When preparing for the IELTS exam, understanding and effectively using idiomatic expressions can significantly boost your score, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. One such idiom frequently encountered in English is “take the plunge.” In this article, we’ll explore this idiom in depth, understand its usage, and see how it can be useful in the IELTS context.
Understanding “Take the Plunge”
Take the plunge (verb) [idiom]
Definition: To make a decision to do something, especially after thinking about it for a long time or hesitating.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Go for it (verb phrase): To decide to do something, especially after hesitating.
- Example: After years of hesitation, she finally decided to go for it and started her own business.
- Dare (verb): To have the courage to do something.
- Example: He didn’t dare to ask her out on a date.
- Commit to it (verb phrase): To decide to do something with determination.
- Example: Once you commit to it, there’s no turning back.
- Take the leap (idiom): To go for it; to take a bold step.
- Example: They decided to take the leap and move to another country.
- Make a bold move (verb phrase): To take an action that is risky but necessary.
- Example: Investing all the savings in a start-up was a bold move.
Example Sentences for “Take the Plunge”
Here are some examples to illustrate how “take the plunge” can be used in context:
- After years of saving money, John decided to take the plunge and buy his first house.
- She is anxious about leaving her stable job, but she’s ready to take the plunge into freelancing.
- Many people are afraid to take the plunge and move abroad, even if it promises better opportunities.
- The couple finally decided to take the plunge and get married after ten years of dating.
- Starting your own business can be daunting, but if you never take the plunge, you’ll never know what you could have achieved.
Usage in IELTS Exams
Frequency in IELTS
Idiomatic expressions like “take the plunge” frequently appear in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections as they can effectively demonstrate a candidate’s grasp of English. Using such idioms correctly can enhance one’s score significantly, particularly in the lexical resource and fluency sub-scores.
How to Use “Take the Plunge” in IELTS
1. IELTS Speaking:
In the Speaking section, idioms like “take the plunge” can help you sound more natural and fluent. Here’s an example response to a Speaking Part 2 topic:
Describe a decision you made that was difficult:
“One difficult decision that I made was when I decided to take the plunge and leave my well-paying job to pursue a career in art. I had been contemplating this for years, but the security of my job held me back. Eventually, I realized that if I never took the plunge, I would forever regret not following my passion, so I finally did it.”
2. IELTS Writing:
In the Writing section, particularly in Task 2, using idioms judiciously can enhance the quality of your essay. Here’s how you can incorporate “take the plunge”:
Sample Essay:
“In recent years, an increasing number of individuals have decided to take the plunge and start their own businesses. While this decision can be fraught with risk, the benefits often outweigh the potential downsides. Entrepreneurship allows for personal growth, financial independence, and the opportunity to pursue one’s passion. For instance, many of today’s successful startups were founded by individuals who boldly took the plunge despite apparent odds.”
Combining “Take the Plunge” with Other Words
- Take the plunge into: Used to specify what action or decision is being made.
- Example: She decided to take the plunge into motherhood after years of hesitation.
- Take the plunge with: Used to denote collaboration or partnership.
- Example: They decided to take the plunge with a joint venture in the technology sector.
- Finally take the plunge: To emphasize the culmination of a long period of hesitation.
- Example: After months of deliberation, he finally took the plunge and proposed.
- Reluctantly take the plunge: When the decision is made with some hesitation or doubt.
- Example: She reluctantly took the plunge and accepted the new job offer.
Related Idioms and Phrases
Here are some idioms related to taking risks and making bold decisions:
- Go for broke: To risk everything in an attempt to achieve something.
- Example: Deciding to go for broke, they invested all their money in the new business.
- Foot in the door: To take the first step towards a goal, usually as a minor step.
- Example: She got a foot in the door by starting as an intern in the company.
- Go out on a limb: To take a risk, typically because you believe in something.
- Example: He decided to go out on a limb and defend his unconventional views.
- Leap of faith: To do something despite uncertainty about the outcome.
- Example: Moving to a new city without a job requires a leap of faith.
- Once bitten, twice shy: To be cautious because of a past failure or setback.
- Example: After the failure of his first business, he was once bitten, twice shy about investing again.
Conclusion
Using idioms like “take the plunge” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections. By incorporating such expressions effectively, you can demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English, thereby boosting your overall score. As you practice, try to find opportunities to use idioms naturally in your responses, and remember to understand their meanings and contexts thoroughly to avoid misuse.
Related Articles for Further Reading:
Taking the Plunge
Prepare well, use these idioms confidently, and take the plunge towards achieving your desired IELTS score!