How to Score IELTS Speaking 9.0 Without Memorizing Idioms

The Truth About Idioms and High Scores

Achieving maximum IELTS Speaking scores isn't about cramming idioms - it's about understanding band descriptors. Here's my personal breakdown from my first speaking test experience:

Note: Shared in the spirit of "Pay it Forward" - I hope these insights help IELTS candidates better understand speaking test preparation.

Understanding Band Descriptors

Band Descriptors (BDs) aren't just for examiners - they're scoring criteria you should actively use. Many candidates make these critical mistakes:

❌ Merely memorizing BD surface-level requirements
✅ Failing to research the deeper meaning behind criteria
✅ Missing opportunities to demonstrate high-level skills

Official Band Descriptors Reference

Lexical Resource (LR) Demystified

Band 8-9 Requirement:
"Skilful use of less common and idiomatic items despite occasional inaccuracies"

The Great Myth vs Reality

🚫 Common Misconception:
"You MUST use 2-3 idioms throughout your test"

💡 Reality Check:
"Idiomatic items" ≠ just idioms. It includes:

Natural native expressions
Colloquial language
Phrasal verbs
Context-appropriate collocations

Practical Application: Sample Answer

Topic: Language & Culture
Question: Does language influence culture?

"In my view, language and culture are two sides of the same coin, each shaping and reflecting the other. Through language, we pass down cultural knowledge, preserving traditions across generations. For instance, colloquial Vietnamese lacks direct translations for 'I' or 'you' - people address others based on relative age. This explains why Vietnamese might ask strangers' ages - not to intrude, but to treat others with proper respect using appropriate pronouns."
(Adapted from BBC News)

Idiomatic Breakdown:

Collocation: "Treat with respect"
Idiom: "Two sides of the same coin"
Phrasal Verb: "Pass down"

Key Takeaways

Quality > Quantity: One well-placed idiom beats three forced ones
Natural Flow: Focus on native-like phrasing rather than memorized expressions
Context Matters: Use expressions relevant to your discussion topic

Remember: Examiners value authentic communication over artificial "score-hacking" techniques. Master the descriptors, and the scores will follow!

Source: Facebook Post from a 8.0 Test Candidate