Many idioms in English contain the word “dream.”
These can boost IELTS Speaking scores.
You need idiomatic language to score band 7 or higher.
The Examiner is looking for a variety of vocabulary, and idioms help satisfy this requirement.
Practice using today’s idioms in practice answers to boost your scores!
#1: The American dream
For some time, this expression has meant opportunity.
It originated when immigrants were seeking land in the new world.
It was believed that anyone could start fresh in America.
The expression has persisted and is still used to generally refer to opportunity in the U.S.
#2: Like a dream
This is used as an adverb phrase.
Any action can be described as happening “like a dream.”
- This horse runs like a dream.
- My dishwasher works like a dream.
- My car runs like a dream.
This is flexible and can be used to describe anything as working or functioning well.
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#3: Dream
As an adjective, “dream” can describe any noun.
- This house is a dream!
- That was my dream meal.
- My dream birthday would be on the beach surrounded by friends.
This is much higher-scoring than more common adjectives.
Instead of saying something is good, nice, etc. describe it as a dream!
#4: Pipe dream
A pipe dream is something that is unlikely.
It is often used to describe goals or aspirations that are overly ambitious.
- He wants to go to Harvard, but with his grades that’s just a pipe dream.
You can describe your own goals as a pipe dream if they are lofty.
You can also say, “I know this sounds like a pipe dream, but…”
#5: Beyond my wildest dreams
This idiom is used to exaggerate how positive something is.
You can use it to describe how much you enjoyed something.
- The vacation was beyond my wildest dreams!
It can also describe how impressed you were by something.
- His presentation was beyond my wildest dreams! He did a fantastic job!
Band 9 Speaking answers
Don’t miss our sample answers for the following questions:
- Do you dream much at night?
- Do you often remember your dreams?
- Do people in your country talk about their dreams?
Note their use of today’s vocabulary.
Practice using these idioms in your own sample answers!
For more sample answers, check out IELTS Energy 1486: IELTS Dreamy Part 1 Speaking Answers.
Takeaway
A vital strategy for IELTS Speaking is learning flexible idioms.
You need idiomatic language that you could use on many different answers.
Practice using today’s idioms in many different sample answers!
For all the strategies you need, sign up for 3 Keys IELTS.
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
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