When preparing for the IELTS exam, expanding your vocabulary and understanding various idiomatic expressions is essential for scoring well in all four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. One such useful idiomatic phrase is “Get a kick out of.” This article will explore the meaning, usage, and importance of this phrase in the IELTS exam, providing detailed explanations and examples to enrich your vocabulary.
Understanding “Get a Kick Out of”
“Get a kick out of” is an idiomatic expression meaning to enjoy or be amused by something. Here are some details:
- Phonetic Pronunciation: /ɡɛt ə kɪk aʊt əv/
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase
- Meaning: To derive great pleasure, enjoyment, or amusement from something.
Synonyms:
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Enjoy (v) /ɪnˈdʒɔɪ/: To take pleasure in something.
- Example: She enjoys reading books in her free time.
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Delight in (v) /dɪˈlaɪt ɪn/: To take great pleasure or enjoyment in something.
- Example: He delights in solving complex math problems.
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Amuse (v) /əˈmjuːz/: To entertain or find something funny.
- Example: The children amuse themselves with toys.
Antonyms:
-
Dislike (v) /dɪsˈlaɪk/: To not like something or find it unpleasant.
- Example: She dislikes noisy environments.
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Bore (v) /bɔːr/: To make someone feel uninterested.
- Example: The lecture bored him to tears.
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Detest (v) /dɪˈtɛst/: To strongly dislike something.
- Example: He detests waking up early.
Prevalence in IELTS
The phrase “Get a kick out of” can be particularly useful in the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS exam. It adds variety and depth to your language, showing examiners that you have a good grasp of natural, idiomatic English. Here’s how the phrase can appear in various parts of the exam:
In the Speaking Section:
IELTS Speaking topics often revolve around personal experiences and preferences, such as hobbies, travel, and leisure activities.
Example question:
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- Answer: I get a kick out of playing tennis because it’s both challenging and fun.
In the Writing Section:
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you may need to discuss your views on different topics or narrate experiences, where using idioms like “get a kick out of” can score you higher marks for lexical resource.
Example prompt:
- Some people believe that hobbies should be relaxing and enjoyable. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Essay extract: Many individuals get a kick out of engaging in hobbies that are not only relaxing but also provide a sense of achievement.
Example Sentences Using “Get a Kick Out of”
Let’s delve into some example sentences showcasing how to use “get a kick out of” in different contexts:
- She gets a kick out of watching comedy movies on weekends.
- He got a real kick out of bungee jumping during his vacation.
- They will get a kick out of the surprise party we’re planning.
- I always get a kick out of seeing old friends and reminiscing about the past.
- You would get a kick out of this book series if you enjoy thrillers.
Combining “Get a Kick Out of” with Other Words
Using “get a kick out of” in combination with other vocabulary can enhance your fluency and make your speech or writing more dynamic:
- Get a kick out of doing something: I get a kick out of baking cakes on the weekends.
- Get a kick out of someone: They get a kick out of their youngest child’s antics.
- Get a kick out of something happening: She gets a kick out of seeing people’s reactions to her art installations.
Related Idiomatic Expressions
Idioms can spice up your language, making it more engaging. Here are some idioms related to “get a kick out of”:
- Kick the bucket (to die): He kicked the bucket after a long illness.
- Kick up a fuss (to complain loudly): She kicked up a fuss about the poor service.
- Kick-off (to start): The meeting will kick off at 10 a.m.
- Kickback (a bribe): The scandal involved high-level kickbacks.
- Kick the habit (to stop a routine): He finally kicked the smoking habit.
In order to see more idiomatic phrases in use, you might find this article about kicking the habit useful.
Conclusion
To sum up, the idiom “Get a kick out of” can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking and Writing performances due to its idiomatic and expressive nature. Remember to practice using it naturally in sentences to ensure a seamless integration into your language. Try creating your own sentences and incorporate this versatile phrase into your daily conversations and writing exercises.
Staying consistent with your practice will help you become more comfortable with such idiomatic expressions, ultimately boosting your confidence and scores in the IELTS exam.
For further reading on how to incorporate personal enjoyment into your IELTS practice, consider checking out this article on what you like about cooking for more ideas on expressing your preferences.
Put these tips and examples into practice, and you’ll be well on your way to expanding your vocabulary and improving your performance in the IELTS exam!