Using Idiomatic Expressions for IELTS Speaking: A Comprehensive Guide

In the IELTS Speaking test, demonstrating a range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions, can significantly enhance your lexical resource score. Using idioms appropriately adds naturalness to your speech and demonstrates a high level of proficiency. However, knowing how and when to use them effectively is essential to avoid sounding forced or unnatural. You can watch this YouTube video explainer by IELTS Guide Phil.

This comprehensive guide explores a variety of idiomatic expressions categorized for Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test, along with relevant examples to illustrate their appropriate usage.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Familiar Topics

In Part 1, candidates answer general questions about familiar topics, such as hobbies, daily routines, or preferences. While idiomatic expressions should be used sparingly in this section, incorporating simple and relevant idioms can enhance responses.

Idioms for Everyday Life and Hobbies

“Music to my ears” – Something that brings great joy or relief.
Example: “When I learned that I had passed my IELTS exam, it was music to my ears.”
“Lost in a book” – Completely absorbed in reading.
Example: “Whenever I have free time, I get lost in a book and forget about everything else.”
“Burn the midnight oil” – Stay up late working or studying.
Example: “I often burn the midnight oil when preparing for important exams.”
“A breath of fresh air” – Something refreshing or new.
Example: “Taking a walk in the park after a stressful day is a breath of fresh air.”
“Piece of cake” – Something that is very easy.
Example: “Cooking has always been a piece of cake for me since I enjoy it so much.”

Idioms for Daily Routines and Habits

“Rise and shine” – Wake up and get ready for the day.
Example: “I rise and shine early to ensure I have enough time to prepare for work.”
“On the go” – Always busy or active.
Example: “I am constantly on the go due to my demanding schedule.”
“Feel at home” – Be comfortable and relaxed.
Example: “Whenever I visit my grandmother’s house, I always feel at home.”
“Same old, same old” – Routine or nothing new.
Example: “My weekdays are pretty much the same old, same old—work, gym, and home.”
“Take it easy” – Relax and not stress.
Example: “On weekends, I prefer to take it easy and enjoy some quiet time.”

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card/Long Turn

Part 2 requires candidates to speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic. Incorporating idiomatic expressions in this section can make descriptions more vivid and engaging.

Idioms for Describing People

“A bright spark” – An intelligent or talented person.
Example: “My younger sister is a bright spark who always excels in her studies.”
“The backbone of the family” – The person who supports the family.
Example: “My mother is the backbone of our family, keeping everything running smoothly.”
“Wise as an owl” – Very knowledgeable or experienced.
Example: “My grandfather is as wise as an owl when it comes to giving advice.”
“Busy as a bee” – Very active and hardworking.
Example: “I have been as busy as a bee preparing for my IELTS exam.”
“A people person” – Someone who enjoys being around people.
Example: “I am a people person, so I thrive in social settings.”

Idioms for Describing Experiences

“A rollercoaster of emotions” – A situation with ups and downs.
Example: “My journey to securing a scholarship was a rollercoaster of emotions.”
“On cloud nine” – Extremely happy.
Example: “I was on cloud nine when I achieved my desired band score.”
“A once-in-a-lifetime experience” – Something very special and rare.
Example: “Visiting the ancient ruins was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.”
“Break the ice” – Make people feel more comfortable in social situations.
Example: “I told a joke to break the ice during the meeting.”
“Over the moon” – Extremely pleased or happy.
Example: “I was over the moon when I received my university acceptance letter.”

Idioms for Describing Places and Objects

“Off the beaten track” – A place far from the usual tourist spots.
Example: “We discovered a charming little village off the beaten track.”
“Home away from home” – A place where one feels comfortable like home.
Example: “My aunt’s house feels like a home away from home.”
“Picture-perfect” – Extremely beautiful or visually pleasing.
Example: “The beach at sunset was picture-perfect.”
“A stone’s throw away” – Very close.
Example: “My workplace is just a stone’s throw away from my apartment.”
“In the heart of the city” – Located in the central area.
Example: “The hotel is conveniently situated in the heart of the city.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Discussion and Opinions

Part 3 involves discussing abstract and complex topics, often requiring candidates to express opinions, analyze problems, and propose solutions. Idiomatic expressions used in this section should reflect a higher level of critical thinking and analysis.

Idioms for Giving Opinions and Arguments

“Think outside the box” – Consider creative or unconventional ideas.
Example: “To address environmental challenges, we need to think outside the box.”
“A double-edged sword” – Something with both positive and negative effects.
Example: “Technology is a double-edged sword; it enhances communication but also reduces face-to-face interaction.”
“Food for thought” – Something that makes one think carefully.
Example: “The documentary provided me with a lot of food for thought regarding climate change.”
“See eye to eye” – Agree with someone.
Example: “My friend and I do not always see eye to eye on political issues.”
“Play devil’s advocate” – Argue against an idea to test its validity.
Example: “To analyze the situation better, I played devil’s advocate and considered opposing viewpoints.”

Idioms for Discussing Problems and Solutions

“Race against time” – A situation where time is limited.
Example: “Developing a vaccine during a pandemic is often a race against time.”
“Back to square one” – Starting over after a failed attempt.
Example: “After the project failed, we had to go back to square one.”
“Face the music” – Accept consequences.
Example: “When mistakes are made, it is necessary to face the music and take responsibility.”
“Hit the nail on the head” – Describe something exactly right.
Example: “The speaker hit the nail on the head when he explained the root of the problem.”
“Weather the storm” – Endure a difficult situation.
Example: “The company had to weather the storm during the economic downturn.”

Idioms for Expressing Preferences and Choices

“The best of both worlds” – A situation where one enjoys the advantages of two different things.
Example: “Working remotely gives me the best of both worlds—flexibility and productivity.”
“Second to none” – The best, without competition.
Example: “The quality of education in that institution is second to none.”
“A tough act to follow” – Something so impressive that it is difficult to match.
Example: “The previous project was a tough act to follow due to its success.”
“Make up one’s mind” – Decide between two or more options.
Example: “I need to make up my mind about which university to attend.”
“Speak volumes” – Indicate something clearly.
Example: “Her dedication to her studies speaks volumes about her commitment.”

Effective Strategies for Using Idioms in IELTS Speaking

Use Idioms Naturally: Incorporate idioms that align with the context of the conversation. Avoid overusing them, as excessive use may sound unnatural.
Explain When Necessary: If the examiner seems unfamiliar with a particular idiom, provide a brief explanation to clarify its meaning.
Practice in Context: Regularly practice using idioms in everyday conversations and mock speaking sessions to develop fluency and confidence.
Adapt Idioms to the Situation: Choose idioms that enhance the meaning of your response without deviating from the topic.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the use of idiomatic expressions in the IELTS Speaking test can significantly boost your overall performance by adding richness and depth to your responses. By practicing these idioms in context and understanding their appropriate usage, candidates can showcase a higher level of language proficiency and increase their chances of achieving a high band score.

#IELTSGuidePhil #IELTSSpeaking #IdiomaticExpressions #Band8Tips #IELTSPreparation #SpeakingFluency #EnglishIdioms #IELTSSuccess