A great command of IELTS Speaking vocabulary is highly crucial in honing conversational skills and scoring well in the exam.
The impressive speaking skills portray a lot about understanding and personality, and to polish your conversation skills, you need to have a hold on a diverse vocabulary on different topics.
To make a deep impression in the interview to score an 8 or 9 band score, one must learn vocab for IELTS speaking and use it as naturally as possible.
However, many students remain oblivious about how to make their conversation influential. Though practice is the core demand of this process, you need to garnish the linguistic components in conversation to make it more intriguing. That is where vocabulary for IELTS speaking comes into play.
To enhance your conversational skills, here is the best IELTS speaking vocabulary to help you grasp the spirit of this test.
What is the IELTS Speaking Test?
The speaking test is one of the 4 exams conducted as part of the entire IELTS process. It is a face-to-face interview conducted to assess the proficiency of the candidate in speaking English to a conversational level.
This test is to segregate the students based on how effectively they apply their knowledge in speaking English efficiently.
But aspirants stand in utter confusion about how to prepare for it to score 8 or 9 bands.
Firstly, we will understand what constituents are to be inculcated to make your speaking skills up to the mark.
To supplement your knowledge, here we have a list of engrossing words and phrases that will not just make you accessorize your verbal skills but will also expand your overall IELTS vocabulary trove.
Suggested Reads: Hyperbole: Its Meaning, Examples, Scope, and Use in IELTS Exam
Criteria of IELTS Speaking Test Assessment
The IELTS speaking test is assessed on four major parameters, namely:
- Fluency and coherence: It shows how fluently you can present your ideas and how well they are connected.
- Lexical resource: It means how much advanced or native vocabulary you use in your conversation, such as idioms, phrasal verbs, and topic-specific words.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: To show that you can use a good amalgamation of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
- Pronunciation: You must know the correct pronunciation of the words you are using. Plus, you must not have the MTI (mother tongue influence), if you want to score higher.
Hence, the vocabulary that you incorporate into your speaking tests plays a crucial role in determining your band score in this particular module. Here is the basic representation of how your lexical resources are evaluated while you speak:
As you can see, for band 8 to 9 you must have an impressive command of a wide range of vocabulary meant for multiple topics. Here is the topic-wise list of vocab for IELTS that will help you in elevating your bands.
Topic-wise IELTS Speaking Vocabulary
Comparing all tests, the IELTS speaking exam is highly essential in getting a good band score. This test is also a part of other such exams, like IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL. All of them demand a good hold over the English language, especially vocabulary.
To avoid being led astray, here are some of the most important IELTS speaking vocabulary to help you fine-tune your preparation for the IELTS exam.
Let’s dive headfirst into them.
Science and Tech
- Electronic data transfer
- Meaning: Transfer of data from one machine to another in a standardised electronic format.
- Example: The electronic data transfers have fastened the governance process.
- Glued to the screen
- Meaning: To be highly engrossed in watching TV, mobile phones, or tablets.
- Example: These days, kids are glued to the TV all morning.
- System crash
- Meaning: It is a sudden and unexpected fault in the computer program that causes the system to stop functioning.
- Example: An unknown virus caused the system to crash in no time.
- Logging into the system
- Meaning: Connecting to a computer system or server using a Username and password.
- Example: You must log in to the IELTS website to apply.
- Surf the web
- Meaning: Casually exploring websites on the internet.
- Example: Taking lectures is better than surfing the internet for good resources.
- System algorithm
- Meaning: It is a set of rules that must be followed to solve a problem.
- Example: The system algorithm analyzes the prospective response and provides suggested results to the user.
- Backend processes
- Meaning: In the technical field, it is the server-side operations of any program to process and handle the data.
- Example: Facebook’s backend processing figured out the hacking attempts from southeast asian hackers.
- Adaptive Technologies
- Meaning: Technologies, devices, and equipment designed to enhance the functional capacity of the person with disabilities.
- Example: Expanding the distribution channel of the adaptive technologies will aid in the silver economy.
- Content management
- Meaning: The process of storing, segregation, and accessing the digital media content on a platform.
- Example: The content management in educational websites intrigues the students and helps in imbibing the information well.
- Technophobe
- Meaning: Someone who fears using new technology.
- Example: The senior citizens are sometimes dubbed as telephobes owing to their non-interest in new technologies.
- Tech-savvy
- Meaning: Someone who is proficient in using modern technologies and systems.
- Example: Being tech-savvy, I try to solve the problems by employing technological solutions.
- Privacy concerns
- Meaning: The considerations about the confidentiality and protection of the data.
- Example: Growing cyber privacy concerns have led the EU to pass the GDPR legislation.
- Cyber technology
- Meaning: It includes the technologies that involve digital networks and information systems.
- Example: The COVID-19 lockdown has led people to get versed in cyber technologies.
- Boot-up
- Meaning: To start a computer system.
- Example: Boot up the system and enter the password to use it.
- Gadget
- Meaning: Any small device used for a particular yet unimportant purpose.
- Example: Educational gadgets have simplified learning processes.
- Reboot
- Meaning: To restart a computer system.
- Example: Rebooting a computer will solve trivial system hassles.
- Virology
- Meaning: Scientific study of a virus.
- Example: Virology reports have certified the origin of the COVID-19 virus to be in Wuhan, China.
- Data Forensics
- Meaning: Scientific and technical techniques to detect any cybercrime.
- Example: The development in data forensics has averted many cybercrime attempts.
- Computation
- Meaning: Processing a calculator using a machine.
- Example: Modern computation techniques have saved time, effort, and resources in complex projects.
- Genetically Modified
- Meaning: To modify the genetic material of an organism using genetic engineering techniques.
- Example: Genetically modified organisms are a potential threat to human health and the environment.
- Not rocket science
- Meaning: To depict something as not very complex or difficult.
- Example: Learning IELTS vocabulary is not rocket science, but it requires attention and constant practice to learn.
- Cutting edge
- Meaning: The most contemporary and advanced stage of something.
- Example: The exam conducting organizations are employing cutting-edge technologies to ensure equity in the scaling process.
- Plug and play
- Meaning: Simply connecting any divide or equipment and starting to use it.
- Example: The plug-and-play microphones are best to use in a speaking test of the IELTS exam.
- Tech Unicorn
- Meaning: New firms with high valuation and immense scope in the market.
- Example: The tech unicorns are acquiring the market by exploiting emerging technologies to furnish attractive products.
- Disruptive technology
- Meaning: The technologies that change the general social processes.
- Example: The invention of 3D printing was a disruptive technology that is revolutionising manufacturing and production.
- Digital detox
- Meaning: Refraining from using electronic devices for a specific period to reduce stress.
- Example: Digital detox is used as a social therapy to reduce stress and anxiety and promote physical interaction.
- Digital footprint
- Meaning: The personal information available on the internet and digital platforms.
- Example: The cheap data rates have increased the digital footprints of people in developing countries.
- Blue Sky thinking
- Meaning: To try to solve a problem with impractical ideas.
- Example: The blue sky thinking has led many scientists to come up with innovative solutions to fundamental problems.
- Ahead of the curve
- Meaning: To be ahead of the trend.
- Example: India is ahead of the curve in adapting renewable energy and related technologies.
Travel and Tourism
- Itchy feet
- Meaning: To have a stronger desire to travel.
- Example: During the summer vacations, the children get itchy feet.
- Hit the road
- Meaning: Set for a journey.
- Example: I have a deep urge to hit the road after my exams.
- Travel bug
- Meaning: People with a passion to travel.
- Example: My travel bug friends have a long list of places to visit this year.
- Travel abroad
- Meaning: To visit a non native nation.
- Example: I am aspiring to travel abroad to pursue higher education after clearing the IELTS exam.
- To call it a day
- Meaning: Deciding to stop something.
- Example: After studying for long hours, I decided to call it a day and go to dinner.
- Set sail
- Meaning: To start a journey by boat or ship.
- Example: We set sail for Malaysia for vacation.
- Aisle seat
- Meaning: The seats close to the aisle, i.e. passage between two rows.
- Example: Passengers sitting at the aisle seat missed the wonderful view of the volcano.
- Turbulence
- Meaning: Instability in something.
- Example: The midair turbulence in the flight scared the passengers.
- Touchdown
- Meaning: The Moment when the aircraft wheels touch the ground.
- Example: My mother called me when the flight had just touched down.
- Booked up
- Meaning: To be fully booked or very busy.
- Example: The hotel rooms are booked up months in advance.
- Ensuite
- Meaning: A bathroom directly attached to the bedroom.
- Example: I booked a hotel room where the bedroom was en suite.
- Scenic
- Meaning: Something with beautiful scenery.
- Example: The scenic view of Kunchikal Falls is mesmerising.
- Overhead bin
- Meaning: The luggage space above the seats in a passenger aeroplane.
- Example: I adjusted my briefcase in the luggage bin and kept my laptop bag with me.
- Local cuisine
- Meaning: The traditional food and cooking practices in a particular area.
- Example: I love the local cuisine of Japan, especially Sushi.
- Itinerary
- Meaning: A plan of journey.
- Example: We have planned a daily itinerary for our US trip.
- Amusement
- Meaning: To feel pleasant and entertained.
- Example: Playing badminton and tennis amuses me.
- Lavatory
- Meaning: A room with a toilet, a palace to wash hands, etc.
- Example: I politely asked the man where the gents’ lavatory is.
- Fasten seat belt
- Meaning: To get the seat belt tight and fit.
- Example: The flight attendant requested to fasten their seatbelts to avoid any mishap.
Art
- Streaming
- Meaning: Movement or flow of something in a continuous pattern.
- Example: The movies and TV shows streaming on the platforms are consuming the productive time of students and employees.
- Juxtaposed
- Meaning: 2 people or things in proximity.
- Example: The sculpture of the lion was kept under the juxtaposing light and dark effect.
- Fine theatrics
- Meaning: Fine behaviour to gather attention.
- Example: The fine theatrics of the modern art campaign were very intriguing.
- Polychrome
- Meaning: Something printed and painted in several colours.
- Example: The polychrome poetry of Harappan culture drew multiple inferences.
- Typology
- Meaning: Way of organising things in categories or types.
- Example: The tool typology of the sculptor showed his experience and sharp eye.
- Colossal
- Meaning: Very large.
- Example: The colossal buildings of the Roman Empire are an attractive spot.
- Texture
- Meaning: The way something feels when touched.
- Example: The smooth texture of the flower wash attracted everyone.
- Ribbon development
- Meaning: Linear construction of physical structures.
- Example: The ribbon development of buildings in New York makes it a patterned city.
- Curate
- Meaning: To organise or present something.
- Example: We curate our merchandise with immense care to align it with the trend.
- Canvas
- Meaning: Strong cloth used for painting a picture.
- Example: The oil colours on the canvas of a century-old painting still look fresh.
- Aesthetics
- Meaning: The study of the beauty of art.
- Example: Every art in this city deserves aesthetic observance.
- Motif
- Meaning: Any pattern or picture of something.
- Example: The animal motif on the wall depicts the artistic proficiency of its maker.
- Lose oneself
- Meaning: To focus immensely on something.
- Example: I lose myself while playing guitar.
- Fenestration
- Meaning: The arrangement of doors and windows.
- Example: The fenestration of the church showcases distinct arched windows.
- Abstract
- Meaning: Which exists only as an idea and not as a physical thing.
- Example: It is hard to imagine an abstract idea of a crimeless society.
- Genre
- Meaning: A particular type of art or art form.
- Example: The genre of music he likes differs from what I admire.
- Mural
- Meaning: Pictures painted on the wall.
- Example: The mural paintings on the ancient temple are worth observing.
- Acrylic
- Meaning: The artificial material used in making paints or clothes.
- Example: The sweater was made of a blend of soft cotton-acrylic material.
- Atelier
- Meaning: A workshop or studio.
- Example: His atelier was filled with the best art pieces he had ever produced.
Family and Peers
- Close-knit relations
- Meaning: A group of people closely related or sharing a great sense of intimacy and care.
- Example: The close-knit relationship between school friends will last longer.
- Extended family
- Meaning: Family group with close relations among members, with distant relatives.
- Example: My extended family organized a party to celebrate my success in IELTS.
- Dearest relations
- Meaning: Closest and cherished relations.
- Example: My dearest relatives have always backed me in tough situations.
- Interfamilial
- Meaning: What exists between families.
- Example: The interfamilial relations between mine and my wife’s family have been harmonious since marriage.
- Kinship network
- Meaning: A Group of people interconnected through kin relations.
- Example: The social and religious groups in villages form a strong kinship network.
- Patriarchal
- Meaning: Social systems controlled by men rather than women.
- Example: The patriarchal social system has been fading with the prospering opportunities for women.
- Unfilial
- Meaning: Not showing qualities associated with a daughter or son.
- Example: The growing social media trends and outsourcing enculturation to schools are developing unfilial characters in kids.
- Family tree
- Meaning: Representation of the family relations.
- Example: I am the youngest member of my family tree.
- Tie a knot
- Meaning: To get married.
- Example: They are trying to tie the knot next year.
- Lineage
- Meaning: A Series of families related to common ancestors.
- Example: He can trace his lineage to Alexander the Great.
- Generous
- Meaning: Liberal in helping and giving.
- Example: Pope John XXIII’s social service made him seen as the most generous pope.
- Gratitude
- Meaning: To feel grateful.
- Example: He expressed gratitude to the intervening panel for giving him the opportunity.
- Learning disabilities
- Meaning: Mental condition that affects the ability to learn things.
- Example: The individualized educational plans can identify learning disabilities in students.
- Chip off the old block
- Meaning: Someone who is similar to their parents in a certain way.
- Example: He is a real chip of the old block owing to his musical skills, just like his father.
- Breadwinner
- Meaning: One who earns money for family needs.
- Example: As my mother is a housewife, my father is the breadwinner of the family.
- Birds of a feather flock together
- Meaning: To be of a similar type.
- Example: Jason and John are birds of a feather flock together in the baseball game.
- Family ties
- Meaning: Connection or bond between the family members.
- Example: Taking part in family functions strengthens the family ties.
- Spouse
- Meaning: A married person.
- Example: Communication is the link between spouses and partners.
Climate and Geography
- Climate change
- Meaning: Long-term shift in weather patterns.
- Example: Collective social efforts can address the climate change issues.
- Deforestations
- Meaning: Cutting down forests.
- Example: The proposed hydro power project will cause deforestation of the nearby wildlife sanctuary.
- Carbon footprint
- Meaning: The amount of greenhouse gas emitted by humans.
- Example: The carbon footprint is increasing with the increasing use of automobiles.
- Sustainable development
- Meaning: Development that ensures the availability of resources for future generations.
- Example: The sustainable development will keep future generations fulfilled with requisite resources.
- Renewable energy
- Meaning: Energy derived naturally and is inexhaustible.
- Example: The solar energy projects will provide ample renewable energy to the state.
- Land degradation
- Meaning: The process of land becoming less productive over time.
- Example: The unregulated landfilling of waste chemicals is causing land degradation on the outskirts of the city.
- Greenwashing
- Meaning: To mislead the public about a product that is harming the environment.
- Example: Using the products of this brand is an unsustainable practice and greenwashing the environmental causes.
- Hybrid vehicles
- Meaning: A vehicle that runs on different types of fuel.
- Example: This hybrid car uses gasoline and blended fuel, thus reducing the carbon footprint.
- Wipe out
- Meaning: To destroy totally.
- Example: The reckless deforestation wiped out many animal species.
- Scale down
- Meaning: Reduce something in size or extent.
- Example: After the Paris Climate Deal, many countries have scaled down their greenhouse gas emission.
- Run out of resources
- Meaning: Exhausting all resources.
- Example: Smaller countries have run out of resources to tackle climate change.
- Phase out
- Meaning: To stop using something gradually.
- Example: India is planning to phase out CFC-emitting material shortly.
- Contaminate
- Meaning: To add or mix a harmful substance.
- Example: The waste effluent from the industry is contaminating the local water bodies.
- Cut down on usage
- Meaning: To use something less often or in smaller amounts.
- Example: Our society has cut down usage of air conditioners to maintain local temperature.
- Cool down
- Meaning: Gradually transition from an intense to a moderate level.
- Example: Planting trees on spare land will cool down the local climate.
- Wipe out
- Meaning: To destroy something.
- Example: Climate change and resource exploitation are wiping out many animal species.
- Endangered
- Meaning: In imminent danger.
- Example: The endangered animal species needs thorough attention.
- Carbon sequestration
- Meaning: Capturing and storing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Example: Direct air capture technology has been able to sequester carbon effectively from the atmosphere.
- Climate crisis
- Meaning: Threat of highly dangerous changes in the global climate.
- Example: The rising frequency of floods is an indication of the climate crisis.
- Climate Justice
- Meaning: Principle of recognising the unequal impact of climate change.
- Example: Funding smaller nations for handling climate change will bring climate justice.
- Confluence
- Meaning: Meeting place of two things.
- Example: The confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers is considered a sacred place.
Career and Work
- 9 to 5 job
- Meaning: A traditional working system where the employees work from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Example: My 9-to-5 job has been consuming my immense efforts.
- Work culture
- Meaning: Cumulative and shared attitudes, behaviours, and values that drive interaction in an organization.
- Example: The HR personnel of the firm have developed cordial interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships to keep the pleasant work culture.
- Heavy Workload
- Meaning: To have a large quantity of work that is heavy to manage.
- Example: The 10 new contracts of the firm have increased the workload on the employees.
- Living Wages
- Meaning: The level of wages required to manage a decent living standard.
- Example: Owing to the growing poverty, a significant number of people are just earning a living wage.
- Put into practice
- Meaning: To start or execute something in the real world.
- Example: The company has put the new attendance system into practice to ensure discipline.
- Well-paid Job
- Meaning: A job that provides a good salary.
- Example: His graduation from an elite institution has landed him a high-paying job.
- In a rat race
- Meaning: A highly competitive and stressful situation.
- Example: He decided to get out of the rat race and apply to a foreign university.
- Entrepreneur
- Meaning: Someone who makes money by starting a business.
- Example: Every successful business person was once an entrepreneur.
- Gig economy
- Meaning: A type of economy where an organization hires independent workers for the short term.
- Example: The growing app culture on smartphones has led to a flourishing gig economy for groceries and ordinary needs.
- Skill Set
- Meaning: A group of skills and abilities that can be applied to professional endeavors.
- Example: Cambridge University is renowned for cultivating the best in-demand skill set in its students.
- Core Business
- Meaning: The main activity or primary source of revenue of a firm.
- Example: Investing in the core business will bring more revenue to the company.
- Emerging Market
- Meaning: A market with few characteristics of the developed market, yet not fully meeting its standards.
- Example: The South American markets are still an emerging market owing to their low production potential.
- Outsource
- Meaning: To obtain a specific good or service from any outsider.
- Example: The company is outsourcing the web development services to an overseas firm to cut its costs.
- Brand Awareness
- Meaning: The level to which the consumers are aware of the brand’s products and services.
- Example: Various online campaigns have increased the brand awareness of the firm.
- Crowdfunding
- Meaning: To fund a project or venture by raising money from many people.
- Example: The firm has been helping the COVID-19 patients to crowdfund from the netizens.
- Freelance
- Meaning: To provide service independently instead of being a long-term employee.
- Example: He resigned from his job and started working as a freelance content writer.
- Go getter
- Meaning: A confident and zealous person aiming to be successful in a field.
- Example: He is a go-getter with a precise vision of doubling his income in the next 2 months.
- Bigwig
- Meaning: An important figure in a field.
- Example: Belonging to a strong background, he is a social bigwig in the area.
- Blue-collar worker
- Meaning: People performing manual labour or skilled jobs.
- Example: The blue-collar workers have come together to demand better wages and perks.
- Big fish in a small pond
- Meaning: Someone or something significant in a less important group.
- Example: In a small office, he was a big fish in a small pond. But he switched the firm to unveil his true potential.
- Eagle eye
- Meaning: To be a keen observer.
- Example: His eagle eye in quality management keeps the best product at the disposal of the customers.
- Pain in the neck
- Meaning: Someone or something that comes as a hurdle in a task.
- Example: The often occurring server problems have become a pain in the neck for the firm.
- Get down to business
- Meaning: To start doing the necessary work.
- Example: He shut all the distractions and got down to the business.
- Long shot
- Meaning: Something with a little chance of being correct or workable.
- Example: The technique was a long shot in the game, but we won it.
- Uphill battle
- Meaning: To struggle in a difficult situation.
- Example: To keep the work-life balance in such a workload job is an uphill task.
- Times up
- Meaning: The exhaustion of the set period for a particular task.
- Example: just after I wrote the last letter of my exam, the invigilator shouted “Time’s up”
- Go the extra mile
- Meaning: The extra effort to achieve something bigger than expected.
- Example: The students learnt tough vocabulary for IELTS to go the extra mile for the exam preparation.
- Learn the rope
- Meaning: To have a good experience of something.
- Example: It generally takes a few weeks for a new employee to learn the ropes.
- Go down to the wire
- Meaning: A situation whose outcome is not decided until the last minute.
- Example: The exam results were so close that it went down to the wire.
Education
- Pursue
- Meaning: To approach or follow something to achieve it.
- Example: He took a year off to pursue the IELTS exam.
- Intangible
- Meaning: Not possible to describe or understand.
- Example: Money could not measure intangible relations and personalities.
- Peer group
- Meaning: A group of people with the same age and social position.
- Example: A supportive peer group shapes the best personality.
- Remote learning
- Meaning: Studying through online and digital platforms.
- Example: The kids of indigenous communities are receiving education through remote learning platforms.
- Learn by heart
- Meaning: To learn something to retain for a longer time.
- Example: The student learnt the grammar by heart to have a good foundation of the English language.
- Front runner
- Meaning: Contestant leading the game.
- Example: The yellow team is the front runner in the tournament.
- Brainstorm
- Meaning: To think rigorously over any idea.
- Example: The team brainstormed over the problem and derived the solution in no time.
- Pass with flying colors
- Meaning: To achieve success in something, like an exam.
- Example: His knowledge and skills made him pass with flying colours.
- Hit the books
- Meaning: To start studying in a focused manner.
- Example: The students generally hit a book only when the exams approach.
- To rack the brain
- Meaning: To think hard to recall something.
- Example: The aspirants racked their brains to recall the vocabulary in the exam.
- Bookworm
- Meaning: Someone who likes reading books a lot.
- Example: He was a bookworm when he was preparing for IELTS.
- Sail through
- Meaning: To succeed in something easily.
- Example: They sailed through the exam due to their dedicated efforts and preparation.
- To ditch class
- Meaning: To skip the class without permission.
- Example: He ditched the maths class to play football.
- Walk the talk
- Meaning: To put the word into action.
- Example: The politician didn’t walk the talk and deceived the people after the election.
- Hit the Nail on the Head
- Meaning: To be exactly right about something.
- Example: He hit the nail on the head when he mentioned the server issues as the cause of the lag in project completion.
- Burn the midnight oil
- Meaning: To work hard.
- Example: He burned the midnight oil to complete his presentation before the deadline.
Health
- Balanced diet
- Meaning: To consume a variety of food to maintain good health.
- Example: He ate vegetables, fruits, and milk products to have a balanced diet.
- Couch potato
- Meaning: A lazy person.
- Example: Being a couch potato led him to a situation of intense obesity.
- Fit as a fiddle
- Meaning: To be very fit and healthy.
- Example: Scientists have recommended a daily 4 km walk to stay fit as a fiddle.
- Hit the gym
- Meaning: To go to the gym and start exercising.
- Example: He hit the gym to control his fast-growing weight.
- Out of shape
- Meaning: To not be in the right shape.
- Example: After a long span of illness, he felt out of shape.
- On the Mend
- Meaning: To recover from illness or a difficult situation.
- Example: After a brief eye treatment, he is finally on the mend.
- A wake-up call
- Meaning: To indicate an immediate change in situation.
- Example: His recent illness was a wake-up call for him to take care of his health.
- Hit the scales
- Meaning: To reach a specific position in a situation.
- Example: She finally hit the scales at her target weight after months of exercise and a healthy diet.
- Stretch the limits
- Meaning: To increase the extent of something.
- Example: He went on to run for 5 more km, extending his limits to new heights.
- Alive and kicking
- Meaning: To be active and working in a situation.
- Example: The nonprofit community has been alive and kicking for decades, fostering social development.
- Under the weather
- Meaning: To feel slightly ill.
- Example: I am feeling a bit under the weather due to this rainy season.
- Back on feet
- Meaning: To get to a normal situation after difficult circumstances.
- Example: The doctor suggested him eat green vegetables to get back on his feet.
- Bite the dust
- Meaning: To fail in an attempt.
- Example: After biting the dust in IELTS exam, he worked harder and scored good marks in the next attempt.
- Black and blue
- Meaning: Badly bruised in any dangerous situation.
- Example: The accident left him all black and blue.
- Burnout
- Meaning: Feeling of extreme tiredness and out of energy.
- Example: Long run and subsequent exercise caused burnout.
- Dead tired
- Meaning: To be extremely tired and exhausted.
- Example: The 2-hour workout left me dead tired.
- Go under the knife
- Meaning: Undergoing a surgery.
- Example: My uncle has gone under the knife and is now alive and kicking.
- Out of sorts
- Meaning: To be slightly unwell.
- Example: I am out of sorts due to a fever.
- Run down
- Meaning: Very tired and unhealthy.
- Example: The rising fever has caused me to run down.
- Skin and bones
- Meaning: To be very thin.
- Example: after a brief period of illness and weakness, he was skin and bones.
People and Personalities
- Heart of gold
- Meaning: To be very kind and generous.
- Example: Bill Gates, the chairman of the Gates Foundation, has a heart of gold.
- Nerves of steel
- Meaning: To be brave in a tough situation.
- Example: The soldiers fighting for the country have nerves of steel.
- Head over heels
- Meaning: To be completely in love.
- Example: Both John and Mariya are head over heels.
- On a slippery slope
- Meaning: Any action that can cause a problem.
- Example: Smoking is a slippery slope to all kinds of problems.
- Out cold
- Meaning: To be unconscious or deep sleep.
- Example: The sleeping pills took him out cold.
- Spread like wildfire
- Meaning: Spread with great speed.
- Example: The rumor of an earthquake spread like a wildfire.
- Red flag
- Meaning: A conspicuous warning.
- Example: The cunning nature is a red flag of a selfish personality.
- Break the Ice
- Meaning: To make people relax by doing or saying something.
- Example: I served everyone a Coke can to break the ice at the party.
- Butterfly in stomach
- Meaning: A feeling of nervousness and excitement.
- Example: He felt butterflies in his stomach while walking to deliver the lecture.
- Steal someone’s thunder
- Meaning: To draw the attention planned by someone else.
- Example: His magnificent idea made him steal the thunder at the party.
- Dark horse
- Meaning: Any unexpected achiever.
- Example: Though not a good player, he is a dark horse in this match.
- A chip of old block
- Meaning: A child similar to his parents.
- Example: I remembered him after and thought of him as a chip off the old block.
- Social butterfly
- Meaning: A social and gregarious person.
- Example: He is a social butterfly and attends all parties.
- Considerate
- Meaning: To be careful not to hurt others.
- Example: He was so considerate in conversation that I felt so comfortable.
- Full of beans
- Meaning: Someone who is energetic and enthusiastic.
- Example: After a long sleep, he woke up full of beans.
How to Develop a Good IELTS Speaking Vocabulary?
All the words and phrases mentioned above would have given you an idea of what you can add to your IELTS speaking vocabulary. Now we will explore how you can supplement your vocabulary collection.
The speaking exam of IELTS is the test of the candidate’s conversational skills, but using such impactful vocabulary can hijack the attention of the interviewer. For this, here are some ways to trace the sources of improving the vocabulary for IELTS speaking.
By following the above suggestions, you can sink into the score band 8/9 level vocabulary in your speaking skills.
Suggested Reads: Proverbs in English to Elevate Your IELTS Bands Easily and Effectively
Conclusion
The above-mentioned vocabulary will help candidates aspiring for IELTS gain an edge over other applicants. However, commemorating and using them often in conversations will imprint them permanently in the mind.
You can take notes to revise and practice them. If time allows, add more similar vocabulary from the aforementioned source as well.
FAQs
Ans: Reading English newspapers, books, and magazines, having conversations in English, and revising the synonyms of some basic words can improve vocabulary for IELTS speaking.
Ans: To prepare for the IELTS speaking test, you should start studying English books and newspapers, and try having conversations in English with other people proficient in this language.
Ans: Practicing conversation in English with the tone and texture of a British or US accent can get you a 9 score band in IELTS speaking.
Ans: Start speaking in English with the foundational knowledge of grammar and words. Gradually improve the speaking vocabulary to make the conversation clearer and more engaging.
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