Many IELTS candidates strive to achieve a band 7 or higher, aiming for that coveted “native-like fluency”. One of the keys to unlocking this level of fluency lies in understanding and effectively using idioms. But what exactly are idioms, and why are they so important for the IELTS Speaking test?
Idioms are groups of words that have a figurative meaning, different from the literal meaning of the individual words. For example, “raining cats and dogs” doesn’t actually mean felines and canines are falling from the sky; it simply means it’s raining heavily. Using idioms appropriately demonstrates a strong command of the English language and can significantly enhance your speaking score.
Common IELTS Speaking Idioms with Examples
Let’s explore some common idioms that frequently appear in IELTS Speaking tests, along with practical examples of how to incorporate them seamlessly into your responses:
1. “Piece of cake”
Meaning: Something very easy.
Example:
Examiner: “Do you find it difficult to learn new English vocabulary?”
You: “Not at all! I use flashcards and spaced repetition, so memorizing new words is a piece of cake for me now.”
2. “Get the ball rolling”
Meaning: To start something, to initiate an action.
Example:
Examiner: “What are your plans for improving your English listening skills?”
You: “I’m planning to get the ball rolling by listening to English podcasts for at least 30 minutes every day.”
3. “Once in a blue moon”
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example:
Examiner: “Do you often go to the cinema?”
You: “To be honest, I only go once in a blue moon. I prefer streaming movies at home.”
4. “On cloud nine”
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example:
Examiner: “How did you feel when you achieved your desired IELTS score?”
You: “I was on cloud nine! All the hard work and dedication finally paid off.”
5. “See eye to eye”
Meaning: To agree with someone.
Example:
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important for friends to have similar hobbies?”
You: “Not necessarily. While shared interests are great, it’s more crucial for friends to respect each other’s perspectives even when they don’t always see eye to eye.”
6. “Hit the books”
Meaning: To study diligently.
Example:
Examiner: “How do you usually prepare for exams?”
You: “I usually start by reviewing the syllabus and then hit the books a few weeks before the exam date.”
7. “Cost an arm and a leg”
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example:
Examiner: “What are your thoughts on the rising cost of education?”
You: “It’s concerning, as higher education can cost an arm and a leg these days, potentially limiting access for some students.”
8. “Break the ice”
Meaning: To make people feel more comfortable in a social situation.
Example:
Examiner: “How do you typically start a conversation with someone you just met?”
You: “I find that asking simple questions about their interests or hobbies is a good way to break the ice and get the conversation flowing.”
9. “A blessing in disguise”
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
Example:
Examiner: “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge and learned something from it.”
You: “Failing my driving test the first time was disappointing, but it was a blessing in disguise. It made me practice harder and become a more cautious driver.”
10. “The best of both worlds”
Meaning: A situation where you can enjoy the advantages of two different things.
Example:
Examiner: “Do you prefer working from home or in an office?”
You: “I enjoy the flexibility of working from home but also value social interaction in an office. Ideally, I’d prefer a hybrid model that offers the best of both worlds.”
Achieving IELTS Band Score
Applying Idioms in IELTS Speaking Tasks
You’ll encounter opportunities to use idioms across various sections of the IELTS Speaking test:
- Part 1: When answering personal questions about your life, hobbies, or experiences.
- Part 2: During your 2-minute speech on a given topic.
- Part 3: While engaging in the more abstract and discursive discussion.
Example in an IELTS Speaking Part 2 task:
Topic Card:
Describe a time you achieved something you thought was difficult.
You: “Initially, the thought of learning a new language seemed daunting, like trying to climb a mountain. I was ready to throw in the towel a few times, but I told myself to just keep my nose to the grindstone. And eventually, after months of hard work, I was surprised to find I was actually quite fluent. It felt like a real feather in my cap, proving that perseverance really does pay off.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While using idioms can boost your score, it’s crucial to avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overusing idioms: Using too many idioms can sound unnatural. Aim for 1-2 well-placed idioms per section.
- Using idioms incorrectly: Ensure you understand the meaning and context of an idiom before using it.
- Using very informal idioms: Stick to idioms commonly used in everyday conversations rather than overly casual or slang expressions.
Tips to Master Idioms for IELTS
- Learn in context: Don’t just memorize lists of idioms. Understand their meanings and usage through examples and real-life situations.
- Use reputable resources: Refer to IELTS preparation books, online dictionaries, and English learning websites.
- Practice regularly: Incorporate idioms into your daily English conversations and practice speaking tasks. Record yourself and analyze your use of idioms.
Conclusion
Mastering idioms is an achievable goal with consistent effort. By learning common idioms, using them accurately, and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a higher band score in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, language proficiency is a journey, not a destination, so embrace the process and enjoy the challenge!
