Describe a poisonous plant you know about IELTS cue card

Describe a poisonous plant you know about cue card- sample answer 1

Introduction

In our daily lives, we encounter various plants. Nature has a lot of flora and fauna that humans are still unaware of. Likewise, I came across a poisonous plant, but I understood it in the later stages of gathering further knowledge that I will talk about today.

What is the name of the plant?

The name of the poisonous plant that I will be talking about today is Belladonna, also known as Atropa belladonna. 

Where is it found?

Belladonna is found at an altitude of 2000-4000m. It can be found in various countries; in India, it is found in the regions of Kangra, Kulu, Narkunda, Simla, and Kinnaur); Uttar Pradesh; West Bengal (Darjeeling), found also in West Asia and Europe. General: Himalaya (Kashmir- Arunachal Pradesh), Meghalaya, Manipur, Thailand.

What are its benefits and side effects?

Even though Belladonna is known for being a poisonous plant, it also has various benefits. We are all aware that being a toxic plant has certain side effects; it contains compounds that can affect how the neurological system operates in the body, involving things like saliva, sweat, pupil size, urine, digestive processes, and more. Belladonna may also raise blood pressure and heart rate. On the other hand, people take belladonna for a variety of ailments, including asthma, the common cold, haemorrhoids, Parkinson's disease, and many more, despite acknowledged safety risks. Still, these claims need to be better supported by science.

How do you know about it?

I first encountered Belladonna as a homoeopathic medicine for treating the common cold, and that was the first time I became interested in the plant.

Conclusion

To conclude, even though belladonna is a poisonous plant, it is used daily for medicinal purposes. The key here is to use it under guidance and with expert knowledge.

Also, check: A Comprehensive Guide to IELTS Grammar

Describe a poisonous plant you know about cue card- sample answer 2

Introduction

When mentioning poisonous plants, it is essential to understand that they can be deemed bad for humans or cause death. Irrespective of that, science has proven that anything consumed in large quantities is poisonous. So, today, I will discuss one such poisonous plant with great medicinal benefits.

What is the name of the plant?

Castor bean, also known as Ricinus communis, is a poisonous plant I will discuss today. 

Where is it found?

Castor bean is found in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, which are within Indian territory. On a global level, this plant is found in places with moist and well-drained soils. Castor bean is native to tropical East Africa around Ethiopia. Still, it has naturalised in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide and has become a weed in many places, including the southwestern U.S.

What are its benefits and side effects?

Castor beans have many benefits, including relieving dry eyes, constipation, labour pain and clearing the colon in preparation for a colonoscopy. They are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and many other ailments; however, most of these applications need scientific solid backing.

Castor beans are poisonous, and the side effects include nausea, dizziness, cramping in the stomach, and discomfort. Large or prolonged dosages of castor oil may pose a risk, as they might cause potassium and fluid loss.

How do you know about it?

I learned about castor beans when I came in contact with one of their forms, castor oil. My grandmother introduced me to the plant and told me it was poisonous and should only be used under guided supervision. 

Conclusion

To conclude, castor oil, an extract from castor beans, has been used for centuries to treat various diseases. Scientists have successfully concluded that it is a poisonous plant because of its tendencies and effects on humans. 

Also, check: Describe a Historical Period - IELTS speaking cue card

Describe a poisonous plant you know about cue card- sample answer 3

Introduction

As we know, the world is full of unknown plants and animals that scientists have yet to discover. Some of those plants that have been discovered are poisonous. Today, I will also discuss one such plant that I came across that has more side effects than benefits. 

What is the name of the plant?

Datura is the name of the plant, also known as Datura wrightii, also called moonflower, as its flowers blossom late in the evening. 

Where is it found?

Datura is mainly found in the Himalayan range from Kashmir to Sikkim. Worldwide, Datura flowers are found in the wild of Southern California. The genus's most extensive diversity of species is found in Central America and Mexico, which may indicate that these regions are where the genus originated. Still, there is strong evidence that these plants were utilised for thousands of years as holy plants in Asia and the New World.

What are its benefits and side effects?

Datura has many side effects on the human body, even more than its medicinal benefits. Some side effects are Datura Wrightii chemicals that can obstruct nervous system activities. The nervous system controls several body processes, such as sweating, salivation, urine, and digestive processes.

In spite of many dangerous side effects of the plant, some of the benefits for which this poisonous plant is used are for treating loss of appetite, skin diseases, and wound healing.

How do you know about it?

When I visited Sikkim, I learned about the flowers of Datura, and the tour guide educated us about the various flora available in the region's Himalayan range. 

Conclusion

To conclude, Datura is a poisonous plant with more side effects than benefits. Therefore, it is advisable to be more cautious when handling it. Even with its little medicinal benefit, the side effects are far more to be neglected.

Also, check: Describe a development in your country - IELTS speaking cue card

IELTS Speaking Part 3- Follow-up questions

Question- Are there any uses for poisonous plants in modern medicine?

Answer- Yes, despite their toxicity, contemporary medicine uses modest, regulated dosages of botanicals like belladonna. For instance, one of the alkaloids in belladonna is used to dilate pupils during eye tests and as an antidote for certain poisonings caused by nerve agents and pesticides.

Question- How can one safely study poisonous plants?

Answer- Poisonous plant research should always be conducted safely and under the supervision of an expert. Essential safety measures include wearing gloves when handling the plant, being aware of its characteristics, and never consuming any part of it.

Question- How do you prevent/handle these poisonous plants?

Answer- Extreme caution is advised when working with dangerous plants. When touching objects, skin irritation can be minimised by wearing protective gloves and clothes. Afterwards, it is necessary to wash your hands and clothing. Labelled bulbs and seeds should always be kept out of the reach of kids, dogs, and locations used to store food.

Question- What should you do if exposed to a poisonous plant?

Answer- Wash the skin immediately with soap, detergent, or rubbing alcohol to prevent the infection from spreading. Use a brush to clean beneath the nails. Seek medical assistance if the allergy doesn't go away.

Question- Can we reuse soil from a diseased plant?

Answer- To prevent the spread of pests or illnesses from the contaminated plant, it is always advisable to sterilise the soil before using it again. This approach prolongs the crop's life and promotes health.

Also, check: Describe an experience about moving to a new house- IELTS cue card

Conclusion

To conclude, some of the cue card topics, like “Describe a poisonous plant you know about,” can be quite tricky, but at that moment, do not hesitate to try to formulate the answer as best as you can. It is advised to maintain a calm head, think about everything you can do, formulate a convincing explanation, and deliver it confidently. In topics like these, confidence is the key.

We hope you are clear on how to answer the “Describe a poisonous plant you know about” type of IELTS speaking cue card questions. But, if you still need further details on how to prepare for IELTS, you can contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for additional guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best test material and guidance to ace the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session and an IELTS online practice test via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388 for further queries.