B2 FIRST · VOCABULARY · TOPIC VOCABULARY
The environment
Words like climate change, recycle, pollution and reduce waste.
Finn says
The environment is a favourite topic for essays and discussions: pollution, climate change, recycling and transport. Learn the words in groups, with the words they go with, and try to use two or three of them next time you practise Speaking or Writing.
Problems
climate change
changes in the world's weather caused by people
Climate change is a global problem.
pollution
dirty air, water or land
Air pollution is bad in big cities.
global warming
the increase in the Earth's temperature
Global warming is melting the ice.
waste
things we throw away
We produce too much plastic waste.
endangered species
animals that may disappear
The tiger is an endangered species.
traffic jam
many cars that can't move
I was stuck in a traffic jam for an hour.
Solutions
recycle
use again after processing
We recycle glass and paper.
reduce waste
make less rubbish
Buying less is the best way to reduce waste.
renewable energy
energy from sun, wind, water
The town uses renewable energy.
public transport
buses, trains, etc.
I use public transport to get to work.
protect the environment
keep it safe
Everyone can help to protect the environment.
environmentally friendly
not harmful to nature
Bikes are an environmentally friendly way to travel.
Make it better
The same idea, first in basic English, then in the kind of language that gets a higher mark.
- Basic: There is a lot of dirty air in cities.Better: Air pollution is a serious problem in cities.Uses the topic noun.
- Basic: We should make less rubbish.Better: We should reduce the amount of waste we produce.More formal, good for essays.
- Basic: Buses and trains are better for nature.Better: Public transport is more environmentally friendly.Two topic expressions in one sentence.
- Basic: Some animals might disappear.Better: Many species are endangered.Precise vocabulary.
Finn's exam tip
Don't say 'the nature' – just nature: 'We must protect nature.' And environment always has the: 'protect the environment'.
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Los 40 phrasal verbs más útiles para el B2 First →
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