IELTS Speaking Part 2: Using Idioms u0026 Natural Phrases Quiz Quiz

Sharpen your IELTS Speaking Part 2 skills by identifying the most natural idioms and phrases used by fluent speakers. This quiz helps you choose accurate expressions to boost your fluency and sound more like a native English speaker during your IELTS exam.

1. Choosing the most natural idiom to express nervousness

   During your IELTS Speaking Part 2 story about a public speech, which of these is the most natural idiom to say you were very nervous?

   1. I had carrots in my pocket
   2. I had apples in my teeth
   3. I had clouds in my eyes
   4. I had butterflies in my stomach

   Explanation: The phrase 'I had butterflies in my stomach' is a common English idiom that naturally describes feelings of nervousness or anxiety, especially before speaking in public. The other options are not recognized idioms or expressions related to nervousness. 'I had carrots in my pocket,' 'I had apples in my teeth,' and 'I had clouds in my eyes' are either nonsensical or not relevant to the context of nervousness. Therefore, the first option is both natural and contextually accurate.

2. Selecting a suitable phrase for describing a busy lifestyle

   If you want to describe your daily schedule as very busy in IELTS Speaking Part 2, which phrase fits best?

   1. I am swinging on a fence
   2. I am living under a pillow
   3. I have salt on my sandwich
   4. I have a lot on my plate

   Explanation: The idiom 'I have a lot on my plate' effectively communicates having many tasks or responsibilities, making it perfect for describing a busy life. 'I have salt on my sandwich' is not an idiom and sounds unusual. 'I am living under a pillow' and 'I am swinging on a fence' do not relate to being busy and are not standard phrases or idioms. Only the first option conveys the intended meaning naturally.

3. Describing a surprising event using an idiom

   When telling a story about an unexpected event in IELTS Speaking Part 2, which idiom would sound most natural?

   1. It kept me by the window
   2. It threw me in the basket
   3. It lost me in the forest
   4. It took me by surprise

   Explanation: 'It took me by surprise' is a commonly used idiom in English when referring to something unexpected happening. The other options, such as 'It kept me by the window,' 'It threw me in the basket,' and 'It lost me in the forest,' are not standard idioms or do not relate to being surprised. Therefore, the first choice is both idiomatic and contextually suitable.

4. Expressing strong agreement in a story

   During IELTS Speaking Part 2, you want to emphasize that you strongly agree with someone’s opinion. Which natural phrase should you use?

   1. I couldn’t buy the store
   2. I couldn’t ignore the floor
   3. I couldn’t open the door
   4. I couldn’t agree more

   Explanation: 'I couldn’t agree more' is a set phrase in English expressing the highest level of agreement with a statement. The other options are not relevant to agreement — 'I couldn’t open the door,' 'I couldn’t buy the store,' and 'I couldn’t ignore the floor' either do not make sense in this context or are literal statements unrelated to the idea of agreement. Only the first option authentically conveys strong agreement.

5. Idiomatic way to express starting over

   If you want to say you began something again from the beginning in your IELTS Speaking Part 2 story, which idiom would sound most natural?

   1. I turned back the oven
   2. I went back to square one
   3. I closed the starting gate
   4. I pressed the green light

   Explanation: The idiom 'I went back to square one' is widely used to mean starting something over from the beginning. 'I turned back the oven,' 'I closed the starting gate,' and 'I pressed the green light' are not idioms for starting over and do not naturally fit this context. Only the first option is a recognized expression that accurately conveys the intended meaning.