Raise Your Game - Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Idioms, such as “Raise Your Game”, can make you sound more natural, polished, and engaging. Having a higher level of language proficiency in IELTS Speaking and Writing sections can make you stand out. With this idiom, you can improve your performance by putting in extra effort to achieve success. For getting a higher band of 8+ in the IELTS Exam, you need to be familiar with the meaning, synonyms, and its usage in sentences. 

Check out the important aspects and also dive into the exercise to level up your preparation!

What does ‘Raise Your Game’ Mean?

Using idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary such as ‘Raise Your Game’ would expand your knowledge and help you show that you have a good grasp of the English language skill. Remember that before using any idiom in your answers, you must be well aware of its meaning and the situations where it would fit appropriately. This would help in the appropriate and contextual use of such advanced phrases while taking you a step closer to attaining your desired IELTS Band Score. Let’s check out the table given below to understand this idiom better.

How to Use ‘Raise Your Game’ in IELTS Speaking & Writing Answers?

The idiom, ‘Raise Your Game’, communicates the idea of improving results and putting in additional effort in a challenging situation. With the appropriate guidance and tips, you will be able to talk about education, sports, personal milestones, and even about your career. This would help you to demonstrate both fluency and advanced vocabulary in both the IELTS Speaking & Writing sections. Below are some of the ways in which you can use the idiom in your answers.

• For IELTS Speaking Section

This idiom is best and most naturally used in topics such as personal experience or work, which is a great indicator of the ability to use idiomatic language. This phrase is best used while talking about self-improvement, competition, and challenges. With practice, this would help you to showcase a sign of fluency and coherence in your answer. 

• For IELTS Writing Section

Even though idiomatic language is discouraged in academic writing, it can be used in IELTS Writing Task 2 in case the tone is semi-formal and the idiom fits well with the rest of the essay. It is best suited with topics like education, career, technology, or self-development. However, in Writing Task 1, especially the Academic task 1, the phrase is too informal and should be avoided.

Exercise on ‘Raise Your Game’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Now, let’s delve into the exercise of the idiom ‘Raise Your Game’ and practice it. By doing so, you will be able to use the idiomatic expression in your speech effortlessly and with confidence. Let’s start now!

1. “Our competitors won an award this week. We’re really going to ____________.”

1. stuck in a rut.
2. upset the applecart.
3. raise our game.
4. tough it out.

2. "When the teacher arrived, the students abruptly stopped their discussions and tried to ____________.”

1. play it by ear
2. cry over spilt milk
3. call it a day
4. save face

3. “Ravi felt anxious before taking the IELTS test, but the examiner saying a warm line to him helped him ____________.”

1. burn the midnight oil
2. break the ice
3. jump on the bandwagon
4. cut corners 

4. “I didn’t have my notes with me, so during the presentation I had to ____________.”

1. cross that bridge when we come to it
2. get cold feet
3. play it by ear
4. miss the boat 

5. “Since she hadn’t prepared for the exam, when the results were out, she really had to ____________.”

1. face the music
2. jump the gun
3. hit the nail on the head
4. let sleeping dogs lie

Describe the time when you try very hard to achieve your goal. Try to use this idiom in your speech. You should say:
– When it happened
– What the goal was
– What you did to obtain it
And explain how you feel when you’ve achieved it.

Answer to the Exercise on ‘Raise Your Game’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Look at the answers and examine if yours are correct. Pay close attention to the reasons behind the wrong answers you selected and understand the reason. In this way, you can achieve a higher band score using such idioms.

1. C
2. D
3. B
4. C
5. A

By diving into such idioms, you will level up your answers for the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. Continue learning more idioms and practice using them appropriately in conversation. With continuous practice, you will be able to express your thoughts with ease which will make your responses stand out. Start learning and understanding the methods of incorporating such idioms in your answers.

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Also Check: 

• Five Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
• 1200 Common Words in IELTS Listening
• IELTS Vocabulary Words List for Band 8 or 9
• How to Build Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam: Practical Tips
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+