How to Use Idioms in IELTS Speaking for a Higher Score?

Using idioms for the IELTS Speaking test can significantly boost your score, especially in the Lexical Resource criterion, which evaluates your range of vocabulary. Here’s how to incorporate idiomatic language naturally into your responses and maximize your IELTS speaking band score.

Why Are Idioms Important in IELTS Speaking?

To score Band 7 or higher, use a variety of vocabulary, including idioms. Proper idiom use shows fluency and makes your speech sound natural. However, overusing or misusing them can lower your IELTS band score. Idioms, like "break the ice" or "a piece of cake," have figurative meanings and show strong language skills when used correctly. This boosts your "Lexical Resource" score, so use them wisely to enhance your responses.

Strategies for Using Idioms in IELTS Speaking

1. Learn Common Idioms Relevant to the IELTS Topics: Start by identifying idioms frequently used in English conversations and related to common IELTS speaking topics such as health, technology, education, and the environment. Some widely used idioms include:
   • “Piece of cake” (something very easy)
   • “Burning the candle at both ends” (working long hours)
   • “A blessing in disguise” (something good that initially seems bad).
2. Use Idioms Naturally: Your idioms must fit the context of your answer. For example, if the examiner asks about your daily routine, you might say, “I’m always on the go,” to convey that you’re busy.
3. Practice Incorporating Idioms: Practice using idioms in IELTS Speaking Practice Tests and real conversations to make them a natural part of your responses. Avoid inserting idioms randomly—use them where they naturally fit.
4. Avoid Overuse: While idioms can enhance your language skills, using too many can confuse the examiner. Aim to include 2-3 idioms in a Part 2 response and 1-2 in Part 3 discussions.

Types of Idioms to Use in IELTS Speaking

To make a positive impact in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s important to use the right types of idioms for various topics in the IELTS Speaking exam:

Everyday Idioms for Common Topics

Some idioms are versatile and can be used for a range of topics. For instance:

• "Under the weather": To feel unwell.
• "A piece of cake": Something very easy to do.

These idioms are simple and effective, suitable for casual topics like health or daily routines.

Idioms Related to Emotions and Opinions

If you’re expressing how you feel or sharing an opinion, idioms can add depth:

• "Bite the bullet": To endure a painful experience bravely.
• "Sit on the fence": To be undecided.

Complex Idioms for Advanced Scores

For higher bands, using more complex idioms can demonstrate advanced proficiency:

• "The ball is in your court": It’s up to you to make the next decision.
• "Burn the midnight oil": To work late into the night.

When to Use Idioms in the IELTS Speaking Test?

Idioms for IELTS Speaking Part 1: Personal Questions

In IELTS Speaking Part 1, you can use simple idioms to respond to questions about yourself:

• Example: “I’m not a morning person, so I feel like a fish out of water when I have to wake up early.”

Idioms for IELTS Speaking Part 2: The Long Turn

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, using idioms can help add color to your story:

• Example: “It was a blessing in disguise when I missed my train, as I met an old friend at the station.”

Idioms for IELTS Speaking Part 3: Discussion and Analysis

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, idioms can help convey complex ideas:

• Example: “The government’s policy is just the tip of the iceberg; the real issue is much deeper.”

How to Impress the Examiner with Idioms?

1. Select Idioms Carefully: Choose idioms that reflect the context and meaning you want to convey. For instance, when talking about a challenging situation, say, “I was between a rock and a hard place,” to express being in a difficult position.
2. Understand the Full Meaning: Before using any idiom, ensure you fully grasp its meaning and nuances. Misusing idioms can negatively impact your score.
3. Use Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal verbs like “pick up” (to learn) or “come across” (to find unexpectedly) can also help showcase your understanding of idiomatic language without sounding forced.

To conclude, Using idioms in your IELTS Speaking test can be a double-edged sword—it can either impress the examiner or detract from your response if used incorrectly. Focus on learning 5-10 idioms that you are comfortable with and that relate to common IELTS topics. Practice integrating them into your answers and make sure they fit the context.

By using idioms correctly, you’ll be able to showcase a higher level of language proficiency and potentially boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Also Read:

• The Most Common Idioms to Boost Your IELTS Score – Topic
• Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking
• Useful Idioms And Expressions About Happiness And Anger
• Linking words for IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Pronunciation Guide
• Common English words in IELTS Speaking
• Ough words