daily diet. In what extent do you agree or disagree? (China writing)
18. Some people regard animals as the source of food or clothes. Others think that they should be treated
like pets. Discuss. (China writing)
19. Millions of dollars are spent on space research every year. Some people argue that the money should be
spent on improving living standards on the Earth. Do you agree or disagree?
20. Too much attention is given to headline-grabbing disasters like earthquakes and floods. Government
should concentrate their resources on educating people about the risk they face nearer to home, which
can cost far more lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion. (Focus on Ielts)

IDEAS TO BE SORTED OUT

1. Animal rights
Arguments for Animal testing
Animals are used in important scientific research
It is necessary to do medical tests on new drugs
Animal testing helps to advance medical and scientific knowledge
Many important medical discoveries involved experimentation on animals
Researchers aim to minimize the suffering that animals experience Testing
for the cosmetics industry is now banned in many countries

Arguments against Animal Testing

The benefits of research using animals do not justify the suffering caused
There are alternative methods of research
The lives of animals should be respected
Humans have no moral right to do experiments on animals
Arguments for Vegetarianism
Vegetarians do not eat foods that are produced by killing animals
Many people choose a vegetarian diet for moral or health reasons
A healthy diet is possible without eating meat
It is unnecessary to kill animal for food
A vegetarian diet may reduce the risk of disease like cancer
Many people question the treatment of animals in factory farms
Arguments against Vegetarianism
Vegetarians do not eat a balanced diet
In many cultures, meat is the main ingredient in traditional meals
Meat-eaters argue that animals are below humans in the food chain
It is completely natural for us to kill them for food
Our aim should be improve farming methods
Farms should produce organic food
Positives of Zoos

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Zoos paly an important role in wildlife conservation
They can help to protect endangered species
Zoos allow scientists to study animals and their behavior
Zoos are educational, interesting and fun
Children, in particular, enjoy learning about animals
Zoos provide job opportunities.
Negatives of Zoos
Zoo animals are kept in artificial environments
They are kept in cages or have limited space
Zoo animals rely on humans
They lose the freedom to hunt for food
They best way to save endangered species is by protecting natural habitats.
Some people believe that zoos are unethical
Zoos exhibits animals with the aim of making money
We have no right to use animals for entertainment and profit.

2. Environment
Global warming
Gases such as carbon dioxide trap heat from the
sun This causes global temperatures to rise
This process is known as the greenhouse effect
Human activity is a major factor in the rise of the greenhouse
gases Factories and vehicles produce emissions and exhaust fumes
Many developing countries are becoming industrialized
The number of cars on our streets is growing
Cheap air travel is allowing more people to fly
Effects of Global Warming
Global warming will have a significant impact on our
planet Rising temperature will cause melting of the polar
ice caps Sea levels will rise
We can expect more extreme weather conditions
Flooding and droughts may become more common
Impacts of humans on the environment
The increasing world population is putting pressure on natural resources
Fossil fuels like oil and gas are running out
We are destroying wildlife habitats
We have cut down enormous areas of rainforest
This has led to the extinction of many species of animals and plants
Solutions to environment problems
Governments could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories They
should invest in renewable energy from solar, wind or water power They
could impose “green taxes” on drivers and airlines companies
Government campaigns should promote recycling
Natural areas and wild animals should be protected
Individuals should also try to be greener
We should take fewer flights abroad for holidays We
should take public transport rather than driving

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We should choose products with less packaging
We should recycle as much as possible
Waste/rubbish
The amount of waster we produce has increased
This problem is a result of our consumer culture
Products are not made to last
If something breaks, we throw it way and buy a new one
Advertisers encourage is to buy the newest fashions
Packaging is an important part of selling
Most foods are sold in non-biodegradable plastics packaging
The amount of household waste is growing
This waste ends up in landfill sites
Litter
People do not think about the consequences of dropping rubbish
They assume that somebody is pad to clean the streest
Plastic packaging does not break down easily
Most of the litter seen on streets is fast food packaging
Recycling and other solutions
Companies should make goods that last longer
They should not use so much packaging
Governments should be stricter, about waster produced by companies
They should put legal limits on packaging
Consumers should avoid buying over-packaged products
We should recycle and reuse useful materials.
There are collection banks for glass, paper and plastic bottles
Households can use several rubbish bins to separate waste
Recycling saves energy and raw materials.
Nuclear Power: Positives
There are several benefits to build more nuclear power stations
Fossil fuel like oil and gas are running out
Nuclear power is a sustainable energy source
It can be used to produce electricity without wasting natural resources
It could be replace the use of natural resources like coal, oil or gas
Nuclear power stations are cleaner than fossil fuel power stations
They could help to reduce carbon emissions that cause global warming
The risks of accidents are being reduced
Nuclear Power: negatives
Opponents of nuclear power worry about the safety of power stations
The building of new nuclear power stations is unpopular
Nobody wants to live near one
Nuclear waste disposal is a significant problem
There is currently no way to decontaminate radioactive material
People worry that terrorists could steal radioactive materials
It is safer to produce energy from solar, wind or water power.

3. Water
Importance of clean water

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Water is as necessary natural resource
Humans need access to clean, safe drinking water in order to live
Poor water quality is a major cause of disease and death in some countries
Water usually needs to be treated before we can drink it
Developing countries often lack the means to treat and supply water to citizens
Developed countries tend to have much better sanitation
Citizens have access to clean tap water
Drinking water is not contaminated by sewage or waste water
The supply of clean water would improve public health in many developing countries

Water supply
Urban life would be impossible without water supply
systems These systems are massive engineering projects
Many professionals are involved in their planning, construction and maintenance
The supply and distribution of water are major concerns
Water is becoming scarce in some countries
Areas that suffer droughts often need to import water
As populations grow, there is more pressure on water
supplies This could lead to a water crisis

Water and politics

The supply of water is also an important political issue
Huge amount of water are needed for agriculture and industry
The irrigation of crops accounts for a large proportions of water use
A water crisis could lead to political conflicts or even wars

Argument: water should be free

Some people believe that water should be free for everyone
Governments should supply water to all homes at no cost
Private companies should not be allowed to profit from this natural resource
Money from taxes can be used to pay for water supply systems

Argument: water should not be free

If water is free, people take it for granted
They do not think about how much water they waste
They leave taps running while washing or brushing their teeth
If we have to pay for water, we will use it more responsibly
Water supply systems are extremely expensive
Investment is needed to maintain and improve them
Private companies may provide a better service than governments
If they provide an efficient service, they will make more money
They will repair leaks to avoid losing money

Bottled Water: Opinions

Some people carry bottles of water wherever they go
For example, they take bottles of water to work or to the gym
They believe that bottled water is healthier than tap water

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They also argue that it tastes better
However, other people believe that we should consume less bottled water
Plastic water bottles add to litter and waste problems
Companies should not be able to make a profit from water
It is unethical to make money by selling packaged water
There is no difference in quality between bottled and tap water

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 ACADEMIC WORD LIST FOR IELTS
TOPIC 3 : NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT

No ACADEMIC MEANING/USES EXAMPLES YOUR NOTES

WORDS/PHRASES (for learners’ own
examples or notes)
1 Household waste collocation Disposal of househole waste is a daunting
task for local authorities.
2 dump collocation Dispose of in an Towns and cities cannot just dump such
irresponsible manner waste and hope it will go away.
3 Toxic collocation poisonous This day and age witnesses a cutting-edge
development of the society in various fields
but the problem of toxic waste still remains
4 Environmental collocation One expert recently warned that the risks to
catastrophe public health are so great that we may have
less than a decade to avoid an
environmental catastrophe on a global
scale.
5 Searing heat collocation Extreme heat Parts of Europe which used to be cooler now
experience intense, searing heat, and
temperatures soar above the average every
summer.
6 Dire collocation Extremely serious We can’t continue in this way without there
being dire consequences.
7 Carbon footprint collocation Amount of carbon dioxide We can all reduce our carbon footprint at
created by an home by recycling all possible materials,
activity/person/business shuting everything off that is not in use and
so on.
8 Food miles collocation Distance food has to Another way to reduce carbon footprint is to
travel between where it is reduce food miles by eating local food.
grown or made and
where it is consumed
9 Offsetting carbon collocation Paying for an equivalent Some airlines have schemes now for
emissions amount of carbon dioxide offsetting carbon emissions.
to be saved elsewhere
10 Hybrid car collocation A car can alternate To deal with the problem which comes from
between diferent energy vehicle emissions, we can buy hybrid car.
sources (eg. Petrol and
battery)
11 Solar heating collocation Develop alternative energy sources for
homes, solar heating for instance, and build
more offshore wind farm.
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 ACADEMIC WORD LIST FOR IELTS
12 Offshore collocation At sea, away from the
coast
13 To run dry collocation To finish Oil supply will run dry within 50years.
14 Green tax(es) collocation Taxes which relate to the Policians shouldn’t be afraid of introducing
protection of the green taxes and incentives to encourage
environment eco-friendly design in architecture.
15 Eco-friendly adj designed to cause as
little harm as possible to
the environment
16 Unbroken Collocation Only sunshine, no clouds It have had unbroken sunshine ever since
sunshine in the sky, we arrived.
17 Scorching hot Collocation extremely hot Though in the middle of the day, it is too
scorching hot to do anything but lie on the
beach soaking up the sunshine.
18 Soaking up the Collocation enjoying the sunshine
sunshine
19 Torrential rain Collocation Heavy rain It’s never been had such a torrential rain.

20 To get soaked to Collocation To get very wet Never let yourself get soaked to the skin!
the skin
21 Weather Collocation The weather is getting The weather is likely to deteriorate later on
deteriorates worse (more informal) today.
(opposite:
improves)
22 - Thick/dense fog Collocation - Patches of fog/mist are There is thick fog on the motorway.
patches of small areas of fog/mist There are patches of fog on the east coast
fog/mist - Blanket of fog/mist is but these should lift by midday.
- a blanket of fog thicker and more
(literary) extensive
- fog/mist comes
down (opposite:
lifts)

23 strong sun Collocation Avoid going on the beach at midday when the
(opposite: weak) sun is strong.
24 Heavy rain (Not Collocation Driving rain=rain falling Road conditions are difficult because of the
strong rain) fast and heavily driving rain.
Driving rain
25 Heavy/fresh/crisp/ Collocation Crisp snow= snow that is The snow is lovely and crisp this morning.
thick/driving snow fresh and hard
26 Hard frost Collocation Very cold weather There will be a hard frost tonight.

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 ACADEMIC WORD LIST FOR IELTS
(opposite: light
frost)
27 +Strong/light/bitin Collocation Biting winds: very cold The wind was light this morning but it’s
g winds winds picking up now and will be very strong by
+the wind picks The wind picks up=it gets the evening.
up stronger The wind was whistling through the trees.
(opposite: dies
down)
+the wind
blows/whistles

28 Freak weather Collocation Very unusual or Yestersay freak weather conditions hit the
condition hit(s) unexpected south-east of England.
some where
29 Gale-force winds Collocation Extremely strong winds Gale-force winds caused a lot of damage to
property.
29 Rivers burst their idiom Rivers flooded Several rivers burst their banks.
banks
30 Dense forest Collocation Thick forest
31 Unspoilt Collocation Countryside that has not the cottage is in some wonderful unspoilt
countryside been changed by industry countryside on the edge of a dense forest.
or mordern buidlings
32 The stream Collocation Makes lots of bends, The stream winds through the forest.
winds doesn’t flow in straight
line
33 Greenhouse Collocation Gases which cause the Rising sea levels and the increase in
gas(es) greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases are the result of our
especially carbon dioxide actions.
34 Fish stock(s) Collocation The number of fish we are disturbing the ecological balance
everywhere, as can be seen in the decrease
in fish stocks in the oceans.
35 Irrepairable/ Collocation Damage which cannot be The burning of fossil fuels is causing
irreversible repaired irreparable damage to our environment.
damage
36 To embrace Collocation to completely accept Embracing green politics may be our best
(green politics) (formal verb) something such as a new hope in the long term.
belief, idea, or wayof life
37 (large/vast)huge Collocation Lagre areas of land .Large tracts of the country are still covered
tracts by virgin rainforest, home to a huge range
of flora and fauna.

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 ACADEMIC WORD LIST FOR IELTS
38 Virgin rainforest Collocation Original and natural
rainforest
39 flora (n, all the plants that grow in
uncountable) a particular region
40 fauna (n, all the animals
uncountable) in a particular region
41 Seeking collocation Looking for something The biggest atraction for visitors seeking
something out of different/unusual something out of the ordinary is the wealth
the ordinary of wifelife.
42 Wealth of formal Large anount of
43 To die out Phrase verb to become weaker or less Many species wild animals in the world are
common and then dying out, resulting from the environmental
disappear completely pollution.
44 To tackle (n, countable) to make an organized It is clear that we must tackle pollution
pollution and determined attempt before it is too late.
to deal with the problem
of pollution
45 vegetation N, plants and trees a type of vegetation that is found only in this
uncountable, part of the world.
formal
46 Native species Collocation Species in a particular Native species need preserving by the locals
country/area/region themselves.
47 to deplete the Collocation To reduce the ozone We must accept that we have seriously
ozone layer layer in size depleted the ozone layer in the last few
decades by our selfish actions.
48 Devastating adj Causing a lot of damage Devastating famines and floods are the
or destruction results of human beings’ deforestation
49 To boast V, formal One use of ‘boast’ is for Nobody in Suriname claims that the country
listing the good qualities boasts the best sand, sea and sun in the
of a place Caribbean.
50 To get back to Collocation To live a natural, rural For tourists yearning to escape the crowd
nature style of life and get back to nature, Caribbean
increasingly looks a promising choice.
51 Horde(s) of N,countable, Crowd(s) There aren’t hordes of people either in that
in a negative beautiful land.
sense
52 Tourism sector Collocation Tourist industry Suriname’s modest tourism sector focuses
(formal) on what makes the country different.
53 Eco-tourism/ Collocation Collocation Eco-tourism is
ecotourism the business of creating and selling holidays

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 ACADEMIC WORD LIST FOR IELTS
that give people the chance to learnabout a
natural environment, and cause as little
damage to the environment as possible.
55 Stunning Collocation Extremely beautiful In those countries which have a wide range
locations locations of stunning locations,the tourism sector
dominates others.
56 Awe-inspiring Adj It fills you with a sense of My hometown is famous for an awe-inspiring
the power and beauty of national park.
what you are looking at
57 mammal N, countable Animal that gives birth to Cat, cow and kangaroo are mammals
live babies, not eggs, and
feeds them on its own
milk
58 rodent N, countable One kind of rodents are mice.
59 reptile N, countable Snakes and lizards are so called ‘retile’.
60 carnivore N, countable Animal that eats meat.
61 herbivore N, countable Animal that eats
grass/vegetation.
62 predator N, countable Animal that hunts/eats
other animals
63 Domesticated adj Animals which are
(>< wild) animals trained to live with or
work for humans
64 The fur trade Collocation The hunting and selling of Nowadays a lot of people refuse to wear
animal furs for coats, coats made of natural animal fur since they
jackets,etc. are opposed to the fur trade.
65 Poacher N, countable Who hunts animals Poachers kill hundreds of elephants every
illegally year to supply the ivory trade.
66 The ivory trade Collocation The buying and selling of
ivory from elephants’
trunks.
67 Animal rights Collocation People who actively Animal rights activists often demonstrate
activist(s) campaign for the outside this factory because animals are
protection and the rights used in experiments there.
of animals
68 Blood sports Collocation Sports whose pupose is Many people are opposed to blood sports
to kill or injure animals such as fox hunting, cock fighting and
bullfighting.
69 Shrinking habitat Collocation Places where animals Shrinking habitats are a threat for both
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 ACADEMIC WORD LIST FOR IELTS
live and breed which are plants and animals
decreasing in size
70 Endangered Collocation Types of animals/plants Endangered species need legal protection if
species which are in danger of no they are to survive.
longer existing
71 Global warming Collocation Steady rise in average Global warming will produce rising sea
world temperatures levels and climatic changes.
72 Climatic changes Collocation Changes in the
weather/climate
73 Carbon dioxide Collocation Carbon dioxide gas from Carbon dioxide emissions are from the
emissions factories, cars, etc. buring of fossil fuels.
74 Ecological Collocation Balance of natural The ecological balance may be upset by
balance relationships in the uncontrolled deforestation.
environment
75 Finite resources Collocation Limited resources Population growth exerts severe pressure
on finite resources.
76 To exert severe Collocation To put pressure on
pressure on ... (formal)
77 Demographic Collocation Forecasts about the Demographic projections suggest the world
projection(s) population population will grow before it begins to
stabilize.
78 The worst case Collocation One of the worst case scenarios is that
scenarios there will be no tropical forests left by the
year 2050.
79 Pristine Collocation Perfectly Our only hope is that pristine environments
environments clean/untouched/unspoilt such as Antartica can be protected from
areas development and damage.
80 Sustainable Collocation Development of industry, Sustainable development is the only
development etc. Which does not answer for emerging countries.
threaten the environment
or social economic
stability
81 Prophets of doom Collocation People who always make Prophets of doom and gloom should listen
and gloom the most depressing or to scientific evidence, says Prime Minister.
pessimistic forecasts for
the future.
82 Green credentials Collocation Reputation for positive The government party is in bid to improve
support of the green credentials
environment