USING IDIOMS IN THE IELTS SPEAKING TEST

One of the things that separate native English speakers from those learning the language is the correct use of idioms. In the IELTS speaking test they can really help boost your score, if used properly, however, they can also lower your score, if you don’t use them correctly.

What are idioms? 

An idiom is a group of words or phrase that through common usage has a meaning that is not clear from the words themselves.

Should I use them in the writing or speaking test? 

Idioms are used informally most of the time and should therefore not be used in the writing test.

Spoken English is normally much less formal than academic written English, so it is fine to use them in the speaking test.

How can they increase my score?          

      

The picture above shows part of the band descriptors for speaking. The 3 bands of above are 7, 8 and 9. As you can see, using idioms, even with some inappropriate choices, is typical of a band 7 candidate. By using them skillfully, with only occasional inaccuracies you are likely to get an 8 in this category. Rarely students use them perfectly and this is typical of someone who reaches a 9.

Should I just memorize lots of them?

Absolutely not! This is one of the most common mistakes in the IELTS speaking test. Lots of students think that simply learning lots of idioms and then using them in the test will help them to get a high score. In fact, the opposite is true,examiners are trained to spot people trying to use idioms that are inappropriate.

It all depends on the context and if you don’t use them correctly, they will sound very forced and unnatural.

 

 

How do I use them effectively? 

You should only use idioms if you have heard how they are used in context and you are 100% sure you are using them in the correct way. This may sound harsh, but it is better than losing marks.

Common Idioms 

Below are some common idioms that I have heard students use correctly in the IELTS speaking test. If you have never heard any of them before, try to find more examples of how they are used and then practice using them when you are practicing speaking. Also, understanding where they originate from can help you remember them.

If you can, have a native speaker or English teacher listen to you and tell you if you are using them correctly.

Most of these are ways to describe something, someone or how you feel. These tend to be easier to use because you can substitute the description you would normally use for the idiom.

Over the moon– to be extremely pleased or happy.

I was over the moon when I passed my speaking test.

Once in a blue moon– happens very rarely.

A student will get a 9 in the IELTS writing test once in a blue moon. 

A piece of cake– very easy.

Getting a band 6 in the speaking test will be a piece of cake.

A drop in the ocean– a very small part of something much bigger.

Just learning idioms is a drop in the ocean when it comes to preparing for the speaking test.

Actions speak louder than words– it is better to actually do something than just talk about it.

Lots of people have great business ideas but do nothing about them. Actions speak louder than words, just do it.

Back to the drawing board– when you attempted to do something but failed and have to try again.

I got 4.5 in reading! Oh well, back to the drawing board.

Put all your eggs in one basket- put all your money or effort into one thing.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You should apply to lots of different universities.

The in thing– something fashionable.

The new iPhone is really the in thing at the moment.

The real McCoy– genuine or not fake.

I don’t think her new handbag is the real McCoy.

Off the top of my head– saying something without thinking first.

Off the top of my head, I’d say about 2 or 3.

Run of the mill– average, ordinary

Apple phones are very run of the mill these days.

Soulmate– someone you trust very deeply.

My husband is not just my lover, he’s my soul mate.

Down in the dumps– sad.

I was really down in the dumps after my dog died.

Found my feet– to become comfortable doing something.

Moving to a new city was difficult as first, but I soon found my feet.

Set in their ways– not wanting to change.

My parents are quite traditional and set in their ways.

Go the extra mile– do much more than is required.

I decided to go the extra mile and move to England to really perfect my English.

A hot potato– a controversial topic.

Abortion and capital punishment are hot potatoes in my country at the moment.

Miss the boat– miss an opportunity.

I sent my application in late and I think I missed the boat. 

Costs an arm and a leg– really expensive.

Those shoes must have cost an arm and a leg.

Sit on the fence– to be undecided.

I haven’t made my mind up about that issue, I’ll have to sit on the fence.

(Come) Rain or shine – means something will happen regardless of weather or other difficulties.

Ex: I will be on time for the class, rain or shine. Come rain or shine, she is always smiling

 In a nutshell: to be concise, in a few words

Ex: Here’s our proposal-in a nutshell, we want to sell the business to you.

It’s true to say that using idioms can increase your test score. However, if you use idiom incorrectly or say it wrong, this might lower your score.