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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
1: Most university students ........................ on campus in their first year.
Some of the common mistakes to avoid are:
- Overusing idioms: Using too many idioms can make your speech sound forced and unnatural.
- Incorrect usage: Using idioms incorrectly or in the wrong context can confuse the examiner.
- Misunderstanding the context: Using idioms that don’t fit the context can weaken your response.
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Start Your IELTS Journey Today!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:
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| On cloud nine | extremely happy | When I got my first job, I was on cloud nine. |
| An arm and a leg | very expensive | On my mom’s birthday, I took her out for dinner. Even though it cost me an arm and a leg, her happiness made it worth it. |
| A piece of cake | something very easy to do | The project I got was a piece of cake. |
| Miss the boat | miss an opportunity | There was a superb opportunity, but I missed the boat as I was late to apply. |
| Judge a book by its cover | to make an opinion based on appearance | I didn’t like him because of his looks, but then I realized that I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. |
| Under the weather | feeling unwell | Despite being under the weather, she attended the meeting. |
| Burn the midnight oil | work late into the night | I burnt the midnight oil to prepare for the test. |
| Through thick and thin | This idiom is used to describe those who stand by you in all circumstances. | My sister is my greatest support. She’s always there for me through thick and thin. |
| The ball is in your court | It’s your turn to take action. | I’ve told you about the opportunity. The ball is in your court now. |
| Once in a blue moon | Rarely | I am so tied up that I hang out with my friends once in a blue moon. |
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:
- Use idioms that fit the question. Don’t force them, as they won’t make sense.
- Use idioms sparingly, ideally, 1 or 2 per response, so that your speech doesn’t sound memorized.
- Use idioms that fit into the context. Familiarize yourself with common idioms for different topics.
- 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.”
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Start Your IELTS Journey Today!Sample IELTS Speaking Responses with Idioms
Why did you choose that career?
“I was always a creative person and wanted to get into marketing, but my parents were keen on getting me into the medical field. I am faint-hearted and can’t stand the sight of blood. I tried convincing my parents, but they wouldn’t budge. So I decided to bite the bullet and go for medicine.”
Have you ever given jewellery to someone as a gift?
“Yes, I 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 are either busy with their, or they have moved to other countries. 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:
- Learn idioms based on common IELTS topics.
- When you learn idioms, ensure you understand their meaning and context.
- Listen to native speakers and understand how they use the idioms.
- Speak with friends or mentors to get used to the idioms.
- Record yourself, assess, and make necessary changes.
- The examiners should be able to understand you clearly, so use idioms appropriately and occasionally.
- Practice commonly asked IELTS speaking questions by incorporating idioms.
- 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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