Idioms

Idioms can be used to show your range in the language in both writing and speaking. The British Council say this:

Generally the wider the range of vocabulary or expression used correctly and appropriately, the better a candidate will score.

There is no list of these items to use. If you feel confident, look into some idiomatic expressions, but not just the usual ones, and be very clear the context in which these should be used

I used to tell students not to worry too much about them too much because there are so so many and they are so difficult to learn how to use properly. You might hear an idiom and recognize its meaning, but when you come to using it in your own speech or writing, you’ll probably run into difficulty.

But if you want a high score, you should definitely learn a few high-frequency idioms that can be used in a variety of situations. The official IELTS band descriptors for the speaking module say this under a band 7:

uses some less common and idiomatic vocabulary

So if you want a Band 7 or higher, you’ll need to use a few idioms and some idiomatic language. Let’s look at an example of an idiom:

It’s a useful idiom, which can be used in any situation where you had no chance at all.

Learn it in context, as a language chunk. Google “hope in hell” to get some ideas. And then think of all the situations you can use it in.

Examples

I studied hard, but I didn’t have a hope in hell of passing — it was just too difficult.

I love Japan, but there’s not a hope in hell that I’ll ever be able to live there.

I once tried sculpture, but I’m not artistic — I didn’t have a hope in hell of creating even a nice pot.

By using a a few choice idioms, you’ll be making the examiner think that you have a wide range in English vocabulary.

You might only know how to use a few, but at least you’ll know them well and be able to use them with confidence.

Writing:

The rubrics don’t mention anything like “shows a wide range of idioms”, but remember that the band descriptors do mention:

uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation.

Spice up your essay introductions with an idiom

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