Score 9.0 on IELTS Speaking with these 10 Must-Know Idioms.

Summary

This video script focuses on teaching idioms to enhance speaking skills, particularly for language exams like IELTS. It explains what idioms are and their importance in communication, emphasizing their natural use by native speakers. The script advises against overusing idioms on test day to maintain a natural flow. It introduces ten idioms, each with an explanation and example, to help learners incorporate them into their speech. The video also discusses different learner profiles and offers preparation strategies, including the use of prep bundles for general English improvement and specific exam techniques.

Takeaways

• 😀 Idioms are expressions where the meaning of the whole is different from the meanings of the individual words.
• 🌟 Knowing idioms is crucial for effective communication and can help you sound more natural in English.
• 📚 Idioms are one of the criteria examiners look for in the speaking section of language tests like IELTS.
• 💡 Using idioms can enhance your lexical resource score, but overusing them might not improve your score as naturalness is key.
• 📈 Practice using idioms by incorporating them into your answers for various speaking questions to make them a part of your active vocabulary.
• 🔍 The idiom 'a mixed bag' describes a situation with a mix of good and bad elements.
• 🚀 'Push the envelope' means to go beyond usual limits or to innovate.
• 🦾 'Bite the bullet' is about facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
• 🏃 'Hit the ground running' implies starting something quickly and effectively from the beginning.
• 📖 'On the same page' means that everyone agrees or understands something in the same way.
• ❤️ 'A labor of love' refers to doing something for the joy or passion of it, not for money or reward.
• 🏙️ 'In the thick of it' describes being right in the middle of a busy, challenging, or dangerous situation.
• 🌩️ 'Out of the blue' signifies something happening suddenly and without warning.
• 🌆 'At the end of the day' is used to summarize or conclude what is most important after considering everything.
• 🌍 'The best of both worlds' means enjoying the advantages of two different things or situations simultaneously.

Q & A

What is an idiom and why are they important in language learning?

An idiom is a word, group of words, or a sentence where the words together have a different meaning than the words alone. They are important in language learning because they are commonly used by native speakers, and understanding them helps communicate better and sound more natural.

How can idioms help in achieving a higher score on the IELTS speaking test?

Idioms can help achieve a higher score on the IELTS speaking test because they are one of the criteria examiners look for in lexical resource. Using idioms appropriately can demonstrate a more advanced language skill, but it's important to use them naturally and in context.

What is the meaning of the idiom 'a mixed bag' and how can it be used in a speaking response?

The idiom 'a mixed bag' refers to a situation that involves a variety of things, especially good and bad things. It can be used in a speaking response to describe a holiday or event that had both positive and negative aspects.

What does the idiom 'push the envelope' mean and how can it be applied in a speaking test scenario?

The idiom 'push the envelope' means to try to go beyond the usual limits or to do something in a new, innovative way. In a speaking test scenario, it can be used to describe a time when you tried something new or took a risk to achieve something.

Can you explain the origin of the idiom 'bite the bullet' and provide an example of its use?

The idiom 'bite the bullet' originates from historical military medicine, where soldiers would bite down on a bullet to endure pain during surgery without anesthesia. It means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage. For example, if you had to make a tough decision or face a challenging task, you could say you had to 'bite the bullet'.

What does 'hit the ground running' imply and how can it be used to describe a personal experience?

'Hit the ground running' implies starting something quickly and effectively right from the start. It can be used to describe a personal experience where you had to begin a new task or project immediately and perform well without any delay.

How is the idiom 'on the same page' used, and what does it signify?

The idiom 'on the same page' is used to describe a situation where people agree or understand something in the same way. It signifies that all members of a group have a shared understanding and are aligned in their approach.

What is meant by 'a labor of love' and how can it be incorporated into a speaking test response?

'A labor of love' refers to doing something because you enjoy or care about it, not for money or a reward. It can be incorporated into a speaking test response to describe a project or task that was undertaken out of passion and enjoyment, despite any challenges or lack of financial gain.

What does 'in the thick of it' mean and how can it be used to describe a challenging situation?

'In the thick of it' means being in the middle of something busy, challenging, or even dangerous. It can be used to describe a challenging situation where one is directly involved and experiencing the intensity of the circumstances.

How is the idiom 'out of the blue' used to describe unexpected events?

The idiom 'out of the blue' is used to describe events that happen suddenly and without warning, like a surprise. It can be used to describe an unexpected event, such as receiving an unexpected call or news.

What does 'at the end of the day' signify and how can it be used in a speaking response?

'At the end of the day' signifies summarizing or concluding everything after considering all aspects. It can be used in a speaking response to emphasize the most important outcome or result after discussing various points or options.

What is the meaning of 'the best of both worlds' and how can it be applied in a speaking test scenario?

The phrase 'the best of both worlds' means enjoying the best aspects of two different things or situations simultaneously. In a speaking test scenario, it can be used to describe a situation where one benefits from two different but complementary experiences or conditions.