Part 2 Cue Card
Describe a law on environmental protection
You should say:
- What it is
- How you first learned about it
- Who benefits from it
- How you feel about this law
You will have one to two minutes to talk about this topic.
Part 3 Discussion Questions
- What kinds of rules do schools in China have?
- Do you think school rules are important?
- Are children unhappy with the school rules?
- How can parents and teachers help children understand and follow rules?
- What are the rules people should obey at work?
- What is the purpose of punishment?
Read the complete transcript
I'd like to talk about a local law that bans single-use plastic bags in most shops and supermarkets. The regulation was introduced by the city council two years ago and requires retailers to stop giving out free plastic carrier bags; instead they must offer reusable bags or paper alternatives, often at a small charge. I first heard about the law on local radio, and then the supermarket where I shop put up posters and staff explained the change. At first people grumbled, but after a few weeks it became normal. The main beneficiaries are the environment and wildlife — fewer plastic bags end up in rivers and on beaches — and, in the long run, future generations who will inherit cleaner ecosystems. Small businesses also benefit because customers start bringing their own bags and shops reduce waste costs. I feel broadly positive about this law. It's a simple, practical step that reduces pollution and encourages people to change habits. That said, I think it needs good enforcement and ongoing public education so people don't just switch to other disposable items. Overall, it's a sensible policy that balances behaviour change and realistic implementation.
See the topic before you speak
Use the images as idea prompts. Describe what you notice, connect it to your experience, then answer the real question.
Model answers, heard side by side
Start with the simpler answer, switch bands to hear how the same task can be developed, then record a personal response. These are teaching examples, not official answers or score guarantees.
Part 2 — Model Answer
Part 2 cue-card response
I'm going to describe a law that bans single-use plastic bags in shops. The rule says shops should not give free thin plastic carrier bags and customers should bring reusable bags or pay a small fee for alternatives. I first learned about it from a radio announcement and then saw signs in my local supermarket. The law helps the environment and animals because fewer bags end up in rivers and parks. I feel it is a good idea. It's simple and practical. Some people complained at first, but most got used to bringing their own bags. I think it should continue and be supported with reminders and maybe small fines for big offenders.
I'd like to talk about a local law that bans single-use plastic bags in most shops and supermarkets. The regulation was introduced by the city council two years ago and requires retailers to stop giving out free plastic carrier bags; instead they must offer reusable bags or paper alternatives, often at a small charge. I first heard about the law on local radio, and then the supermarket where I shop put up posters and staff explained the change. At first people grumbled, but after a few weeks it became normal. The main beneficiaries are the environment and wildlife — fewer plastic bags end up in rivers and on beaches — and, in the long run, future generations who will inherit cleaner ecosystems. Small businesses also benefit because customers start bringing their own bags and shops reduce waste costs. I feel broadly positive about this law. It's a simple, practical step that reduces pollution and encourages people to change habits. That said, I think it needs good enforcement and ongoing public education so people don't just switch to other disposable items. Overall, it's a sensible policy that balances behaviour change and realistic implementation.
Part 3 — Model Answers
What kinds of rules do schools in China have?
Schools usually have rules about wearing a uniform, being on time, and not using mobile phones in class. There are also rules about homework, respecting teachers and keeping the classroom tidy. These rules are easy to understand and most pupils follow them.
Most schools have a mixture of behavioural and practical rules: a uniform policy, punctuality, mobile-phone restrictions, and expectations about homework and conduct. There are also safety rules for labs and sports, rules on internet use, and codes about respect and anti-bullying. These regulations aim to create a predictable environment where learning is possible.
Do you think school rules are important?
Yes, school rules are important because they keep order and help everyone learn. Rules about safety and behaviour stop problems and make lessons run smoothly. Without them it would be noisy and chaotic.
I do think well-designed school rules are important. They maintain order, protect students' safety and create a fair playing field for learning. However, rules should be reasonable and age-appropriate — overly strict or arbitrary rules can stifle creativity and motivation, so there needs to be a balance.
Are children unhappy with the school rules?
Sometimes children are unhappy, especially about uniforms or lots of homework. Teenagers often complain and say rules are unfair. But many pupils accept rules if they think they are sensible.
There is a mix of reactions. Younger children usually accept rules, but older pupils may push back if they see a rule as unfair or unnecessary. Much depends on how rules are explained and enforced — if students understand the reasons and have some input, they're less likely to be resentful.
How can parents and teachers help children understand and follow rules?
Parents and teachers can explain why rules exist and set a good example. They should remind children calmly and praise them when they follow rules. Simple rewards or routine help too.
Parents and teachers can help by modelling the behaviour they expect, being consistent with consequences and involving children in setting some of the rules. Positive reinforcement and clear explanations about why a rule matters — rather than arbitrary punishment — make it easier for kids to understand and follow them.
What are the rules people should obey at work?
At work people should be on time, do their job properly, dress neatly and respect colleagues. They must follow health and safety rules and meet deadlines. These are basic and important.
Workplace rules include punctuality and attendance, professional conduct, confidentiality, health and safety compliance, and meeting contractual obligations like deadlines. There are also norms about communication, teamwork and respecting boundaries. Following these rules keeps operations running smoothly and protects both staff and the organisation.
What is the purpose of punishment?
Punishment is used to stop bad behaviour and make people follow rules. It can teach children or workers right from wrong and act as a warning to others. But punishment should not be too harsh.
The purpose of punishment can be deterrence — discouraging future offences — and holding people accountable. Ideally it should also aim at rehabilitation or restoration where possible, helping someone learn from their mistake. Proportionality and fairness are crucial; punitive measures that alienate people rarely produce long-term change.
How to answer Describe a law on environmental protection IELTS Speaking questions
For the Describe a law on environmental protection cue card, use the preparation minute to build a route through the talk. Choose a clear subject, add two specific moments or details and end with why it matters. Then use the linked Part 3 questions to practise broader explanation and comparison.
Cue-card prompts:
- What it is
- How you first learned about it
- Who benefits from it
- How you feel about this law
- Opening: identify the person, place, object or event.
- Development: describe two details or moments in a logical order.
- Extension: explain a reason, result, comparison or problem.
- Reflection: finish with why the subject is memorable or important.
Question-by-question approach
| Practice question | Useful answer move |
|---|---|
| What kinds of rules do schools in China have? | Name the thing first, then describe a specific feature or example. |
| Do you think school rules are important? | State a likely view, explain the reason and add one condition or example. |
| Are children unhappy with the school rules? | Give a direct answer, one reason and a short example without memorising a script. |
| How can parents and teachers help children understand and follow rules? | Describe the process or difference in a clear order and add a result. |
Vocabulary focus
Useful language already demonstrated in the model answers includes use precise words from your own answer. Learn the meaning and a natural word partnership, then use each item in a different answer instead of copying a complete script.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Giving a memorised response that only partly answers the question.
- Adding difficult vocabulary without checking meaning or collocation.
- Restarting after every error instead of correcting briefly and continuing.
- Reading the model answer before recording your own first attempt.
Describe a law on environmental protection practice FAQ
How should I use the Describe a law on environmental protection cue card preparation minute?
Write keywords for an opening, two or three details and a final reflection. Do not try to write complete sentences.
Do I have to cover every cue-card bullet?
The prompts help you organise the talk. Covering them is useful, but a coherent one-to-two-minute response matters more than mechanically ticking off each line.
How are Part 3 questions connected to Part 2?
They develop the same broad theme through reasons, comparisons, social effects or future possibilities, so answers normally need more explanation than Part 1.
