How to practice: This set collects only the Read, Then Speak question type from the real DET (Duolingo English Test), covering DET Speaking questions. No grading and no timer, so solve it yourself, then tap each question to reveal the answer or model response.
Q1
Discuss your thoughts on how governments and individuals can effectively reduce ocean plastic pollution.
- Why is ocean plastic a major concern?
- What policy measures could governments implement?
- How can individuals contribute to the solution?
- Do you think single-use plastics should be banned?
20s to prepare · 1:30 to speak · 1 take only
Useful Expressions
Ocean plastic pollution is a major concern because... · Governments could implement... · Individuals can contribute by... · As for banning single-use plastics, I think... · In conclusion...
Show Model Response
Ocean plastic pollution is a major concern because it's now affecting marine ecosystems on a genuinely massive scale, harming wildlife through ingestion and entanglement, while also breaking down into microplastics that have already been detected in seafood, drinking water, and even human blood, which suggests the problem has moved well beyond a purely environmental issue.
In terms of policy, governments could implement several effective measures, including bans or heavy taxes on single-use plastics, stricter regulations on plastic manufacturing and packaging design, and significant investment in improved waste management infrastructure, particularly in developing countries where a large share of ocean plastic actually originates due to insufficient collection and recycling systems.
On an individual level, people can contribute meaningfully by reducing their own single-use plastic consumption, properly disposing of and recycling waste, supporting companies that use sustainable packaging, and participating in local cleanup efforts, even though I recognize that individual action alone can't solve a problem of this scale without corresponding structural change.
As for banning single-use plastics specifically, I generally support the idea, though I think it needs to be implemented thoughtfully, with reasonable transition periods and viable alternatives made available, particularly for lower-income communities and businesses that might otherwise be disproportionately burdened by a sudden ban.
In conclusion, I believe meaningfully reducing ocean plastic pollution requires coordinated action on both fronts simultaneously, ambitious government policy paired with genuine, sustained individual behavior change, since neither approach alone seems sufficient to address a problem operating at such an enormous global scale.
In terms of policy, governments could implement several effective measures, including bans or heavy taxes on single-use plastics, stricter regulations on plastic manufacturing and packaging design, and significant investment in improved waste management infrastructure, particularly in developing countries where a large share of ocean plastic actually originates due to insufficient collection and recycling systems.
On an individual level, people can contribute meaningfully by reducing their own single-use plastic consumption, properly disposing of and recycling waste, supporting companies that use sustainable packaging, and participating in local cleanup efforts, even though I recognize that individual action alone can't solve a problem of this scale without corresponding structural change.
As for banning single-use plastics specifically, I generally support the idea, though I think it needs to be implemented thoughtfully, with reasonable transition periods and viable alternatives made available, particularly for lower-income communities and businesses that might otherwise be disproportionately burdened by a sudden ban.
In conclusion, I believe meaningfully reducing ocean plastic pollution requires coordinated action on both fronts simultaneously, ambitious government policy paired with genuine, sustained individual behavior change, since neither approach alone seems sufficient to address a problem operating at such an enormous global scale.