How to Use “Strike a Chord” in IELTS Writing and Speaking

When preparing for the IELTS, mastering idiomatic expressions like “strike a chord” can set your language skills apart from the competition. In this guide, I’ll break down the meaning, usage, and practical applications of the phrase “strike a chord” and offer related vocabulary to enhance your IELTS performance.

Understanding “Strike a Chord”

Definition and Pronunciation

Strike a chord (/straɪk ə kɔːrd/): This idiom means to resonate with someone’s feelings or experiences or to evoke an emotional response. It is generally used to describe something that clearly makes sense to someone and feels relatable.

Related Synonyms and Antonyms

1. Resonate (/ˈrɛzəˌneɪt/)

   • Meaning: To evoke an emotional response.
   • Example: The movie’s message resonated deeply with the audience.

2. Touch a nerve (/tʌʧ ə nɜːrv/)

   • Meaning: To provoke a strong emotional reaction.
   • Example: His comments about economic inequality touched a nerve with the crowd.

3. Hit home (/hɪt hoʊm/)

   • Meaning: To make someone fully realize something emotionally.
   • Example: The reality of the situation finally hit home when I saw the news.

4. Connect (/kəˈnɛkt/)

   • Meaning: To relate well with someone on an emotional level.
   • Example: Her performance really connected with the young audience.

5. Alienate (/ˈeɪliəˌneɪt/) [Antonym]

   • Meaning: To make someone feel isolated or estranged.
   • Example: His arrogant attitude alienated him from his peers.

6. Disregard (/ˌdɪsrɪˈɡɑːrd/) [Antonym]

   • Meaning: To ignore or show lack of concern for something.
   • Example: The government disregarded the public’s call for reforms.

Usage in Sentences

• The author’s portrayal of loss struck a chord with many readers.
• The speech resonated with many in the audience, striking a chord with those who had faced similar struggles.
• Her humble beginnings touched a nerve with people from similar backgrounds.

People relating to a moving speech

Importance in IELTS

Writing

In IELTS Writing Task 2, using idiomatic expressions like “strike a chord” can enhance your essay by demonstrating a strong command of English and the ability to use language creatively.

Example:

• Question: Some people believe that mass media outlets often focus on the negative aspects of life without providing much useful information. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Sample Sentence: Many documentaries focus on social issues that strike a chord with viewers, drawing attention to matters often overlooked by mainstream news channels.

Speaking

In the Speaking Test, idiomatic expressions make your speech sound more natural and fluent, impressing the examiner with your proficiency.

Example:

• Question: Describe a book or movie that made a significant impact on you.
• Sample Answer: I recently watched a film that really struck a chord with me. The story, about overcoming adversity, was incredibly moving and resonated with my own personal experiences.

Examples in IELTS Context

Writing Task 1

When writing about data, phrases like “strike a chord” can explain why certain trends or information resonate with public sentiment.

Example:

• Topic: The chart shows the percentage of people in different age groups who participated in various leisure activities.
• Sample Sentence: The high rate of participation in environmental activities among younger people strikes a chord with the growing green movement among millennials.

Writing Task 2

Use “strike a chord” to voice opinions or discuss social issues effectively.

Example:

• Question: Some believe that advancements in technology have brought about significant changes in human interaction. Do you think this has been a positive or negative development?
• Sample Sentence: The portrayal of technological addiction in recent studies has struck a chord with many, highlighting concerns about decreasing face-to-face interactions.

Speaking Part 1

Talk about everyday topics and how certain aspects resonate with you or others.

Example:

• Question: What kind of music do you like?
• Sample Answer: I enjoy listening to classical music because it often strikes a chord with my emotions and helps me relax.

Speaking Part 2

Use storytelling to make your narrative compelling.

Example:

• Question: Describe a memorable event from your childhood.
• Sample Answer: A school play I participated in really struck a chord with me. The applause and appreciation we received made me feel truly special.

Speaking Part 3

Express deeper opinions and reflections.

Example:

• Question: What kinds of stories are popular in your country?
• Sample Answer: Stories about overcoming hardship and finding success usually strike a chord with many people in my country, reflecting our cultural emphasis on perseverance.

Related Idioms and Expressions

1. Ring true

   • To sound or appear genuine.
   • Example: His explanation doesn’t ring true to me.

2. Touch base

   • To get in contact with someone.
   • Example: Let’s touch base next week to discuss the project.

3. Feel a connection

   • To experience a social or emotional bond with someone.
   • Example: I felt an immediate connection with my new colleague.

4. Hit a nerve

   • To evoke a strong emotional reaction.
   • Example: His words hit a nerve, leading to a heated debate.

5. Resonate with

   • To have a special meaning or importance for someone.
   • Example: The message of the film resonated with audiences around the world.

Conclusion

Understanding and using idioms like “strike a chord” can enhance both your writing and speaking in the IELTS exam, showcasing your ability to use English dynamically. By practicing with examples and incorporating related vocabulary, you can add depth and emotion to your language, making a lasting impression on your examiner. Keep exploring idiomatic language and practice regularly to improve your IELTS performance.

Explore more idioms and language tips: Birds of a Feather Flock Together.