The ability to use idioms in IELTS satisfies the Band 7 criteria in both Writing and Speaking.  But candidates need to be careful when using idioms.

Firstly, some idioms are redundant because of overuse.  This means that although a native speaker may understand the meaning of the idiom., the speaker would rarely use it as it would sound strange to others. IELTS Classes

A good example of this is ‘it is raining cats and dogs’ meaning heavy rain.

IDIOMS IELTS SPEAKING

Part of the marking criteria for IELTS Speaking is ‘skilful use of idiomatic expressions’.  Notice ‘skilled use’.  An examiner would be unlikely to regard ‘raining cats and dogs’ as skill full because of its overuse.

IDIOMS IELTS WRITING

Idioms are often regarded as informal and so they should NOT be used Academic Writing Task 1 or 2.

However, in contrast, if used in General IELTS Writing Task 1 or 2, the examiner may give additional marks for idiomatic expressions as the task may require a more informal approach, but again these expressions need to be skillfully used.

Let’s consider some examples of idioms to describe intelligence.

Intelligence is often compared to light.  Have a look at these idiomatic expressions and see if you understand the reference to intelligence.

POSITIVE CONNOTATIONS

She is the brightest child in the class.

She outshines everyone else.

He is a brilliant student of English.

They had a flash of inspiration.

NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS

He didn’t impress me very much.  In fact, he seemed quite dim.

This is the work of a very dull mind.

In addition, intelligence is often compared to sharp, cutting instruments such as knives, a razor or scalpel.

He’s incredibly sharp.  He knows everything!

She has a razor-sharp mind.

He has a keen intellect.

We dissected the problem piece by piece.

He was an incisive critic.

CONCLUSION

In summary, you should NOT use idioms in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 or 2; however, in the IELTS General exam, the task may require this and may improve your score. IELTS Institute in Gurgaon, Canada Study Abroad Consultants in Gurgaon, Australia Immigration Consultants

In IELTS Speaking, it is not enough to use idiomatic expressions, but you will improve ypur IELTS Speaking score if you can use them ‘skillfully’ or with some ‘sophistication’.

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