In your IELTS preparation, have you ever encountered the phrase “go the extra mile” and wondered how to use it effectively? This idiom is not only common in everyday English but also appears in IELTS exams, especially in the speaking and writing sections. Understanding its meaning, usage, related vocabulary, and contextual examples can significantly boost your IELTS performance.
Understanding “Go the Extra Mile”
Meaning and Pronunciation
The idiom “go the extra mile” (pronounced /ɡəʊ ðə ˈekstrə maɪl/) means to make a special effort to achieve something, to do more than what is expected or required. It’s synonymous with putting in additional effort and can be a powerful way to express motivation and dedication.
Synonyms:
- Go above and beyond (/ɡəʊ əˈbʌv ənd bɪˈjɒnd/): To exceed expectations.
- She always goes above and beyond to ensure the success of her projects.
- Give it 110% (/ɡɪv ɪt wʌnˈhʌndrəd ən tɛn pərˈsɛnt/): To put in maximum effort.
- If you want to excel, you need to give it 110% every time.
- Exceed expectations (/ɪkˈsiːd ɛkˌspɛkˈteɪʃənz/): To perform better than anticipated.
- The team exceeded expectations with their innovative solutions.
- Go out of one’s way (/ɡəʊ aʊt əv wʌnz weɪ/): To make a special effort.
- He went out of his way to help his colleagues.
- Put in extra effort (/pʊt ɪn ˈekstrə ˈefət/): To work harder than usual.
- They put in extra effort to meet the deadline.
Usage in IELTS
The phrase “go the extra mile” can be particularly useful in describing actions, efforts, and character traits in various parts of the IELTS exam:
Example Sentences:
- Writing Task 2: “To achieve progress in life, one must often go the extra mile.”
- Speaking Part 2: “Describe a time when you helped someone. I often go the extra mile to support my friends.”
- Writing Task 1: “The company’s success is attributed to employees who consistently go the extra mile.”
Analyzing Its Common Applications in IELTS
“Go the extra mile” is often used to express effort, hard work, and dedication, crucial aspects in IELTS themes related to work, education, and personal achievements.
Writing Task 2 Analysis
When discussing topics like career success, education, or technology advancements, using this phrase can enhance your arguments.
- Example Question: Some people believe that hard work is the key to success. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Sample Answer: I strongly believe that success largely depends on the willingness to go the extra mile. For instance, renowned scientists who made groundbreaking discoveries often dedicated countless hours beyond regular work schedules, demonstrating that exceptional effort is crucial for significant achievements.
Speaking Part 2 Analysis
Topics often require you to describe personal experiences. Using “go the extra mile” can vividly illustrate your dedication.
- Example Question: Describe a time when you helped someone.
- Sample Answer: One memorable experience was when I tutored my younger brother for his exams. I would go the extra mile by creating custom study materials and conducting mock tests every weekend, which greatly improved his grades.
going-the-extra-mile
Examples of Combining with Other Words
To enhance your explanations, combine “go the extra mile” with action verbs or describe specific efforts:
- To achieve a goal: She went the extra mile to secure the final deal.
- In the workplace: Employees are encouraged to go the extra mile for customer satisfaction.
- During studies: Going the extra mile in research can lead to unexpected discoveries.
- In personal development: If you want to stand out, go the extra mile by learning new skills.
- For team success: The coach admires players who go the extra mile for the team’s success.
Related Idioms and Phrases for IELTS
- Burn the midnight oil: To work late into the night.
- She burned the midnight oil to finish the project on time.
- Move heaven and earth: To make every possible effort.
- He would move heaven and earth to achieve his dreams.
- Spare no effort: To put in maximum effort.
- They spared no effort to ensure the event was a success.
- Go all out: To put in all effort.
- She went all out to impress during the interview.
- Leave no stone unturned: To do everything possible to achieve something.
- They left no stone unturned in their search for the missing document.
Conclusion
Incorporating the phrase “go the extra mile” into your IELTS preparation can provide a compelling edge, illustrating your commitment and ability to articulate detailed effort and dedication. Practice using this idiom along with related phrases in your speaking and writing tasks to enhance your scores.
For further insights, you can explore related idioms like elbow grease and go above and beyond, which are essential for creating nuanced and impactful responses.
Continue practicing, and remember to always go the extra mile in your IELTS preparation!