Idiomatic language is vital on IELTS Speaking.
Over 25,000 idioms are used in the English language!
With this many options, it might be difficult to know which to learn.
Today we’ll share strategies for knowing which idioms to learn.
We’ll also teach five idioms with the word “moment.”
Which idioms to learn
Many idioms extremely specific.
It is unlikely you’ll have an opportunity to use them on IELTS.
You must focus on learning idioms that are more flexible.
It should be possible to use them in many different answers.
Today you’ll learn five idioms that can be used when answering many different questions.
#1: Light bulb moment
This means a realization or idea.
If you’re asked about your job or education, you could share about a realization.
“I was fortunate enough to complete an internship in accounting. It was a light bulb moment that made me realize I didn’t love it and needed to switch over to something else!”
#2: Spur of the moment
This means last minute or without preparation.
If asked about a recent vacation, you can use this idiom to talk about spontaneous plans.
“I actually wasn’t planning any trips this summer. However, when a friend invited me to join her on a cruise in the Bahamas, I made a spur of the moment decision to go!”
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#3: Heat of the moment
This describes feeling temporarily angry, excited, or caught up in something.
It often refers to doing something without stopping to think.
When describing an argument with a friend, you could use this.
“In the heat of the moment, I said some things I ended up regretting. Luckily, we were able to work it out.”
#4: Caught up in the moment
This refers to being so excited about something that you have trouble thinking about anything else.
When discussing favorite films or a time you were emotional this could be used.
“It was such a heart-warming film that I actually started sobbing in the middle of the theater. I guess I really got caught up in the moment.”
#5: Moment of truth
This refers to an important time when you must make a decision quickly.
In this case, whatever you decide will have important consequences in the future.
When asked about a performance or a time you were nervous, you could use this idiom.
“After months of practice, the moment of truth arrived and I stepped onto the stage for the final performance.”
It is also great for narrating thoughts.
“As I stepped out onto the stage, I thought, “This is the moment of truth!”
Sample Part 2 answer #1
Lindsay shares a Part 2 answer using this vocabulary.
- Describe a time when you suddenly realized something important.
When answering this, you could talk about a light bulb moment when you understood what career you wanted to pursue.
You could also describe how you figured out how to solve a problem.
Lindsay shares that when she was fired from her job in NYC, she decided to start her own company.
Sample Part 2 answer #2
Aubrey also provides a band 9 sample answer using this vocabulary.
- Describe a trip or outing you went on with friends or family.
You could talk about how it was an unplanned, spur of the moment decision.
Aubrey describes her family trip biking the Route of the Hiawatha.
Takeaway
You must use idiomatic language to score 7 or higher on the vocabulary score for IELTS Speaking.
It’s important to learn flexible idioms.
This way, you can use them no matter what question you’re asked!
Practice adding these idioms to your practice IELTS Speaking answers.
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
