Predicting Environmental Changes

Activity Overview:

In this activity, you will practice speaking about the environment and predict possible changes in the future. You will express your opinion on how the environment might change, giving reasons for your predictions.

Step 1: Prepare for the Speaking Task (5-10 minutes)

Before you start speaking, take a few minutes to think about the topic and the questions.

Tips for Talking About Predicting Environmental Changes:

• State your prediction clearly: Tell the listener what you think will happen to the environment in the future.
  • Example: “I believe that the weather will get warmer in the next few years.”
  • Or: “I think the environment will become more polluted if we don’t take action.”
• Give examples: Use simple examples from nature or things you have heard about.
  • Example: “For example, we see more floods and droughts happening recently.”
• Think about causes and effects: Consider why these changes might happen (such as climate change) and what effects they could have.
  • Example: “Because people use cars too much, air pollution is increasing.”
• Stay simple and organized: Speak clearly, one idea at a time. Predict the future and explain why.

Step 2: Speaking Task

Prompt:
What do you think will happen to the environment in the next 20 years? Predict the changes and explain why you think these changes will happen.

Time:

• You will speak for 2 minutes. Organize your thoughts and speak clearly.

Step 3: Sample Answer

Listen to the following example. This is how you can organize your thoughts for this topic.

“I believe that the environment will face many challenges in the next 20 years. First, I think the weather will become warmer because of climate change. In many parts of the world, temperatures are rising, and we are seeing hotter summers. For example, in my country, the summer temperatures have been getting higher every year. I think this will continue in the future.

Second, I predict that there will be more pollution. People are using more cars and factories are producing a lot of smoke. This is causing air pollution, and I think it will only get worse. If we don’t take action, our air might become even dirtier, which could lead to health problems for people.

Finally, I think the oceans will be affected. As the ice melts because of global warming, the sea levels will rise, and some coastal areas might be flooded. This is a serious problem, and it could lead to the loss of homes for many people. So, if we don’t make changes, the environment will become more difficult to live in.”

Step 4: Important Vocabulary

Here are some important words from the sample. Read their meanings and practice using them in your own sentences.

1. Prediction (noun)
   • Meaning: A statement about what will happen in the future.
   • Usage: “My prediction is that there will be more storms next year.”
2. Climate Change (noun)
   • Meaning: Long-term changes in temperature, weather patterns, or other environmental conditions.
   • Usage: “Climate change is causing the ice to melt at the poles.”
3. Pollution (noun)
   • Meaning: The presence of harmful substances in the environment.
   • Usage: “Pollution from cars makes the air dirty.”
4. Effect (noun)
   • Meaning: A change that happens because of something.
   • Usage: “The effect of pollution is that the air becomes unhealthy.”
5. Coastal (adjective)
   • Meaning: Relating to the area where land meets the sea.
   • Usage: “The coastal cities are at risk because of rising sea levels.”

Step 5: Practice

1. Speak for 2 minutes:
   Answer the question: What do you think will happen to the environment in the next 20 years? Predict the changes and explain why you think these changes will happen.

   Remember to:

   • State your prediction.
   • Give at least one example.
   • Explain the reasons behind your prediction.
2. After speaking, review:
   Listen to your recording. Did you:
   • Speak clearly and confidently?
   • Give examples to support your prediction?
   • Stay within the time limit?

Step 6: Follow-up Activity

• Think about your own experience:
  • Have you noticed any changes in the environment where you live?
  • What changes do you think are most important to fix right now?