Friday, December 10, 2021

Common Idioms used for speaking to raise your score

Below are some common idioms that I have heard students use correctly in the IELTS speaking test. If you have never heard any of them before, try to find more examples of how they are used and then practice using them when you are practicing speaking. Also, understanding where they originate from can help you remember them.

If you can, have a native speaker or English teacher listen to you and tell you if you are using them correctly.

Most of these are ways to describe something, someone or how you feel. These tend to be easier to use because you can substitute the description you would normally use for the idiom.


Over the moon– to be extremely pleased or happy.

I was over the moonwhen I passed my speaking test.

Once in a blue moon– happens very rarely.

A student will get a 9 in the IELTS writing test once in a blue moon. 

A piece of cake– very easy.

Getting a band 6 in the speaking test will be a piece of cake.

A drop in the ocean– a very small part of something much bigger.

Just learning idioms is a drop in the oceanwhen it comes to preparing for the speaking test.

Actions speak louder than words– it is better to actually do something than just talk about it.

Lots of people have great business ideas but do nothing about them. Actions speak louder than words, just do it.

Back to the drawing board– when you attempted to do something but failed and have to try again.

I got 4.5 in reading! Oh well, back to the drawing board.

Put all your eggs in one basket-put all your money or effort into one thing.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.You should apply to lots of different universities.

The in thing– something fashionable.

The new iPhone is really thein thingat the moment.

The real McCoy– genuine or not fake.

I don’t think her new handbag is the real McCoy.

Off the top of my head– saying something without thinking first.

Off the top of my head, I’d say about 2 or 3.

Run of the mill– average, ordinary

Apple phones are very run of the millthese days.

Soul mate– someone you trust very deeply.

My husband is not just my lover, he’s my soul mate.

Down in the dumps– sad.

I was really down in the dumps after my dog died.

Found my feet– to become comfortable doing something.

Moving to a new city was difficult as first, but I soon found my feet.

Set in their ways– not wanting to change.

My parents are quite traditional and set in their ways.

Go the extra mile– do much more than is required.

I decided to go the extra mile and move to England to really perfect my English.

A hot potato– a controversial topic.

Abortion and capital punishment are hot potatoes in my country at the moment.

Miss the boat– miss an opportunity.

I sent my application in late and I think I missed the boat. 

Costs an arm and a leg– really expensive.

Those shoes must have cost an arm and a leg.

Sit on the fence– to be undecided.

I haven’t made my mind up about that issue, I’ll have to sit on the fence.

Enjoy learning!

Friday, October 15, 2021

IELTS Interactive self-study: 200 Advanced Vocabulary Questions/ Book 2. A powerful method to learn the vocabulary you need

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If you are preparing for the IELTS test, studying advanced vocabulary is absolutely essential to get the maximum score. Knowing hundreds of “tough” words will greatly improve your reading and listening comprehension, as well as help you write and speak much more accurately and fluently.

IELTS Interactive self-study: 200 Advanced Vocabulary Questions/ Book 2 can help you in a way no other ordinary book can. It is ideal for self-study whenever you want, wherever you are. You answer vocabulary questions and you receive feedback right away. It’s as if you have a private English Tutor on the spot; telling you what you did right or wrong, explaining the mistakes again and again.

After completing the exercises in this unique eBook, you will have mastered hundreds of advanced words and word combinations quickly and easily. You will also practice your dictionary skills and learn how to use the free Kindle dictionary so you can delve deeper into the meaning and usage of a word. This eBook is very convenient; you can download it simultaneously to your desktop, laptop, smart-phone or tablet, thanks to the free Kindle applications.

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Check Your English Vocabulary for IELTS: Essential words and phrases to help you maximise your IELTS score

This bestselling workbook provides a resource for students studying towards the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. It has been written for students at intermediate level and above, and is particularly appropriate for anyone who plans to study or train at an English-speaking college or university.

Fully updated for this fourth edition, the book provides exercises to help teach and build general and topic-specific vocabulary related to the IELTS test and also covers grammar, use of English, comprehension and spelling. 

Suitable for both self-study and the classroom, it includes a range of activities to help students build and improve their English vocabulary and language skills. 

- Tests and improves vocabulary using a variety of useful, interesting and enjoyable exercises
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It is free to download now: Check Your English Vocabulary for IELTS: Essential words and phrases to help you maximise your IELTS score UK ed. Edition

Learn 570 Essential Words for IELTS

 This list of words was developed by the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies at Victoria University in Wellington.

    The list consists of 570 word families, and the words were chosen due to the fact that they commonly appear in many academic texts.

    You will notice that some words are in italics. This means that they are the most frequently occurring member of the word family.

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Speaking

 Real speaking topic practice is coming soon. Stay tune everyone!


From Educaionfocusnsp

Saturday, August 30, 2014

IELTS Speaking Test: Part 2 Topic Card



1. Describe a museum
1)  How often do you visit the museum?
2)  Which type of museum is popular in your country?
3)  Why do you want to visit the museum?
Follow-up:
What do you think of the importance of museums in history?
 How do you think of the heritage of a country?
Compare the museums nowadays and in the past



2. Describe your favorite photograph
1)     Where was the photo taken?
2)     Who took the photo?
3)     What can be seen from the photo?
4)     Explain why it is the favorite photograph for you.
Follow-up:
How to take good photo?
When do people use camera?
How can the new technology put cinema’s skill advanced?

Writing Task II: The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.


Man, through the ages, has undergone many changes from the time when he
depicted a herd of mammoths on the walls of his cave to these days when he
can create beautiful pictures and even make coffee by use of computer
technologies without leaving his favorite chair. The 20th century made huge
steps in developing computer technologies and reached many goals that
made our life much easier. What should we expect in the 21st century?
First of all, I think that the pace of our life will speed up: we will move faster
from one place to another, from one continent to another using high speed jet
airplanes. Second of all, I believe that we will be able to do many things that
take much time now without leaving our house. Computers will be everywhere
including out clothes. Many people will have chips and mini computers
inserted in their heads to hold huge amount of information and have a quick
access to it.

But what will be the most amazing thing in the 21st century is the flights to the
outer space and Mars that will be available to all people. Scientists say that
Mars has many things similar to the Earth's. Moreover, they say that with the
help of modern technology people can artificially create conditions that will
allow people to live there on the constant basis.

To sum up, I am sure that many amazing changes will be brought by the 21st
century. Furthermore, I think that with the help of the contemporary
technologies people can do many things that were even difficult to imagine a
century ago. So, nowadays it is rather difficult and even impossible to imagine
all changes that will happen in the next decades.