Speaking Test Part 2:

Model Answer:

The environmental problem I want to talk about is air pollution in my hometown. My hometown is a large and densely populated city, and it has been facing severe air pollution problems for several years, particularly between January and March, when the smog is terrible.

I think the main causes of the air pollution are vehicle exhaust fumes, emissions from factories and coal power stations, and burning of agricultural waste. Unfortunately, many farmers set fire to their waste at the end of the growing season, which produces a lot of smoke. That’s why the air pollution is particularly bad around January to March. The city's heavy traffic is also a significant problem. The public transport network is not very good yet so most people choose to drive, which of course means lots of car fumes.

The effects of air pollution are widespread and serious. People living in the city are at a higher risk of developing breathing problems, and there is evidence to suggest that high levels of pollutants in the air can even lead to early death. Sometimes when I look out my window I can only see about 50 metres because the smog is so thick!