10 easy idioms for IELTS speaking
Easy idioms to use in your IELTS speaking test
Teacher - Mr. Richard Forrest
Following the success of my last blog on the topic. I have decided to write again about idioms that you can easily use in IELTS speaking to boost your score.
If you look at the public band descriptors for IELTS speaking, you will see that you need to demonstrate the following to achieve a grade 7 under the vocabulary section.
• uses vocabulary resources flexibly to discuss a variety of topics
• uses some less common and idiomatic vocabulary and shows some awareness of style and collocation, with some inappropriate choices
• uses paraphrase effectively
It is the second item that I want to discuss in today’s blog. In order to achieve a 7, you should demonstrate less common and idiomatic vocabulary. One easy way to do that is by using idioms. However, the problem with idioms is that they are so specific that it becomes almost impossible to use them.
For example, the idiom “to be on your last legs”.
Meaning – to be close to exhaustion or death.
Idiom in use – she does not look very well. She must be on her last legs.
Although this is a great idiom, it will be quite hard to find an opportunity to use it in the IELTS test. Rather than memorise big lists of specific idioms, I recommend instead that you learn idioms for positive and negative emotions.
You will always need to express your emotions in every IELTS test, so you can reliably use the idioms below in every test that you do. So, considering the information above I will now give you my next 10 idioms for IELTS to get a 7 or higher.
1. To be a happy camper
Meaning - to be content or satisfied with what is happening in your life and to have no complaints.
Example IELTS question – Do you enjoy your job?
Example IELTS answer with idiom – I am deeply passionate about my job. In fact, I go to work every day with a smile on my face. I guess you could say I’m a happy camper.
2. To be as happy as Larry
Meaning: to be delighted or very happy. Who is Larry? Why is he so happy? We don’t know the history of Larry, unfortunately, but we do know he was very happy.
Example IELTS question – Do you have the same routine now as when you were a child?
Example IELTS answer with idiom – No, my routine is not at all like when I was a child. I would have to say that I did everything I wanted when I was a child, I was as happy as Larry all day. Now, I must wake up early for work and it is a struggle.
3. To be walking on air
Meaning – to feel so happy and pleased that you feel as if you are walking on air.
Example IELTS question – What do you do in your free time?
Example IELTS answer with idiom – In my spare time, I enjoy playing football. In fact, I scored a goal last night and I felt like I was walking on air.
4. To be in seventh heaven
Meaning – to be very happy.
Example IELTS question – What are you studying at the moment?
Example IELTS answer with idiom – Actually, I am studying English. My class is an international class with people from all over the world. I love meeting people from new places, and I am in seventh heaven every time I go.
5. To be buzzing
Meaning – to be very excited and happy about something.
Example IELTS question – What music have you been listening to lately?
Example IELTS answer with idiom – Recently, I have been really enjoying listening to Taylor Swift. She has a new album next year and I am buzzing about it.
6. To be cheesed off
Meaning – to be very annoyed, bored, or frustrated
Example IELTS question – Why do some people start their own businesses?
Example IELTS answer with idiom – People start their own business ventures for several reasons. Most likely, many people get cheesed off with working in an office environment and want to do something they enjoy more.
7. To blow your top
Meaning – to blow your top means to suddenly become very angry. Be careful with this one as blow is an irregular verb. | 1To blow 2 blew 3 blown.
Example IELTS question – Do you prefer public or private transport?
Example IELTS answer with idiom – Personally, I prefer to travel in my own personal vehicle. The last time I took a bus it was late, and I blew my top.
8. To be at the end of your rope
Meaning – to be running out of patience.
Example IELTS question – What type of accommodation do you live in?
Example IELTS answer with idiom – I live in a small student flat. Next door, my neighbours are very loud, and they never shut up. I’m at the end of my rope with them.
Similar expressions – To be at the end of your tether.
9. To be down in the dumps
Meaning – to feel sad or depressed.
Example IELTS question – Who are you closest to in your family?
Example IELTS answer with idiom – I am closest to my cousin. She is a lot of fun, but she has been down in the dumps since her dog died.
10. To get your knickers in a twist
Meaning – to be angry, nervous, or anxious when faced with a difficult situation. Remember to get is an irregular verb. | To get / Got / Gotten.
Example IELTS question – Do you find exams difficult?
Example IELTS answer with idiom – Generally I find exams very stressful and I tend to get my knickers in a twist if I think about them too much.
NEXT STEPS?
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this blog. If you have any questions regarding the test or would like to inquire about my writing correction services or IELTS online classes please email me at info@lovetolearnenglish.com.
