Idioms for IELTS Speaking: Best Phrases to Use in Your Test
Speaking in front of someone may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But when it is a mandatory criterion to attain your language proficiency, you’ll have to give it your best shot. Many students who take the IELTS test face an issue with the speaking test and struggle to impress their examiners. One way to achieve this is by using good vocabulary and advanced English while speaking. Do you want to stand out in your IELTS speaking test? Then incorporate idioms while you speak. Idioms not only add color and personality to your speech but also demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency. They make your language more engaging and reflective of natural, native-like expressions. Imagine impressing your examiner with phrases that show you truly understand the nuances of English! In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best idioms for IELTS Speaking, provide tips on how to use them effectively, and guide you on how to avoid common pitfalls.
How Important Is the Use of Idioms in IELTS Speaking?
Idioms are important in enhancing your depth in IELTS Speaking. Most of them are applied to express complex ideas or feelings briefly and effectively. Knowing how to use idioms effectively will help you with the following:
Establish Fluency: The correct usage of idiomatic expressions shows that one is comfortable with the language and can handle its varied forms of expression.
Reflect Cultural Awareness: Many idioms are reflective of cultural aspects and the usage of everyday language. Using idioms may project that you know the culture of the English-speaking countries.
Improve Your Communication: Idioms can help to express emotions or opinions more intriguingly, thus making your speech more expressive and memorable.
Demonstrate Sophisticated Language: A candidate develops a more sophisticated use of idiomatic English when one achieves an advanced level in the language, which is an important factor when trying the IELTS Speaking test.
However, one should know how idioms should be used appropriately. Inappropriate usage or overusing them takes away from overall performance and may result in making your speech sound forced or unnatural. Hence, to make an effective usage of idioms, one needs to learn them well and practice the same.
Common idioms in IELTS Speaking
Following are some idioms that are very relevant to the IELTS Speaking test along with their meanings and examples:
| Idioms | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A blessing in disguise | It seems bad but turns out to be good | I am glad I lost the job, it made me pursue my passion. |
| Break the ice | To start the conversation or ease the tension | I started off with a joke, to break the ice |
| Hit the nail on the head | To clearly explain something | You hit the nail on the head when you said he was lying |
| Once in a blue moon | Something that happens rarely | I get to see him only once in a blue moon because of his work |
| Spill the beans | To reveal something unintentionally | I accidentally spilled the beans about the promotion |
| Bite the bullet | Bravely facing a difficult situation | I had to bite the bullet and be honest with him |
| Under the weather | To feel unwell or ill | I was feeling under the weather for a few days |
| Let the cat out of the bag | Revealing something accidentally | She let the cat out of the bag about her sister’s engagement before they officially announced it |
| Cut corners | Doing something cheaply compromising quality | They cut corners on the new animation making it weird |
| Burn the midnight oil | Working late in the night | I had to burn the midnight oil to meet the deadlines |
| On cloud nine | Extremely happy | I was on cloud nine when I heard the news |
| Piece of cake | Easy to do | The race was a piece of cake for him |
| Over the moon | Extremely happy | He was over the moon when he heard the news |
| Barking up the wrong tree | Making the wrong assumption | If you think she is the problem, then you are barking up the wrong tree |
| Jump on the bandwagon | Joining others to do something | Many jumped on the bandwagon of going to gym after they saw the results |
Practice exercises that can help you build confidence
Introduction and Interview
During the Introduction and Interview section of the IELTS Speaking test, you’ll discuss various aspects of your life, interests, and experiences. This is your opportunity to engage the examiner with a natural and conversational tone. Using idioms in this part can make your responses sound more colloquial and reflective of everyday English. It’s important to select idioms that are both relevant and appropriate for the context of the questions.
Long Turn
In the Long Turn section of the IELTS Speaking test, you will have 1-2 minutes to speak on a specific topic. This is your chance to elaborate on a subject in detail and showcase your ability to organize and present information clearly. Using idioms in this section can make your story more colorful and vivid, helping to capture the examiner’s attention and convey your ideas more effectively.
Discussion
In the Discussion section of the IELTS Speaking test, you will engage in a conversation about more abstract or complex topics. This part of the test allows you to delve into deeper discussions and explore nuanced viewpoints. Using idioms in this section can be particularly effective for expressing complicated ideas or opinions in a clear and engaging manner.
Tricks for Using Idioms in IELTS Speaking
Know the Meaning Well: First, learn the exact meaning and usage of each idiom. If an idiom is misplaced, it will make no sense to the listener, thereby affecting your scores adversely.
Practice in Context: Try to embed these idioms in practice conversations and mock tests so that you use them naturally when you take the test.
Use Idioms Sparingly: As much as idioms enrich your speech, using a lot of them can make your language sound artificial. You should use idioms in responses moderately.
Be Real: Only use idioms with which you are comfortable and that apply to what you’re trying to say. Using out-of-place or awkward idioms can decrease the clarity of your message.
Pronounce Clearly: One needs to pronounce clearly. Idioms need to be practised aloud so that it will be easily understood by the examiner.
Prepare for Various Situations: Be prepared to use idioms in different types of questions. It is very important to try to practice idioms in different contexts and various topics.
Ask for Feedback: Record yourself using idiomatic expressions and ask teachers or peers for their feedback. That way, you will fine-tune your usage and increase your fluency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some common mistakes to avoid when using idioms in your responses during the IELTS Speaking test are:
Using Idioms Incorrectly: Be sure you understand what an idiom actually means and in what context you shall use it. Using an idiom out of context will result in misunderstandings of its actual meaning, hence bringing down your score.
Overloading Your Responses with Idioms: It could sound unnatural if your speech is full of idioms. Remember, it is about quality, not quantity.
Use of Very Informal or Regional Idioms: Try to use the idioms that everyone understands and can use in formal situations. Avoid very informal or regional idioms.
Incorrect Pronunciation: Pronounce idioms correctly. Mispronunciation can result in failure in proper communication and also affect your score.
Relevance of Idioms: Make sure the idioms used will be relevant to the topic or question. Irrelevant idioms can easily confuse the listener and detract from your overall response.
To sum things up
Incorporating idioms into your IELTS Speaking responses can be a game-changer, making your language more lively and engaging. By using idiomatic expressions effectively, you not only demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency but also make your answers more memorable. Remember, the key is to use idioms naturally and appropriately, fitting them seamlessly into your responses. With practice and careful selection, idioms can help you express your ideas more vividly and connect with your examiner on a deeper level. Embrace the power of idioms, and let them add a touch of flair to your speaking test. Good luck!
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