Ultimate Guide to Using Idioms in IELTS Speaking for Band 7+

Eager to turn heads in the IELTS speaking test?! Use idioms in the correct context and see your scores soar. Idioms are a group of words that have a specific meaning when combined but cannot be deciphered from the individual words. They add elegance to the language and can be used in everyday conversation. Using idioms in IELTS speaking helps achieve a band 7+ score as it enhances your language skills and demonstrates your fluency. In this blog, let us take a look at the importance of using idioms, the correct way to use them, and some common mistakes to avoid.

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Why do Idioms Matter in IELTS Speaking?

During the IELTS speaking test, candidates are tested for their language proficiency and natural flow of conversation. Native speakers use idioms in their daily conversation, as they are a part of their culture. Using idioms showcases your language skills as well as cultural awareness.

One of the criteria for assessment is the range of vocabulary a candidate uses. Idioms are lexical resources that can help improve the band score.

Idioms can help convey ideas more succinctly, without having to use lengthy explanations. This makes communication more impactful.

Using idioms is a way of demonstrating your cultural knowledge, as they are deeply ingrained in British and American culture. Idioms reflect their history and values.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Idioms

Some of the common mistakes to avoid are:

1. Overusing idioms: Using too many idioms can make your speech sound forced and unnatural.
2. Incorrect usage: Using idioms incorrectly or in the wrong context can confuse the examiner.
3. Misunderstanding the context: Using idioms that don’t fit the context can weaken your response.

How to Learn and Practice Idioms Effectively?

To use idioms effectively, you should know the meaning and the context in which they are used. It requires a bit of effort and practice. Let’s have a look at how it can be achieved:

• Learn idioms in context by watching movies, TV shows, podcasts, etc.
• Group idioms by theme as they become easier to remember.
• Start with common, versatile idioms (e.g., “piece of cake,” “under the weather,” etc.) and then move to the complex ones.
• Practice with flashcards, as it helps in retention.
• Use idioms in your daily conversation. Include idioms from various themes.
• Practice is the key. Find study buddies or peers with whom you can practice.

Top 10 Idioms for IELTS Speaking 

Given below is a list of some commonly used idioms for the IELTS speaking exam, along with their meanings and examples:

How to Incorporate Idioms Naturally in Your Responses?

Idioms add flair and beauty to the conversation, however it is important to know how to use them. Inappropriate usage can confuse the examiner and lead to loss in score. Therefore, it is essential to understand their meaning to incorporate them into your response naturally.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use idioms that fit the question. Don’t force them, as they won’t make sense.
2. Use idioms sparingly, ideally, 1 or 2 per response, so that your speech doesn’t sound memorized.
3. Use idioms that fit into the context. Familiarize yourself with common idioms for different topics.
4. Practice using idioms so that you sound natural while speaking. For instance, when you talk about the challenges you faced, you can say, “That was a tough time, but I believe that every cloud has a silver lining. That helped me face the situation and emerge successful.”

Sample IELTS Speaking Responses with Idioms

 Why did you choose that career?

“I didn’t really want to do engineering, but I was the only one in my family ever to get high grades in their A-levels. So my parents sat me down and said it was either medicine or engineering. So I went to a hospital on work experience and fainted when I saw the sight of blood. I’m too squeamish for medicine, so I decided just to bite the bullet and go for engineering.”

Have you ever given jewellery to someone as a gift?

“Yes, I actually bought my mom a diamond ring last Christmas. She loves diamonds but didn’t have any.  So I decided gift her one even though it cost me an arm and a leg. She was on cloud nine as that was the first time she got an expensive gift. Her happiness made my day.”

How often do you go out with friends?

“I used to go out nearly every night, but since I’ve had kids, it’s really once in a blue moon. Most of my friends have either settled down with kids like me, or they have moved away. So we meet only during birthdays or festivals.”

Tips for Practicing Idioms Before the Test

Practicing idioms before the IELTS speaking test is important to ensure that you sound natural and use them appropriately. Here are some tips to master idioms:

1. Learn idioms based on common IELTS topics.
2. When you learn idioms, ensure you understand their meaning and context.
3. Listen to native speakers and understand how they use the idioms.
4. Speak with friends or mentors to get used to the idioms.
5. Record yourself, assess, and make necessary changes.
6. The examiners should be able to understand you clearly, so use idioms appropriately and occasionally.
7. Practice commonly asked IELTS speaking questions by incorporating idioms.
8. Use only 1 to 2 idioms per speaking topic. Overusing may create confusion, leading to a reduction in score for lexical resources.

Conclusion

Idioms add flair and beauty to the conversation. Using them in the IELTS speaking test is a great way to impress the examiner and score a band of 7+. Excess of anything is bad, and the same applies to using idioms too. Overuse or using in the wrong context may lead to confusion or make you sound unnatural. So, practice idioms in context, use them appropriately, and see your scores soar.

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