LEXICAL RESOURCE FOR IELTS (25% OF TOTAL SCORE)
With this descriptor, your examiner will be listening for your ability to choose the right words and phrases to express yourself clearly:
- Your words (Collocations & Precisions) – Your examiner will consider the kinds of words you use, whether they help make your ideas clear, and whether the words are understandable, appropriate and relevant to the topic. They will also see if you can choose the right word forms (e.g. bored/boring) and if you can use the right words together – collocation (e.g. environmental pollution).
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Paraphrasing, idiomatic language and less common language (Phrasal Verbs, and Academic Vocabularies) –
The use of idiomatic language and less common words are important at higher levels (band 7 and up). This doesn’t mean that
you need to use very uncommon words, or phrases and clichés that you have memorised. It takes time and practice to use idiomatic
language naturally when discussing a variety of topics. The examiner also assesses your ability to paraphrase, saying what you mean using
different words when you can’t think of the right word or phrase.
Band Score Lexical Resource 9 Total flexibility and precise use in all contexts. Sustained use of accurate and idiomatic language. 8 Wide resource, readily and flexibly used to discuss all topics and convey precise meaning. Skillful use of less common and idiomatic items despite occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. Effective use of paraphrase as required. 7 Resource flexibly used to discuss a variety of topics. Some ability to use less common and idiomatic items and an awareness of style and collocation is evident though inappropriacies occur. Effective use of paraphrase as required. 6 Resource sufficient to discuss topics at length. Vocabulary use may be inappropriate but meaning is clear. Generally able to paraphrase successfully. 5 Resource sufficient to discuss familiar and unfamiliar topics but there is limited flexibility. Attempts paraphrase but not always with success. 4 Resource sufficient for familiar topics but only basic meaning can be conveyed on unfamiliar topics. Frequent inappropriacies and errors in word choice. Rarely attempts paraphrase
Note: Do not use Over or Under Idiomatics, collocations, phrasal verbs, academic vocabularies
Tips: Use 1 Idiomatic, 1 collocations, 1 phrasal verbs and 1 academic vocabulary differently for each answer.
****The Point is to use variety of the vocabularies****
A. USEFUL IDIOMS FOR ANY TOPICS IN SPEAKING ENGLISH
BAND SCORE 7 - 9
SPEAKING PART 1
The Types of Questions:
A. Asking Opinion
Do you think…?
What is your opinion ……?
- My take on thi
Example:
My take on this, it’s a good idea......
- To my way of thinking
Example:
To my way of thinking, It’s a good idea......
- I’m in two minds (2 opinions)
Example:
I’m in two minds about this.
On the one hand ……..
But on the other hand………
- I’m on the fence or I think I’m on the fence
Example:
I’m on the fence.
On the one hand ……..
But on the other hand………
- To boil down to = the most important thing is …....
It boils down to + noun
Example:
It boils down to one thing, our planet is in danger, so we need to explore space........
B. Asking Likes and Dislikes
Questions: Do you like …..?
- It’s the bees knees = for singular noun (it’s the best)
Example:
I watch football now and again, and I was watching England in the Euro 2021. Well done Italy! ......
And one of my favourite players is Harry Kanne. For me he’s the bees knees...............
Do you like picnics?
I love going into the countryside, it’s the bees knees..........
- I can take it or leave it = I don’t really mind
Example:
Do you like your job? I can take it or leave it............
- t’s not my cup of tea = I don’t like it
Example:
Do you like swimming?
It’s not my cup of tea..........
C. Denial or Confusing Things
- I can’t make head or tail of it = I don’t understand it / don’t know about it
Example:
What do you think of Artificial Intelligence?
Well, to be honest. I can’t make head or tail of it. It’s just totally confusing for me...........
- I can’t get my head around it = I don’t understand it
Example:
What do you think of Modern Art?
I can’t get my head around it. It just looks like nonsense to me..........
SPEAKING PART 2
Describing People
- None other than + Noun Person = surprise someone to talk
Example:
The person whom I want to talk about is none other than my father…..
Describing Things/Places/people = are very good very special
- Hands down the best
Example:
Harry Kanne is hands down the best player in the world.........
- Second to none
Example
Harry kanne is second to none..........
Mac Donand is second to none..........
- A cut above the rest
Example:
He is a cut above the rest..........
- I think the world of + Person/place/thing
Example:
I think the world of Harry Kanne........
Describing Things/Places/people = are normal / nothing special/ordinary
- Run-of-the-mill
Example:
I went to restaurant last night in my neighborhood. It was okay but it’s a run-of-the-mill restaurant..........
Describing Things/Places/people = are not so good
- It's not a patch on …..= it’s not as good as…..
Example:
Harry Potter film is okay, but that film is not a patch on the book. ........
- It can’t hold a candle to ……
Example:
Harry Potter film is okay, but that film can’t hold a candle to the book. .......
The latest model film is okay, but Spiderman It can’t hold a candle to batman........
Manchester is a nice city, but It can’t hold a candle to London.......
Development of Sentences
1. Development of Sentences
Simple: Band 5
Teachers must sometimes work late at night
Compound: Band 6
Teachers must sometimes work at night, but the hours can put a strain on their health.
Complex: Band 7
Although being a teacher is considered a good job, teachers must sometimes work late at night.
Compound-Complex: Band 7+
Teachers must sometimes work at night, but the hours can put a strain on their health even though the job is considered a good one