HOW TO USE IDIOMS IN IELTS SPEAKING

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HOW USE IDIOMS IN IELTS SPEAKING - 8 KEY IDIOMS

In this lesson, you will learn some idioms to use to get a higher score in your IELTS speaking exam. Don't forget to take the quiz at the end of this lesson to check your knowledge!

What are 'idioms'?

Idioms are words that when used together have a different meaning than the individual words. For example, many students know the idiom "It's raining cats and dogs" which means it's raining heavily. Dogs and cats are not falling from the sky! That said, "it's raining cats and dogs" is not an expression you should use in your IELTS speaking test as native speakers never say this! It is essential that you include some idioms in your IELTS speaking test if you wish to get a good score for vocabulary.

Tips for using idioms in your IELTS speaking exam

1. Only use idioms you know well.

It is true that using idioms will help to increase your score for vocabulary. However, many students use idioms that are not common and therefore don't gain any extra marks. There is a lot of bad advice online regarding idioms. Many of the idioms suggested on sites and forums are not natural. Below, I will give you a list of commonly-used idioms that can be used in many answers. The list below should be enough but of course you can learn more; just be careful where you learn them.

2. Don’t change idioms.

Many students change idioms to suit their answer. Although some idioms can be changed, many cannot. Often changing idioms results in misunderstanding, which causes you to lose marks rather than gain marks. Therefore, as a general rule, you should not change idioms.

3. You don’t need to use idioms in every answer, this is not natural.

It is true that you including idioms in your answers is a good idea. However, it is not natural to include idioms in every answer! Native speakers use idioms when they make sense. You should do the same. Three idioms used correctly and naturally is enough to increase your score for vocabulary.

7 Idioms To Use In IELTS Speaking

1. To see eye to eye.

This means to agree or have similar opinions to someone.

For example.

Fortunately, my older brother and I see eye to eye.

2. To cut corners

This means to do something quickly/cheaply and badly.

For example.

I’m hardworking, I never cut corners. .

3. To feel under the weather.

This means to feel a little sick.

For example.