How to Use Idioms Naturally in IELTS Speaking: A Step-by-Step Guide to Boost Your Score

Want to captivate the IELTS examiner’s attention? Sprinkle some idioms into your response! It adds fluency and depth to your speech, thus helping you achieve a high score band, particularly in the Lexical Resource criterion. A common mistake many test-takers make is not using these idioms appropriately.  In this blog, we will explore how to use idioms naturally in the IELTS Speaking Test, the importance of doing so and, tips to include them effectively.

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Why Are Idioms Important in IELTS Speaking?

Using idioms gives a natural flow to a conversation and demonstrates language proficiency. Native speakers often use idioms to convey messages more efficiently and adds a touch of cultural context to their expressions. Demonstrating your knowledge of English idioms can create a positive impact on the examiner.

Basic vocabulary may help you convey ideas, but using idioms add flair to your communication and demonstrates a deep understanding of the language. For instance, saying ‘I was over the moon when I got the gift’ instead of ‘I was very happy when I got the gift’ makes an impression on the listener. 

Incorporating a few idiomatic expressions thoughtfully can to your IELTS speaking score. It shows the examiner that you have a wide range of vocabulary and can use it appropriately. Idioms help make your communication more engaging and impactful. This can help push your score toward Band 7.0+.

While idioms can elevate your language proficiency, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Using complex words or idioms might lead to confusion and hinder your chances of  a high score. Also, make sure not to overuse. They should come across as natural and not forced usage.  

Step 1: Learn Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Step 2: Understand the Context

Idioms are expressions whose meanings are not deducible from the individual words used in them. Hence, it is crucial to understand their context. Wrong usage can lead to confusion or might even cause unintended harm. 

For example, the expression ‘under the weather’ means feeling sick or unwell.

Correct usage: ‘I won’t be able to attend the event as I’m under the weather’. 

Wrong usage: ‘On my way home from work, it started raining and I was under the weather.’

Step 3: Practice Using Idioms in Context

Practicing idioms in context helps incorporate them into sentences naturally. The best way to practice is to understand the meanings of the idioms and use them in sentences of your own. Read books or watch TV shows or movies to see how they are used in conversations. 

Practice creating sample answers for IELTS Speaking topics and see how you can use idioms in your answers. Record yourself speaking and review your answers. The idioms should sound natural, not forced. Get feedback from your teachers or peers.

Step 4: Avoid Overusing Idioms

Native speakers use idioms naturally and sparingly. Overusing idioms may make you sound unnatural. Moreover, if idioms are not used in the right context, the examiner might get confused and you could lose your score. Ideally, you can use 1 to 2 idioms per speaking task.

The concept of the speaking task is to assess your fluency. Using too many idioms, especially when used inappropriately can hamper your chances of scoring.

Step 5: Learn Idioms in Phrases, Not Isolation

Idioms should always be a part of speaking and be used in a way that sounds natural. When you use idioms just for the sake of it, you can sound awkward and this may negatively affect your score. Learning idioms with real-life events and stories makes it easier to remember and use them naturally.

The idiom ‘Cry over spilled milk’ refers to something already done or a mistake that cannot be changed.

Example: “I messed up my chances of scoring well in the exam. I knew there’s no use crying over spilled milk, so I decided to work harder the next time.”

Step 6: Practice with Real IELTS Speaking Questions

As mentioned earlier, learning idioms in phrases helps you recall and use them naturally. You can do this by practicing with real IELTS speaking questions.

Sample IELTS Questions Part 1

1. Hometown
2. Accommodation
3. Animals
4. Birthdays
5. Daily Routine
6. Family
7. Exercise
8. Friends
9. Food
10. Family

Sample IELTS Questions Part 2

1. Describe a challenging thing you have done.
2. Describe someone who has had an important influence on your life.
3. Describe your favourite teacher from school.
4. Describe a gift you have given someone.
5. Describe a time when someone apologised to you.
6. Describe a building that you particularly like.
7. Describe a positive change in your life.
8. Describe an important decision you have made.
9. Describe a TV show that you enjoy.
10. Describe an exciting experience you’ve had.

Sample IELTS Questions Part 3

1. A Challenging Thing You Did
2. Clothes
3. Climate
4. City
5. Business
6. Entertainment
7. Culture and tradition
8. Environment
9. Health
10. Holiday

Sample Answer

Topic: Talk about a hobby that you enjoy

One hobby that I truly enjoy is reading books. I have been reading since the age of 3, and I find it very relaxing. I got hooked onto books with pictures and since then I’ve been devouring books left and right.

Reading helps me explore different cultures and ideas and improves my vocabulary and communication skills. I enjoy books of various genres, from fiction to autobiography.

I read for at least one hour every day, before bedtime as it helps me unwind after a long day. Whenever I get stressed, I curl up with a book. It helps me recharge my batteries.

Idioms used:

• Unwind after a long day – to relax after a busy or stressful day
• Recharge my batteries – regain energy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Only use the idioms you fully understand. This prevents you from sounding unnatural.
2. Do not overuse them. One or two idioms per topic are sufficient.
3. List mistakes like incorrect usage, overloading, or using outdated idioms.
4. Avoid using complex idioms, as they may mask your intended meaning.

Tips for Using Idioms Naturally

• Ensure you understand the meaning and context of an idiom before using it. Make sure they fit well in your response.
• The examiners should be able to understand you clearly, so use idioms appropriately and occasionally.
• Use only 1 to 2 idioms per speaking topic. Overusing may create confusion and lead to a lowering your score for lexical resources.
• Listening to native speakers is beneficial as you can understand the way they incorporate idioms in their conversation.
• Practice daily by recording yourself or speaking to peers or mentors.

Conclusion

Using idioms in your IELTS speaking task shows your fluency and language proficiency. The objective should be to incorporate idioms naturally without making them sound forced. Practicing regularly will help you achieve this. Take care not to overuse idioms as this can confuse the examiner and lead to a reduction in your score.

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