Idioms for IELTS – why they are important

How to use idioms in the IELTS Speaking test

Idiomatic language is important

We know it’s important because it’s mentioned in the examiners’ criteria.

Lexical Resource band score 7

It is clear that you need some idiomatic language to get a band score 7 for LR but that does not mean you need to go out of your way to use your favourite obscure idiom.  If that’s your plan, you’re going to sound unnatural, and remember that the closer you are to a 9, the more natural your speaking is.

Instead of learning obscure idioms, my advice is that you should focus on learning simple ones, especially phrasal verbs.

An excellent source of natural English with simple idiomatic language

Everyday idioms is a great resource.  Here’s a sample of the natural English found in that book.

Here's another:

You should be able to find it online.  It looks like this:

The Cambridge Practice Test books

Another good resource is the Cambridge Practice Test books.  In particular, check out the tape-scripts for the section 1 listening tests.  Here’s a sample of one – from Cambridge 7, showing idiomatic language.

What you should do

Instead of trying to work out how to include it’s a piece of cake or it was raining cats and dogs in your answer, focus on easy to use, natural idiomatic language.  Here are some examples of simple idioms that every candidate should know.