75+ Common English Words Used in IELTS Speaking Test

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Updated On Apr 09, 2024

75+ Common English Words Used in IELTS Speaking Test

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Lexical resources or a wide range of vocabulary words for IELTS Speaking is as important as fluency, pronunciation and grammatical accuracy in the speaking module to achieve a top band score in the IELTS exam.

But, the dilemma regarding the right kind of words to use in the speaking IELTS test is common among IELTS candidates. Therefore, we have listed a number of words used in IELTS Speaking to make your preparation hassle-free.

Common Vocabulary Words for IELTS Speaking

IELTS aspirants are often confused when deciding the best words to use for IELTS speaking answers. While some believe that using bombastic words for speaking test are preferable, others incline towards the most common words in IELTS.

However, it is important to remember that whatever words you use, it should be used correctly and you should be confident while using it. So, let’s look at some words to use in speaking IELTS with their meaning and usage.

Popular Idiomatic Expressions for IELTS Speaking

Unlike in IELTS Writing, having a solid command of idioms will significantly boost your score in the Speaking portion of the IELTS exam. Given below are some useful idiomatic expressions for IELTS Speaking based on different topics that you can use in your answers:

Animals

A fish out of water: A person who feels uncomfortable or awkward because he or she is in surroundings that are not familiar.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Never predict something will happen or be successful before it does.
Raining cats and dogs: raining heavily
Let the cat out the bag: reveal a secret
Kill two birds with one stone: to accomplish two goals with a single action

For more such idioms, check out Animal Idioms for IELTS Speaking.

Health

Alive and kicking: To be alive, well, and active
Go under the knife: to undergo surgery
Not feeling like myself: one feels different or not their usual self, often due to illness, fatigue, or emotional distress
To have a new lease of life: experience a renewed sense of vitality, energy, or purpose, often after a difficult or challenging period
Under the weather: describe feeling unwell or sick

Money

Cost an arm and a leg: very expensive
Save for a rainy day: to save money for difficult situations
Make ends meet: to get by or to survive
Live from hand to mouth: to have little money
Pay through the nose: pay much more than a fair price

Explore more Money Idioms with Meaning, Usage, and Exercise.

Happiness and Anger

Lose my cool: to become angry or lose one’s composure in a situation
Go through the roof: situation where emotions or reactions become extremely intense, typically in response to something surprising or outrageous
Make my blood boil: conveys extreme anger or frustration
Over the moon: to be extremely happy or delighted about something
Made my day: something has greatly improved or brighten one’s day, often by bringing joy, happiness, or a positive outcome
Music to my ears: describe something that is very pleasing or gratifying to hear

Browse through Useful Idioms & Expressions About Happiness And Anger for IELTS Speaking to improve your speaking skills.

Food

Bitter pill to swallow: an unpleasant or difficult situation or truth that one must accept, even though it may be hard to do so
Cry over spilt milk: to be upset or dwell on past mistakes or misfortunes that cannot be undone
Food for thought: describe something that provides mental stimulation or prompts reflection or consideration
Hard nut to crack: a problem or situation that is difficult to solve or overcome
To be spoon fed: to be provided with information or assistance in a very simplistic or overly easy manner, without having to make much effort or think critically

To learn more such food related expressions and words in IELTS Speaking, check out Food Idioms to help Score Band 8.0+.

Travel

Hit the road: begin a journey or to start traveling, especially by road
From pillar to post: describe a situation where someone moves or travels continuously from one place to another without any stability or permanent residence
Live out of a suitcase: to travel frequently or to not have a permanent home, resulting in the need to keep one’s belongings packed in a suitcase
At the wheel: person who is driving a vehicle
Hitch a lift/ride: to request or obtain a ride in a vehicle, typically from someone else who is traveling in the same direction

Express yourself confidently with these IELTS Speaking words and phrases on Travel & tourism & Adventure Vocabulary.

Check out more idiomatic expressions for IELTS Speaking from the links below:

Do you think knowing these words used in IELTS Speaking is enough?

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List of IELTS Linking Words for Speaking

When you speak, the examiner will be able to follow your ideas and stories more easily if you use some basic linking words and natural phrases, as these IELTS linking words for speaking are straightforward and informal.

Here is a list of linking words used in IELTS speaking test:

Linking Words for Time

Now/At Present/Right Now
At the moment
These days/Nowadays
In the past/Earlier
At that time
When I was younger

Linking Words for Causes and Solutions

The main reason is
It was caused by
I guess it’s because
The best way to deal with this problem is/The best way to solve this is

Linking Words for Adding Information

And
Also
As well as

Phrases to Begin with

I’d like to talk about…
I’m gonna talk about…
I’d like to tell you about…

Linking Phrases to Express Opinion

I’m convinced that…/I’m sure that…
I suppose…/ I think…/I’d say
I believe that…
It’s difficult to say…/I tend to think that…/That’s a tricky one…I’ve never thought about that…
In my view…/In my opinion…
To be honest,…

IELTS Speaking Tips for Words Used in IELTS Speaking Test

What is an IELTS preparation or vocabulary guide without tips? Incomplete, right? So, let’s go through some tips to make sure that you use the words used in IELTS Speaking test effectively.

Avoid memorizing vocabulary: Don’t just memorize the words to use in speaking IELTS. Make sure you know to use them correctly and naturally.
Improve your word power: Expand your vocabulary by learning new words and phrases related to the common IELTS speaking topics and use them while practicing IELTS Speaking practice tests.
Don’t repeat words: Avoid repeating the most common words in IELTS Speaking. Use a variety of speaking vocabulary to showcase your language skills.
Back up your ideas with examples: Develop and elaborate your answers for IELTS Speaking with examples, personal experience and anecdotes.
Practice is the key: Practice regularly to ensure that your fluency and pronunciation are on point along with grammatical accuracy.
Be confident: Finally, be confident and maintain a positive attitude. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if something is unclear.

Learn Words to Use in IELTS Speaking with IELTSMaterial

If you’re looking to enhance your speaking skills for the IELTS exam, IELTSMaterial can be a valuable resource. Whether it is about updating your vocabulary with words used in IELTS Speaking test or brushing up your pronunciation, our experts are your all-time partners.

Feel free to check out our highly rated IELTS Speaking learning material with example answers and audio or get in touch with our IELTS experts if you need more advice. Take the step you need to boost your prep further and receive a Band 8+ on the IELTS Speaking test.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of IELTS linking words for speaking?

IELTS linking words for speaking are used to improve your speech's coherence and cohesiveness. They also show that you can arrange your ideas clearly and rationally, which is a skill that is necessary to get a higher score on the IELTS speaking exam.

Can idioms be used in the IELTS speaking test?

Yes, idioms are used informally and can be used in IELTS Speaking as they'll help make the English language sound a lot more natural and fluent. Native English speakers and intermediate English language learners will be distinguished by their natural use of idiomatic language.

What are the 5 words to use in IELTS Speaking that can reduce your score?

There are no specific 5 words to avoid in the IELTS speaking exam. However, make sure you do not use bombastic words for IELTS Speaking test along with clichéd phrases and fillers such as 'you know', 'yes', 'uh’ in order to save yourself from getting a low IELTS Speaking band score.

How to learn words to use in IELTS Speaking and improve vocabulary for the IELTS Speaking test?

One of the best ways to learn words to use in IELTS Speaking and improve vocabulary is to be familiar with a wide range of vocabulary topics, use different techniques to remember words and phrases, focus on collocations, learn new words in context and practice new vocabulary.

Which words should I use in IELTS speaking?

Although there is no set rule or list for the words used in IELTS Speaking test, make sure that you do not repeat words or use bombastic words for speaking test that are irrelevant and sound unnatural.

Is it essential that I expand my vocabulary in preparation for the IELTS Speaking exam?

Yes, it is essential to expand your vocabulary as it is the foundation of your language. So, having a wide vocabulary makes it simpler to carry on a solid discussion with your IELTS Speaking examiner.

How many words should I try to use in the speaking portion of the IELTS exam?

In the IELTS speaking test, it's not about the quantity of words but the quality of your language use. Aim to use varied vocabulary and articulate your ideas clearly.

What are some of the common topics for learning vocabulary words for IELTS Speaking?

Some of the common topics for which you should learn words used in IELTS Speaking education, technology, environment, health, society, and culture.

What are the useful phrases that can be used in the IELTS Speaking test?

You must ensure to use the common phrases with caution and only when appropriate. Some useful phrases that can be used in the IELTS speaking test are: 'If I remember correctly it was…', 'I can't remember exactly but I think it was…', 'If my memory serves me well…', 'Well to be totally honest…', 'I guess you could say…', 'Yes definitely,...', etc.

Can I get an 8+ band score in IELTS Speaking if I use the most common words in IELTS?

Vocabulary or lexical resources account for 25% of the total speaking band score. So, it definitely is important. However, you have to fulfill the other criteria - fluency and coherence, grammatical accuracy and pronunciation - in order to achieve an 8+ band score in IELTS Speaking.