If you are an aspiring candidate preparing for IELTS exams, this blog explains to you the significance of the ‘Speaking Test’ module of IELTS and the need to improve your skills in a vital grammar concept in English: idioms. You already know that the IELTS is an internationally accredited test that certifies your English language communication skills and is taken by thousands of candidates from different countries where English is not the primary spoken language. The candidates take the IELTS test if they aspire to study or work in countries where English is the primary language of communication. Let’s focus on the use of idioms, an essential component of the speaking test section of the IELTS. Essential IELTS Speaking idioms for band score are discussed in this blog.
Speaking Test – IELTS
The Speaking Test module of IELTS evaluates your fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in English through a face-to-face interview. This section carries 25% weightage in the overall IELTS score and is equal to the Listening, Reading, and Writing modules. Therefore, performing well in the speaking test is essential for you to achieve your desired overall band score. IELTS Coaching in Tambaram allows you to prepare well for IELTS exams.
Idioms – How and why are they incorporated in your daily conversations?
Idioms are incorporated into daily conversations to add style, expressiveness, and cultural nuance to language. They convey complex ideas concisely. They help native speakers sound more natural and create a sense of familiarity and connection. While their meanings aren’t literal, idioms enrich communication by painting clear mental pictures and carrying historical or cultural importance. They make conversations more engaging and relatable. Phrases for IELTS Speaking module can be learnt easily with dedication and proper effort.
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Bite the bullet
- Literal Meaning: To clench your teeth as if biting down on a physical bullet. This practice was historically done by soldiers undergoing surgery without anesthesia to cope with the pain.
- Actual Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and stoicism. It means to endure something painful or inevitable without complaining. IELTS writing tips help you concentrate on your grammar part.
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Break a leg
- Literal Meaning: To fracture a bone in the lower leg.
- Actual Meaning: This idiom is used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance (like a play or concert). Its origins are debated, but one theory suggests it’s rooted in superstition – saying the opposite of what you hope for to avoid bad luck.
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Hit the nail on the head
- Literal Meaning: To strike a nail precisely on its head with a hammer.
- Actual Meaning: To say or do something exactly right; to identify the central point or provide the correct solution to a problem accurately. Linking words for IELTS can be learnt as part of your preparation, as they are useful for taking the exams.
Important Idioms for IELTS Speaking test
- Once in a blue moon: Rarely. (e.g., “I go back to my hometown once in a blue moon.”)
- A piece of cake: Very easy. (e.g., “Learning to ride a bicycle was a piece of cake for me.”)
- Get along with (someone): Have a good relationship with someone. (e.g., “I get along really well with my colleagues.”)
- Here and there: In various places. (e.g., “I’ve traveled here and there in my country.”)
- Day in and day out: Every day for a long period. (e.g., “I follow the same routine day in and day out.”)
- In my element: Doing what you enjoy and are good at. (e.g., “I’m really in my element when I’m playing the guitar.”)
- A breath of fresh air: Something new and refreshing. (e.g., “Learning a new language was a breath of fresh air after my monotonous job.”)
- Burn the midnight oil: Work or study late into the night. (e.g., “I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my assignment.”)
- Dip my toes into (something): Try something new for a short time. (e.g., “I might dip my toes into photography as a hobby.”) Idioms for speaking’ include this one too.
- Live out of a suitcase: Travel frequently and stay in different places. (e.g., “As a flight attendant, I practically live out of a suitcase.”) You may always encounter this idiom for speaking IELTS exam.
- See the sights: Visit famous or interesting places. (e.g., “When I visit a new city, I like to take a day to see the sights.”)
- Hit the books: Study hard. (e.g., “I need to hit the books as I want to pass this exam.”) IELTS Coaching in Velachery can target and improve your communicating capabilities.
- Learn by heart: Memorize something. (e.g., “I had to learn many formulas by heart for my math class.”)
- Climb the corporate ladder: Advance in your career. (e.g., “He’s ambitious and wants to climb the corporate ladder quickly.”) This is one of the frequently asked idioms for IELTS test.
- Actions speak louder than words:When you do something which is more important than what you said.
- Every cloud has a silver lining: There is something positive in every bad situation.
- Don’t judge a book by its cover: Don’t form an opinion based on appearance alone.
These are some of the Simple idioms for IELTS Speaking module test. You should start using them in your real-life conversations, in order to make yourself comfortable with their usage. You can find IELTS speaking topics in various preparation materials.
How can you learn Idioms and Phrases and start using them while speaking?
- Pay close attention to idioms and phrases used in English books, articles, podcasts, movies, and TV shows. Try to get their meaning from the context.
- Utilize idiom dictionaries, phrasebooks, and websites specifically designed for English idioms and phrases. They provide definitions, examples, and even quizzes to test your understanding.
- Create flashcards with the idiom on one side and its meaning and an example on the other. IELTS Coaching in T Nagar can develop your speaking and writing skills in English.
- Don’t just memorise definitions in isolation. Always try to understand the context in which an idiom is used.
- Create your own example sentences using the new idioms and phrases you learn. This active application helps solidify your understanding and makes it easier to recall them during conversation.
- Start by learning common and frequently used idioms. Online resources give the most popular idioms, which will be more immediately useful in everyday conversations. IELTS Coaching in Anna Nagar can upskill your communication skills.
- Grouping idioms by theme (e.g., work, relationships, feelings) can make them easier to remember and apply in relevant situations.
- Make a conscious effort to incorporate one or two new idioms or phrases into your daily conversations. Start with simple ones and gradually try more complex ones as you become more comfortable.
- When speaking with native English speakers or language partners, ask for their feedback on your use of idioms. They can tell you if you’re using them correctly and naturally. Idioms and phrases for IELTS speaking test are to be practised regularly.
- Use idioms naturally and only when they fit the context. Forcing them into every sentence can sound unnatural.
- Learning idioms takes time and consistent effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t remember them all immediately. Keep practicing, and slowly they will become a natural part of your spoken English. Spoken English Classes Chennai are the perfect choice to improve your speaking skills in English.
- Participate in conversations, discussions, and debates in English. This provides real-world opportunities to practice using the idioms you’ve learned.
To conclude, make use of the above tips to learn and practice using idioms and phrases while speaking in English. There is no specific technique to remember them. You should incorporate them into your daily conversations. It may sound odd at first, but it will make you comfortable as you use more of them while speaking casually. Prepare well with your IELTS Idioms and score more in your speaking section.
