Could you talk fabulously about weddings on IELTS Speaking?
After today’s episode, you will be able to!
Today you’ll get Band 9 idioms.
You’ll also hear a sample answer all about weddings.
This topic-specific vocabulary will boost your IELTS scores.
For more tips and strategies, sign up for 3 Keys IELTS.
Student spotlight!
Congratulations to 3 Keys IELTS student Andrea Bernal.
She received amazing scores on the IELTS exam.
- Listening: 8.5
- Writing: 7.5
- Speaking: 8.5
- Reading: 8.5
- Overall: 8.5
Today’s question
A student posted in our 3 Keys Facebook group asking about weddings.
Hi guys, I was wondering if the examiner may ask questions about weddings in the speaking test!
If he or she does, how to answer this question like a native?
Is there any slang or idioms that are related to the topic?
This is an excellent question!
Examiners definitely might ask about weddings.
They can ask about pretty much anything!
You need to be prepared with topic-specific vocabulary on every topic.
Where might you be asked about weddings on IELTS?
In Part 1, you might be asked about weddings or proposals in your culture.
- Are weddings large events in your culture?
- What types of activities happen at weddings?
- What is your favorite thing about wedding celebrations?
- What traditions exist with marriage proposals in your culture?
Part 2 might ask you to describe a wedding you have attended.
You could also be asked to describe your ideal wedding or proposal.
Part 3 questions could also be related to weddings.
- Do people spend a lot of money on weddings in your culture?
- How are weddings celebrated in your culture?
- Why do some people think marriage is unnecessary? Do you agree?
- Do you think people have a soul mate?
#1: Pop the question
This is an informal idiom.
It means to ask someone to marry you.
My boyfriend popped the question yesterday!
Instead of saying ‘asked me to marry him/her,’ use this native, natural idiom.
Use this when describing wedding proposals and engagement traditions.
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#2: Tie the knot
This means ‘to get married.’
It is more formal than ‘get hitched.’
You can remember it if you think of marriage as two people tying their lives together.
This provides the idea of a knot in the rope ‘tying’ them together.
To remember this idiom, think of the image of a knot in a rope between 2 people.
When are you going to tie the knot?
My friend tied the knot last month.
Use this to describe someone else or yourself getting married.
#3: Get hitched
This is a more formal way to say ‘get married.’
My sister got hitched yesterday!
It is ideal for Speaking Part 1.
It can also be used in informal Task 1 General essays to friends.
It is too informal for Task 2 or Speaking Part 3.
Informal idioms like this help you get the ‘range’ you need for 7+ on the vocabulary score on IELTS Speaking.
#4: Walk down the aisle
This also means ‘to get married.’
The ‘aisle’ being referred to is not the aisle in a grocery store!
It is the space between rows of chairs or pews in a church.
A bride and groom walk down this aisle before getting married.
My good friend is walking down the aisle next week.
This idiom is appropriate anywhere on the Speaking exam.
#5: Match made in heaven
This idiom is used to describe how well a couple compliments each other.
They are a match made in heaven!
This means you think they are perfect for each other.
It is appropriate anywhere on the IELTS Speaking exam.
Use it instead of saying someone is “good together” or “right for each other.”
This idiomatic language gets you the 7+ you need on your vocabulary score.
Sample Part 2 answer: Describe a wedding you attended
In addition to the idioms we taught today, Aubrey uses a plethora of other high level wedding vocabulary.
She describes the venue in detail.
- ecclesiastical leader: a leader of a church
- minister: church leader who usually presides over marriages
- preside: to be in a position of authority in a gathering or meeting
- reception: gathering after a wedding where the bride and groom meet with friends and family
- sparklers: hand-held fireworks lit as the bride and groom leave the reception
Add vocabulary from today’s episode to your vocab notebook.
In addition, notice her intonation.
You can hear her excitement and joy relating this happy memory.
Especially on Part 1 and Part 2, you should be emotive!
Takeaway
You could definitely be asked about weddings and proposals on IELTS.
This topic could come up on IELTS Speaking or Writing.
It is vital that you be ready with topic-specific vocabulary that is high level.
Today’s idioms and sample answers can help you prepare.
Practice using these phrases in your own sample answers.
Don’t hesitate to share personal details and stories in your IELTS Speaking answers!
For more strategies for every part of the exam, sign up for our course, 3 Keys IELTS.
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Let us know in the comments below.
