Idiomatic expressions for the

IELTS Test
Using idioms is a way to show the examiner your talent with vocabulary and increase your
score in the speaking exam. Using a few of the phrases below is a good way to get a score
of 7 or higher.

Summary of some common idioms

Phrase

Explanation/synonym

On the go
up-market
work flat out
chill out to
the in thing
at the height of fashion
up-to-the-minute
off the top of my head
run of the mill
soul mate
a sounding board
in high spirits
bump into
once in a blue moon
have a chin-wag
on cloud nine
down in the dumps
the real McCoy
the wee hours very early in the
morning
make a fuss over

busy
fashionable
work very hard
relax
fashionable
fashionable
the most recent
without thinking
average, typical
someone you trust deeply
a good person to talk to
happy
meet
not very often
have a conversation
happy
sad
genuine, not fake
after midnight

early bird

overly care for

someone/something
someone who gets up early

Using Idioms
In order to understand these idioms better you can see the examples usages of these
idioms below and also if you want to you can download my MP3.

1. On the go (Busy) => In this modern high-tech world, most people especially young
people are usually on the go with modern technology like cell phones. I've been on the
go all day and I'm really tired.

2. Up-market (fashionable) => The younger generation buy up-market clothes to impress
their peers. Celebrities have to wear up-market clothes to show their fans how successful
they are.
3. Work flat out (work very hard) => I believe that if we work flat out using all our energy,
we will be successful in the future.
4. chill-out (relax) => Students usually chill-out by going on picnics after their exams.
5. the in thing (fashionable) => Eating healthy food and getting regular exercise are the in
thing as trying to be healthy is now really popular.
6. at the height of fashion (fashionable) => Televisions were at the height of fashion in the
1980s.
7. up-to-the-minute (the most recent) => Nowadays, the internet includes up-to-theminute news stories.
8. off the top of my head (without thinking) => When Mary asked John about his plans for
the holidays, he replied "off the top of my head, probably I'll go to my lakeside cottage."
9. run of the mill (average, typical) =>. He gave a fairly run-of-the-mill story that quickly
had everyone bored.
10. soul mate (best friend) => A husband and wife should be soul mates to each other in
their married life.
11. a sounding board ( a good person to talk to) => My mother is really a good sounding
board for me whenever I face difficulties in my life.
12. in high spirits (happy) => When I passed the exam with flying colours, I felt in high
spirits.
13. bump into (meet without planning) => I usually bump into my old friends once a month
at Starbucks.
14. once in a blue moon (not very often) => If you exercise once in a blue moon, you will
have a high chance of getting cardio-vascular diseases.
15. have a chin-wag (have an informal conversation) =>. Every Friday, I like to meet my
mates at the bar for a chin-way.
16. on cloud nine (happy) => When parents hear good news from their children's success,
they feel on cloud nine.
17. down in the dumps (sad) => My uncle was down in the dumps when his business went
bankrupt.
18. the real McCoy (genuine, not fake) => The stamp on the certificate is the real McCoy.
19. the wee hours (very early in the morning after midnight) => Asthma patients can have
an attack in the wee hours due to variations of hormone levels in our body.
20. make a fuss over (overly care for someone/something) =>. Don't make a fuss over this,
it is really quite trivial.

21. early bird (someone who gets up early) => My uncle is an early bird he gets up at 6
o'clock every morning to do exercise.

l linking words and phrases

Linking words help increase your score for fluency and coherence in the speaking exam
and help you to get a higher score for coherence and cohesion in the writing exam. They
are also useful in the listening and reading test to help you see how ideas are sequenced
and to catch the main ideas. The following table is from my IELTS ebook for part two of the
writing test.
Sequencing the
first idea

Adding supporting Adding a

Making general
ideas
contrasting idea statements

The main reason is

Another reason is On the other hand, As a general rule,

The most important

consideration is

Furthermore,

However,

Generally,

Moreover,

Nevertheless,

In most cases,

In the same vein,

Although,

Giving examples

Giving an
explanation

Clarifying an
opinion

Drawing a
conclusion

For example,

The reason for this

is

To be more
precise

As a consequence,

This is because

More specifically

This is due to

By this I mean

First of all,
In the first place,

For instance,
In particular,
A clear example of
this is

Therefore,
As a result,

In other words,

Stating your
opinion

Partially correct
statements

Other people's
opinions

Making a
concession

From my
perspective,

somewhat
agree/disagree

From a political
point of view,

It is sometimes
argued that

From my point of
view,

to a certain degree, From the point of

view of the
to some extent,
economy,

In my opinion

Admittedly,
However,

Some people
believe

To give
advantages

To give
disadvantages

To express cause to express efect

A major advantage of One major drawback Owing to

this is
is
Due to the fact
Another important
Another
that
merit is
disadvantage is
For the reason
The final benefit
The final limitation is that
is
that
Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Part 1

Therefore,
As a consequence,
As a result

SPEAKING PART 1:

Vocabulary for friendship

1. DESCRIPTION QUESTIONS: (Strategy: divide into 2 or 3 parts)

Sample answer

Sample
questions
about
Tell me
something
about
yourfriends
hometown?
Well as you
can much
probably
I come
and I have lived here all
1. How
timeguess
do you
spendfrom
with Taipei
your friends?
my life, 2.
although
at you
the usually
moment
studying
in another city Taizhong. I
What do
doIm
with
your friends?
suppose if I had to describe Taipei, the first thing I would say is that its
3. Do you
prefer
spending
with your
family
friends?
very crowded,
maybe
even
one of time
the biggest
cities
in or
Asia
I guess. Its so
congested
that
even
the
locals
have
problems
finding
their
way
around!
4. Is friendship important to you?
Another significant characteristic is that it offers splendid examples of
contemporary
Nouns architecture. Actually some of the renowned landmarks are
in the middle of Taipei, such as the Taipei 101, the second tallest building
in the
world.
companion

acquaintance
sibling

Well, the
main thing you need to know is that(1) + (details)
Verbs
On top of that I can also add that (2)+ (details)

get together

Something else that I need to say is that (3)so actually(detail)

hang out with

Starting-of
socialize
Ok, then; actually; alright; well, you know;

Point 1
The first
thing Id like to mention is
Adjectives
The main thing you need to know is

sociable

Id like to begin by highlighting the fact

gregarious

Pointout-going
2
In addition
I suppose I should say
extrovert
Another interesting point

introvert

Not only that, but _______is also exceedingly ..

Point 3
And I shouldnt forget to mention that
I guess I could also say that (its) sort-of ..
Finally Id also like to mention ..

Practice:
Tell me something about your hometown?
What does your neighborhood look like?
What Idioms
does your house look like?

Own flesh and blood (= family, relative)

2. LIKING (Strategy: General to specific)

Obviously my siblings are my own flesh and blood so I love them very much.
soul mate (= best friend)

Rephrasing liking

I usually
Im pretty
fondhang
of out with my soul mate.
Im really
keen on
a sounding
board (= a good person to talk to)
Im a big fan of

I can use my best mate as a sounding board when I have problems.

Im passionate about

Structure

Vocabulary about your hometown

1. Well in general I would say

2. To be more precise/specific

3. AndSample
I guessQuestions
this is probably because

Lets talk about your hometown

1. What do you like about your hometown?
2. Is it a good place for young people?

Sample answer

What kind of animals do you like?

3. What would you like to change about your hometown?

4. Do you think your hometown will be better in the future?

Well in general I would say small animals, to be more precise cats and
dogs; and, I guess this is because we often kept them when I was growing
up, and they were good companions for me.

Nouns

residential area
industrial area
apartment complex
architecture
Practice:

local cuisine

What do you like about your hometown?

neighbourhood
Do you
like your job/studies?
What sort of music do you like?
Do you like reading?

Adjectives

Do you like shopping?

sprawling

3. DISLIKING (Strategy: General to specific)

Rephrasing Disliking
Im not really satisfied with
Im not much of a fan of

unique
Im not
really fond of
is simply
not my cup of tea.
industrial
I really cant stand

commercial

simply gets on my nerves.

distinctive
built-up

Sample answer

Idioms

Is there anything you dont like about your hometown?

run down (= in bad condition) Some areas are run-down.

In general,
Id(expensive)
have to saySome
that Ineighbourhoods
am not so satisfied
with the weather.
To
up-market
are becoming
very up-market.
be more precise, I really cant stand the summer months. You know, its
because the temperatures are often as high as 35 degrees, plus it is
always humid, so it makes you feel quite uncomfortable!

Increase your score for lexical resource by learning a wide range

of vocabulary for the IELTS speaking test.

Vocabulary for your job

Practice
Is there anything you dont like about your hometown?
Is there anything you dont like about job/studies?

Sample questions about your job

Is there any food you dont like?

1. worst
What thing
job doabout
you do?
Whats the
shopping?
2. Why did you choose this job?

Are there any clothes that you dont like?

3. How long have you been doing this job?

What type of weather do you dislike?

4. Is there anything you dont like about it?

Nouns

4. TYPE OF QUESTIONS (strategy: depends on)

profession

theres
quite
a mixed variety of
line of
business
theres quite an extensive diversity of
occupation

theres quite a wide range of

line of work

theres a fairly broad range of

theres quite a diverse mixture of

Sample answer

Tell me about the different types of transportation in your city.

Of course, you know theres quite a mixed variety of public transportation in

my city. Though I think the most commonly-used one could probably be
buses. And the explanation for this could be that they are so cheap and
reliable. In fact the average bus fare in my city is about 20 dollars for a
Verbs
single journey from start to end.
be involved in
share responsibility for
work within a team

Practice

Adjectives

What kinds of restaurants are popular in your country?

hectic

What types of shops can be found in your local area?

What exhausting
types of things do people collect in your country?
What intricate
types of TV programmes are popular in your country?
undemanding

5. WH-/HOW OFTEN QUESTIONS(strategy: concession)

Idioms

work
flat out (=
work very
Sometimes
I have
to work flat out.
Well to
be honest,
I would
havehard).
to say
that it really
depends.

Like for
stops
Whereas
in contrast
pullinstance
out all the
( make
a special effort).When its busy I have to pull out all the stops.
pick up the pieces (= fix a problem). When theres a problem I have to pick up the pieces.

Sample answer
Increase your score for lexical resource by learning a wide range of vocabulary for the IELTS

What speaking
sort of restaurants
do you usually eat at?
test.

Usually I prefer to get something like fast food such as McDonalds because
its quick and easy to get. However, if I have more time I would rather
have something healthier such as a steak and salad from a decent
restaurant like Outback Steakhouse.

Vocabulary about studying

Sample questions about your studies:

1. What are you studying?
Practice2. Where are you studying?
When do 3.
youWhy
usually
read?
did you
choose this school / university?
Who do you
spendwould
your you
evenings
4. What
like towith?
do after your studies?
When you go out in the evenings, what do you usually do?
How often do you play sports?

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Part 2

<>

PARTNouns
2
field of
study
Individuals
: Appearance
/ Personality / Hobbies / Relationship / My feeling
Buildings : Location / Exterior / Interior / Atmosphere / Service / My feeling
Cities :lecturer
Location / People / Food / Cityscape / Entertainment / My feeling
Experience : What / Why / When / Where / Who / My feeling
Leisuretheory
activities : What / Who / When / Why / My feeling
Natural Beauty : Location / History / Visitors / Activities / My feeling
Animals : Appearance / Habits / Food / Relationship / My feeling
Objects : How I got it / Exterior / Function / Price / another related object / My feeling
Verbs : History / Members / Location / Duty / Influence / My feeling
Organizations
revise
Opening:
Well Id like to talk about
comprehend
Ok then,
to start with I will talk about
succeed
The first
point: in
The first thing Id like to mention is
become
skilled
into know is
The main
thing you
need
Id like to begin by highlighting the fact
The most important point about _____ is
Adjectives
The second
point:
Going on to my next point which is ______, and the thing that needs to be highlighted here is that
(S+V).hands-on (= practical)
Now concerning the matter of ______, and what I have to mention here is that ~.
theoretical
The third point:
Progressing
to the subject of ______. I would like to explain that (S+V).
reputable
Moving onto the business of ______, What I would like to make clear is that ~.
compulsory
The last point:
Finally,optional
Id like to discuss __________
Finally then, if there is time, I could deal with the last question of (N).

Idioms
pass with flying colours (=pass with a high score)
I passed my entrance exam with flying colours.
cross that bridge when I come to it (=deal with a problem when it arrives)
Im not worried about that now . Ill cross that bridge when I come to it.
Vocabulary
for IELTS and Speaking:
Part 3

Its difficult to predict exactly what questions we will get asked in the third part of
the exam, but usually they will have a close connection to the topic we discussed
in part 2 of the exam. In addition the following functions may be tested.

1.
2.

Different kinds of
Comparing (time/objects/concepts)

3.

Predicting

4.

Advantages

5.

Disadvantages

6.
7.
8.

Problems

Vocabulary for shopping

Solutions

Opinion (why)

Sample questions:
Lets talk about shopping.
1. Different kinds of
Do you
like different
to go shopping?
What are1.some
of the
kinds of shops in your country?
2.
How
often
do
you
go
shopping?
What sort of people are celebrities
in your country?
3. What kind of shops are there where you live?
4. Whats the worst thing about going shopping?
2. Comparing
Do you think people were smarter in the past?
What is the difference between learning skills and knowledge?

Nouns
3. Predicting
essential
Do you
think people will be more intelligent in the future?
Do you think technology can replace teachers in the future?

luxury
4. Advantages
Whatindependent
are the mainretailer
advantages of studying online?

What are the main advantages of studying abroad?

chain store

vendor
5.market
Disadvantages
What are the main disadvantages of studying online?
What are the main disadvantages of studying abroad?

Verbs

6.haggle
Problems
What are some of the main problems that students often encounter with learning
pick out
English?
What problems do students often have with their classmates?

7. Solutions
[for above how could we solve these problems]

Adjectives
8. Opinion
over-priced
Why do
you think some people enjoy learning new things?
What are some useful ways to remember things?

This is very often the very first q1 in this part of the test. You should try to
describe at least two different types. Many people only give one which is not ideal
because
fakeyou are not asked to only give one you're asked what the different types.
Opening:
genuine
Well, there are a few different types.
There is a range of different options.

sophisticated

The main type:

Off the top of my head the most common is
The first one that springs to mind is

Idioms

Another type:
the real McCoy (= genuine, not fake)
Another one that pops into my head is
As well is this we can often see

Most chain stores only stock the Real McCoy products.

[more about this question type]

going for a song (= offered at a low price)

Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM

I see are
some
classy
products
going
for of
a songI
might
be tempted.
1.IfWhat
some
of the
different
types
fast food
in your
country?
2. What are some of the most popular forms of entertainment in your
country?
3. What are some of the ways that a poor lifestyle can contribute to health
problems?
Increase
your score for lexical resource by learning a wide range of vocabulary for the IELTS
4.speaking
What are
test.some of the different types of restaurants in your country?
5. What are some of the most popular outdoor activities in your country?

Vocabuary
2. Comparing

about holidays and travelling

Try to use language of comparison (cheaper, more expensive, more/less than)

Sample questions
Opening:
How muchthere
travelling
you done?
Well, 1.
obviously,
are have
a variety
of possible differences here.
Well, undoubtedly, they are like chalk and cheese.
2. Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group?
The First difference:
3. What do you like to do when you are on holiday?
However, I (guess/ suppose) that the most striking difference is ~; whereas in
contrast
4. What places would you like to visit in the future?
But I would say the most fundamental would be that (S+V). On the contrary,
Nouns
The second difference:
In addition,
subsequent contrast could be that (S+V). Conversely,
packageatour
Moreover, a further distinction might be that (S+V). While on the other hand,
independent travel
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
travel agent
1. In what ways magazines are different to newspapers?
2. Verbs
How could we deal with the problems of Internet?
3. Are people travelling more now than in the past?
4. Who make better teachers men or women?
5. How have family values changed over the years?

3. Predicting
Try to use future tense (will, going to + verb)
go backpacking
Opening:
sightseeing
I am go
sure
that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this.
I imagine that in the near future, we will witness some major changes with regard
to (N).
The first prediction:
To begin with, I would predict that we will most likely have (N).
Adjectives
Primarily, it looks quite possible that we are going to have (N).
touristy
The second prediction:
As well
as this, some people claim that we will probably start to see (N).
overdeveloped
Likewise, I would imagine that we may even be able to see (N).
exclusive
The third prediction:
And who
knows, there is even a chance that we will have (N).
luxurious
And I know it is a bit of a crazy thought, but one day we may even have (N).
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
Idioms
1. What will schools be like in the future?
2. Off
What
will cars
be (to
like
in thenot
future?
the beaten
track
a place
usually visited by tourists)
3. When
Do you
people Iwill
have
tooff
conserve
water
I gothink
backpacking
prefer
to go
the beaten
track.in the future?
4. Do you think we will get the news in different ways in the future?
Rough it (= live in uncomfortable conditions such as camping)
5. What will your country be like in 50 years?
When we went camping we had to rough it for two days.

4. Advantages
benefits,
rewards)
Increase your (merits,
score for lexical
resource
by learning a wide range
of vocabulary for the IELTS speaking test.
Opening:
Clearly there are a number of obvious merits.
Obviously there are a number of positive features.

Vocabulary for weddings

The main advantage:

But I would probably say that for the most part, the one thing that really stands
out is that~. This is obviously favourable because (S+V).
Sample
questions
weddings
However,
I guess
thatfor
the
most evident would be that (S+V). This is surely a
positive feature as (S+V).
1. Have you ever been to a wedding?
2. What do people usually do at weddings in your country?
The second advantages:
Besides 3.
this,
a second
pointusually
could wear
be that
(S+V). This
is country?
undoubtedly
What
clothes plus
do people
at weddings
in your
favourable because (S+V).
4. Which people are usually invited to weddings?
At the same time, a second bonus might be that (S+V). This is surely a positive
feature as~
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
1. What are the advantages of living in an old building?
2. What are the advantages of living in big cities?

4. What are the advantages of advertising?

5. What are the advantages of studying abroad?
Nouns
marriage ceremony

5. Disadvantages (drawbacks, shortcomings)

Opening:
bride
I am sure most people would agree that there are some drawbacks.
Of course
groomthere are a couple of shortcomings.
The main
honeymoon
disadvantages:
I suppose the most unfavourable quality might be that (S+V). This is an obviously
weakness because (S+V).
I guess the most impractical characteristic would be that (S+V). This is a clear
limitation because (S+V).
Verbs disadvantages:
The second
At the same time, another stumbling block might be that ~. And the trouble with
presents
this isgive
that
Correspondingly, an additional weak point may be that (S+V). And this can be a
drink
hassle
as~a toast
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
1. What are the disadvantages of living in an old building?
2. Adjectives
What are the disadvantages of living in big cities?
3. conventional
What are the disadvantages of owning an up-to-date mobile phone?
4. customary
What are the disadvantages of advertising?
5. What are the disadvantages of studying abroad?
ceremonial

6. Problems
Opening:
Obviously we can say there are quite a lot of dangers with regard to this issue.
Idioms
It is universally
accepted that there are a few hazards involved with (N).
tie the knot (= get married)
The main problem:
Essentially, one fundamental concern is probably that ~. This is clearly alarming
When people decide to tie the knot, they usually want to lead a steady life.
because~.
The second problem:
Equally worrying is the suggestion that~. And the underlying repercussions of this
Increase your score for lexical resource by learning a wide range
are that.
of vocabulary for the IELTS speaking test.
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
1. What problems are associated with eating fast food?
2. What problems are caused by a lack of physical exercise?
3. How is our busy lifestyle contributing to health problems?
4. What problems are associated with global warming?
5. What problems are associated with violence being shown on TV?