π¬ Idioms for Expressing Opinions in IELTS Speaking Part 3
Speaking Part 3 of the IELTS test requires candidates to express opinions, justify answers, and discuss abstract topics. Using idioms carefully can demonstrate your fluency and lexical flexibility β if used naturally and appropriately.
β Why Use Idioms in Speaking Part 3?
- βοΈ Show fluency and comfort with spoken English
- βοΈ Add personality and confidence to your responses
- βοΈ Support Band 7+ in Lexical Resource and Fluency criteria
π§ Safe Idioms to Express Opinions Clearly
- From where I stand β βFrom where I stand, online learning is equally effective.β
- Itβs a double-edged sword β βWorking from home is a double-edged sword β convenient but isolating.β
- To be honest β βTo be honest, I think exams measure memory more than intelligence.β
- In my book β βIn my book, physical fitness should be part of school life.β
- The way I see it β βThe way I see it, more public transport is a smarter investment.β
- If you ask me β βIf you ask me, children today spend too much time on devices.β
- I'm of the opinion that β βI'm of the opinion that stricter laws will reduce pollution.β
π£οΈ Sample Answers Using Idioms
Q: Do you think governments should invest more in public transport?
A: The way I see it, improving public transport not only reduces traffic but also helps the environment. It's a win-win situation for everyone.
Q: Are exams the best way to measure ability?
A: To be honest, I believe exams only test short-term memory. From where I stand, continuous assessment would be more effective.
π« What to Avoid
- β Overusing idioms in every sentence
- β Using slang (e.g., βIt blew my mind!β)
- β Using idioms without understanding them
β Tip: Practice using 1β2 idioms per answer. Focus on clarity, not complexity.
π§ͺ Practice Questions
Try to answer the following using one idiom from the list above:
- Do you think young people should start working early?
- Is technology making us more productive?
- Should governments limit car use in big cities?
π― Final Thought
Using idioms in IELTS Speaking Part 3 can raise your score β as long as they sound natural, relevant, and controlled. With practice, these expressions will become a smooth part of your answers and help you leave a strong impression on the examiner.
See also next High-Scoring Collocations for Describing Trends in Task 1
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