Sit on the Fence - Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing

With the idiom, ‘Sit on the Fence’, you can describe a person who is not willing to take any side and rather chooses to remain neutral. In the IELTS Speaking & Writing Sections, you will often be asked to state a clear opinion and give arguments supporting it. To sound like a native in the IELTS Exam, you must not only learn the definition of such idioms but also use them regularly to make it a part of your conversation. With practice, your band scores for lexical resources will be increased and you will build confidence.

How to Define the Idiom ‘Sit on the Fence’?

Before including the idiom ‘Sit on the Fence’ in your answers, you must first learn how to use it to elevate your chances of getting a higher IELTS Band Score. Once you become familiar with the definition, you will be able to fit them into your answers seamlessly. With regular practice, the idiom will come naturally to you without trying to use any advanced words. Let’s first check out the meaning, synonyms, and example sentences for the idiom so that you can include this into your vocabulary toolkit.

Want to learn IELTS Speaking IDIOMS for BAND 9? Let’s check out the video below!

Topics to Use ‘Sit on the Fence’ in IELTS Speaking & Writing 

During the IELTS Speaking & Writing exam, you need to be clear about your ideas where you showcase your level of proficiency. Using this idiom in your responses communicates the fluidity and advanced language usage of the term. Some of the topics where the idiom ‘Sit on the Fence’ can be well applied to different topics both in Speaking and Writing Sections.

• Speaking Part 1 (Everyday Opinions)  

Watching TV vs. Reading Books 

Use when you genuinely like both options and don't want to choose.

• Speaking Part 2 (Cue Card - Decision Making)

Describe a Difficult Choice

Perfect for talking about being indecisive.

• Speaking Part 3 (Abstract Discussion) 

Technology versus Traditional life style

This phrase would work well in opinion questions for balanced views. 

• Writing Task 2 (Argumentative Essay)

This should be used carefully in writing.

It should refer to groups of people, other than yourself, to keep the formal tone.

• Writing Task 2 (Discussion Essay)

Use this idiom to express the balanced views in the discussion essays involving arguments for and against.

Exercise on ‘Sit on the Fence’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Learning idioms such as ‘Sit on the Fence’ is more than just memorizing the meaning. The more you score in the exercise below, the better the use of this idiom becomes to your advantage. This would make your language more fluent, confident, and ready for IELTS.

Idioms to use : 

• On cloud nine
• Cost an arm and a leg
• Hit the sack
• Sit on the fence
• Break the ice

Riya: So are you going to come along for the weekend trek?

Arjun: I'm still uncertain I'm going to 1 ____________________________ until the last moment.

Riya: No, come on! Don’t be like that. It would be nice to 2 ____________________________ between all the people going for the trek..

Arjun: That's correct but the only thing I heard from my friend was that the amount would 3 ____________________________ .

Riya: No! The price is not that high and just think about how you would feel at the top of the hill. It would feel as if you are 4 ____________________________.

Arjun: I guess that would be nice but I might also 5 ____________________________ but I might also want to join in .

Riya: Haha. Fair enough. But I still think it would be worth it.

Describe the important decision you have made. Try to use this idiom in your speech.

You should say:

• When it happened
• What your decision was
• Who you turned for help

And explain why it was important to you

Answer to the Exercise on ‘Sit on the Fence’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing

The next step after completing this exercise is to check the answers and then go on to evaluate yourself. Analyzing wrong choices is as important as being able to come up with the right ones since it helps you improve your way and achieve better band scores.

1. Sit on the fence
2. Break the ice
3. Cost an arm and a leg
4. On cloud nine
5. Hit the sack

Learning a list of idiomatic expressions can help demonstrate your command of the English language in the Speaking and IELTS Writing sections. To become familiar with idioms and feel confident while using them, you must practice them while making your own sentences with such idioms in mock answers. In this way, you'll stand a better chance of recalling them when you need them during the exam.

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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+