Achieving a high score in the IELTS speaking test, or other English proficiency exams like CELPIP and PTE, requires more than just a strong grasp of grammar and vocabulary. It demands a demonstration of fluency and a natural command of the language. One of the most effective ways to showcase this advanced proficiency is through the correct and timely use of idioms. This guide, designed from an experienced perspective, delves into the strategic importance of idioms and provides a practical breakdown of key phrases that can elevate your performance from good to outstanding.
The Strategic Advantage of Using Idioms in English Exams
In the context of high-stakes language assessments, examiners are trained to identify candidates who have moved beyond textbook English. They are looking for speakers who can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. This is precisely where idioms offer a significant competitive edge. Incorporating them into your speech signals a deeper, more nuanced understanding of English, suggesting that you have engaged with the language in its natural, cultural context. It shows the examiner that your knowledge isn’t merely academic; it’s practical and authentic. For example, instead of saying, “I was sick,” a candidate who says, “I was feeling a bit under the weather,” immediately demonstrates a higher level of linguistic sophistication. This use of idiomatic language directly addresses key marking criteria such as ‘Lexical Resource’ in the IELTS test, where the range and precision of vocabulary are assessed. Using idioms correctly proves you have a wider vocabulary and can use it appropriately, which can be the critical factor that pushes your score into a higher band. Furthermore, it contributes to overall fluency and coherence, making your speech sound more natural and less rehearsed, which leaves a powerful and positive impression on the examiner.
A Deep Dive into Essential Idioms: Meaning and Context
While the world of English idioms is vast, focusing on a few versatile and common phrases is a far more effective strategy than trying to memorize hundreds. Understanding their meaning, context, and typical usage is paramount. Forcing an idiom where it doesn’t fit can be more damaging than not using one at all. Here, we examine three foundational idioms that are particularly useful for the types of abstract questions asked in Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test.
“Feeling Under the Weather” – Expressing Sickness Naturally
This is a universally understood idiom that means to feel unwell, sick, or ill, but usually not seriously. Its power lies in its subtlety and commonality in everyday conversation. For instance, in response to a question about a time you had to change your plans, you could say: “I was really looking forward to my friend’s birthday party last weekend, but I woke up feeling a bit under the weather, so I decided it was best to stay home and rest.” This sounds far more natural than a very direct, literal statement like “I was sick.” It demonstrates a command of conversational English and adds a touch of personality to your response. This phrase is perfect for topics related to health, work-life balance, or personal experiences, all of which are common themes in speaking exams.
“Burn Bridges” – The Perils of Severing Ties
This idiom is a powerful metaphor for acting in a way that destroys a relationship or connection, making it impossible to return to a previous state. It’s particularly effective for IELTS Speaking Part 3, where questions often touch upon workplace dynamics, friendships, or societal relationships. For example, if asked about the importance of maintaining professional relationships, a candidate could state: “It’s incredibly important to leave a job on good terms. Even if you dislike the work, you should never burn bridges with your former employer or colleagues, as you never know when you might need their reference or encounter them again in your professional network.” This response not only answers the question but also uses sophisticated, metaphorical language to convey a complex idea concisely. It shows the ability to think abstractly and use language creatively, which is a hallmark of an advanced speaker.
“Make a Long Story Short” – Mastering Brevity and Cohesion
This is a fantastic discourse marker that demonstrates self-awareness and control over your speech. It is used to transition from a detailed explanation to a brief summary or conclusion. Test-takers can sometimes get lost in their own narrative, and using this phrase shows the examiner that you recognize you are providing a lot of detail and are now moving to the main point. For example: “My journey to becoming a software developer was quite complex; I started in a completely different field, went back to school, and had to work multiple part-time jobs to support myself… but to make a long story short, I persevered and eventually landed my dream job.” This technique is invaluable for managing time effectively and ensuring your answer remains focused and coherent. It’s a sign of a confident speaker who can structure their thoughts on the fly.
How to Seamlessly Integrate Idioms into Your IELTS Speaking Test
Knowledge of idioms is one thing; using them effectively under pressure is another challenge entirely. The goal is to make them sound like a natural part of your vocabulary, not a pre-memorized line. This requires practice and a strategic approach to learning. Avoid the common pitfall of simply memorizing long lists of phrases without understanding their context. Instead, focus on a small, manageable set of idioms and work on integrating them into your active vocabulary. True mastery comes from understanding when and how to use a phrase to enhance your message. The key is to make these expressions your own, so they flow effortlessly in conversation. Rote memorization often leads to misuse, which can detract from your score. Authenticity is far more impressive to an examiner than a forced attempt at complexity. The following points provide a clear roadmap for achieving this natural integration.
Focus on Deep Understanding: Before attempting to use an idiom, ensure you fully understand its literal and metaphorical meaning, the context in which it’s used, and its emotional connotation. Is it formal, informal, or neutral?
Practice in Context: Don’t just memorize the phrase. Create your own sentences using the idiom. Practice answering mock IELTS questions and see where the idiom might naturally fit. Record yourself and listen back to see if it sounds authentic.
Listen to Native Speakers: Pay close attention to how idioms are used in movies, podcasts, and interviews. This will give you a feel for their natural rhythm and placement in a sentence, which is something a dictionary cannot teach.
Start with a Manageable List: Begin with 5-10 common and versatile idioms. It is better to master a few and use them perfectly than to have a superficial knowledge of many. The three idioms discussed in this article are an excellent starting point.
Don’t Force It: The golden rule is that if you are unsure, it’s better to leave it out. A well-structured, clear sentence is always superior to a sentence with a misused idiom. Wait for the right opportunity to arise naturally in the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an idiom in the context of English exams?
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of its individual words. For English exams like IELTS, using idioms correctly demonstrates a deep, natural understanding of the language beyond literal definitions, which is a key trait of a proficient speaker.
How does using idioms improve an IELTS speaking score?
Using idioms correctly and naturally can significantly boost your ‘Lexical Resource’ score by showcasing a wide range of vocabulary. It also enhances overall fluency and coherence, making your speech sound more authentic and less rehearsed, which leaves a strong, positive impression on the examiner.
What does the idiom ‘burn bridges’ mean?
The idiom ‘burn bridges’ means to act in a way that destroys a relationship or connection, such as with a former employer or friend, making it impossible to go back. It’s a metaphor for severing ties permanently and is useful for discussing topics related to work or personal relationships.
Why is ‘feeling under the weather’ a good idiom for the speaking test?
It is a common, natural-sounding phrase for feeling slightly ill that is widely used in everyday English conversation. Using it instead of a more direct phrase like ‘I was sick’ shows a more nuanced and sophisticated command of the language, which is highly valued in speaking tests.
