Environment | C1 Advanced Speaking Part 3 & 4 Sample Answers

These are high-scoring sample answers for the following Cambridge C1 Advanced Speaking Parts 3 and 4. Read them to understand what you need to talk about and the kind of answers you need to give for a good C1 Advanced speaking score.

Home > C1 Advanced > Speaking > Part 3 & 4 Sample Answers

C1 Advanced Speaking Part 3 Quiz: Do You Know?

C1 Advanced Speaking Part 3

Question

Sample Answer – Discussion

There is two minutes to discuss how each part influences the central question.

A: Shall I begin?

B: Yes, go ahead.

A: I think extreme weather is one of the most immediate issues people face. Floods, droughts, and heatwaves can disrupt daily life, damage homes, and affect transport and agriculture. What do you think?

B: Absolutely. And don’t you think food shortages are often a result of that. When crops fail due to weather or pollution, prices rise and people struggle to afford basics – especially in vulnerable areas.

A: Yes, and in my opinion polluted rivers also play a part. They not only harm wildlife but also affect drinking water and farming, especially in communities that rely directly on river systems.

B: That’s true. I also think energy provision is becoming more important. With the move towards wind farms and solar power, people are having to adapt, but some see the change as expensive or inconvenient in the short term. What about you?

A: I completely agree. And endangered animals might seem less directly related to daily life, but they’re part of larger ecosystems that keep our planet in balance. Losing them can affect things like pollination, pest control, and tourism.

Sample Answer – Reaching a Decision

There is one minute for the candidates to reach a decision about which environmental issue has the biggest impact on people’s lives.

B: I’d say extreme weather – it’s so visible and affects people across the globe in very immediate ways.

A: I agree, especially because it’s linked to food shortages and even energy supply. Maybe extreme weather and food shortages together?

B: Yes, they’re very closely connected and probably affect the most people.

A: Let’s go with those two then.

CAE Speaking Part 4 Quiz: Are You The Best?

C1 Advanced Speaking Part 4

One candidate is asked a Part 4 question, then the other one is asked to give a shorter opinion on it too.

Questions

Do you feel that people are fully aware of the environmental problems we face these days?…(Why? / Why not?)
Some people say that it won’t be possible to reverse any environmental damage done so far. What’s your view?
Do you think it’s a good idea to encourage children to cycle from an early age?…(Why? / Why not?)
Do you think it would be a good idea to reward people for the amount of rubbish they recycle?…(Why? / Why not?)
Charities raise a lot of money for the environment. How helpful do you think this fundraising is?…(Why? / Why not?)
Some people say we should only live for today and not be concerned about the future. Do you agree?…(Why? / Why not?)

Sample Answers

1. Do you feel that people are fully aware of the environmental problems we face these days? Why / Why not?
I think people are more aware than in the past, but many still don’t fully understand how serious the situation is. Topics like climate change and plastic pollution are in the news, but not everyone connects these issues to their everyday actions. Some choose to ignore the problem because it feels too overwhelming. Awareness is improving, but there’s still a long way to go.

2. Some people say that it won’t be possible to reverse any environmental damage done so far. What’s your view?
I believe that while we may not be able to undo all the damage, we can definitely reduce its impact. For example, reforestation and cleaner energy sources are already making a difference. It might take time and global cooperation, but giving up completely would only make things worse. Even small improvements are better than none at all.

3. Do you think it’s a good idea to encourage children to cycle from an early age? Why / Why not?
Yes, absolutely. Cycling is a healthy habit, and starting early helps children build confidence and independence. It also teaches them about sustainability and reduces the need for car travel. Of course, it’s important to make sure it’s safe for them, but overall it’s a very positive step.

4. Do you think it would be a good idea to reward people for the amount of rubbish they recycle? Why / Why not?
Yes, I think rewards can be a good motivation, especially for people who wouldn’t otherwise make the effort. It creates a sense of responsibility and turns recycling into something more rewarding. However, it should be combined with education so that people understand why it matters and don’t just do it for the reward.

5. Charities raise a lot of money for the environment. How helpful do you think this fundraising is? Why / Why not?
I think it’s very helpful, especially when the money goes to well-organised projects. Charities often support research, conservation, and education campaigns that governments may not prioritise. They also raise public awareness and get communities involved. Fundraising alone isn’t enough, but it’s a valuable part of the solution.

6. Some people say we should only live for today and not be concerned about the future. Do you agree? Why / Why not?
I disagree with that view. Of course, it’s important to enjoy the present, but ignoring the future can lead to serious problems. Planning ahead helps us make better decisions, especially when it comes to issues like health, finance, or the environment. A balanced approach is best—live in the moment, but keep an eye on what lies ahead.