Interview: The Environment
Four questions, one theme. For each: hear the question, answer in ~45 seconds using the recorder below, then compare with the model and run the checklist.
Question 1
Some people argue that protecting the environment is mainly the government's responsibility. Do you agree?
Useful phrases: Governments carry the biggest responsibility, but... · At the same time, ... · A shared responsibility
Model answer — open AFTER recording yourself
I think governments carry the biggest responsibility, but individuals matter far more than people assume. Governments can pass laws and build public transportation, which shapes everyone's behavior. At the same time, daily choices about energy, waste, and consumption add up across millions of people. So I'd say it's a shared responsibility: governments create the system, but citizens make that system succeed or fail.
Question 2
Plastic waste is a serious problem in many cities. What practical steps can ordinary people take to reduce it?
Useful phrases: Several simple steps that actually work · Puts quiet pressure on... · None of this is difficult; it mainly requires...
Model answer — open AFTER recording yourself
There are several simple steps that actually work. First, carrying a reusable bag and a water bottle eliminates the two most common plastic items almost immediately. Second, choosing products with less packaging puts quiet pressure on companies to change. Finally, separating plastic for recycling where facilities exist keeps much of it out of rivers and landfills. None of this is difficult; it mainly requires habits.
Question 3
Tell me about something you or your family do to help the environment.
Useful phrases: We've become quite careful about... · Instead of ignoring them · It showed me that...
Model answer — open AFTER recording yourself
In my family, we've become quite careful about water and electricity. We turn off lights religiously, reuse water from washing vegetables for the plants, and fix leaks immediately instead of ignoring them. My father started these habits mainly to save money, honestly, but the environmental benefit is real. It showed me that green living doesn't always require new technology; sometimes it's just old-fashioned carefulness.
Question 4
Which is more important for the future: developing renewable energy or reducing the energy we use? Why?
Useful phrases: If I must choose, I'd say... · In the long run · Clean supply, not permanent sacrifice
Model answer — open AFTER recording yourself
If I must choose, I'd say developing renewable energy matters more in the long run. Modern life needs a lot of energy, and asking billions of people to use much less is unrealistic. Clean generation can grow with demand. That said, reducing waste is cheaper and faster right now, so both should move together. But the permanent solution, I believe, is clean supply, not permanent sacrifice.
Record your answer, play it back, and compare it with the model. Recordings stay in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Self-evaluation checklist (after each recording)
This checklist is a self-study tool. It is NOT an official TOEFL score and no browser tool can give one — use it to find the one thing to fix next time.