This is a sample of a SLP 3 speaking task in accordance with the requirements of the exam in Poland.
The useful expressions have been bolded in the text.
The audio is ~ 3,5 minutes long as it is spoken in quite a fast, native pace. Bear in mind that during the exam, your discussion should take 5-6 minutes.
TASK
Environment
There are different environmental problems. Look at the list of problems below. Discuss their impact on people and decide which is the most and the least serious. Justify your choice.
*deforestation *water pollution *air pollution
SAMPLE DISCUSSION TEXT
Anna: There’s been a lot of talk recently about the environment and how different environmental phenomena impact people. In your opinion, which of them has the most serious influence on our lives?
Ben: If you ask me, I believe the most serious environmental threat is air pollution because it can cause serious diseases, such as, bronchitis, asthma or allergies. Take Cracow, in Poland as an example. Burning coal has been prohibited there due to the poor air condition in the city. Have you heard about that?
A: Oh, actually, I have. It’s a good example, and I share your point of view on this one.
Also, air pollution has consequences on the environment. The accumulation of gases in the atmosphere generates such dangerous phenomena as acid rains, depletion of the ozone layer, global warming, or the greenhouse effect. They, in turn, influence human health. Isn’t it a vicious circle?
On the other hand, air pollution seems predictable, while contaminated water can be more dangerous when we don’t expect it. Don’t you think?
B: I know. There have been cases of suffering from the consequences of drinking polluted water by individuals unaware they shouldn’t have drunk it. However, if the air in the region where you live is polluted, you are constantly subject to its effects. Wouldn’t you agree?
A: Well, you certainly are. Toxic waste produced by factories and illegally discharged into rivers can be deadly for fish and humans alike. But water pollution is not only toxic wastewater. What about plastic waste killing sea animals and destroying beaches?
B: You do have a point here. But I wouldn’t say that limiting the accessibility of beaches is more serious than health or natural hazards caused by air pollution. What do you say to that?
A: Absolutely! If we look at the problem from this perspective, I must agree with you that air pollution is more serious due to its long-term effects. What about deforestation?
B: Yes, deforestation is a serious problem, too, and it is connected with air quality as well, as this is the trees that produce oxygen. Right?
A: Exactly! But it doesn’t pose a direct threat to human lives, does it?
B: No, not really, maybe to certain animal or plant species, but not directly to people, although it can influence the quality of life indirectly. So, I’d say it is the least serious of the three. How do you feel about that?
A: Yeah, I see it that way, too.
Though deforestation is more than just lost habitats. Its consequences are far greater and include also soil erosion and flooding, which is certainly threatening to human lives.
B: Well, I haven’t thought about that, but your are certainly right!
A: So, to sum up, I’d say that we agree that air pollution is the most and deforestation the least serious of these environmental problems. Don’t we?
B: That’s right. I couldn’t agree with you more.
SAMPLE DICUSSION AUDIO
CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO LISTEN TO THE RECORDING
STANAG 6001 LEVEL 3 DISCUSSION – USEFUL LINKS
If you need more information about this speaking TASK in general and some other examples, here are some useful links:
STANAG 6001 LEVEL 3 DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION TOPICS – CITY VERSUS COUNTRY
DISCUSSION TOPICS – EUROPEAN ISSUES
DISCUSSION TOPICS – ONLINE SHOPPING
DISCUSSION TOPICS – HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
IF YOU WANT MORE DISCUSSION TOPICS AND EXERCISES, CHECK OUT MY BOOK:
https://www.stanagexpert.com/stanag-expert-textbooks/
