#IELTS writing: idiomatic items
If you've scrutinized the band descriptors, you will have seen the word "idiomatic." The screenshot shows "Lexical Resource" band 8.
Don't let "idiomatic" confuse you. This word does not mean "using idioms." Or rather — it does not mean just that.
Make sure you know the second meaning:
1. Collins dictionary: idiomatic = using words in a way that sounds natural to native speakers of the language
2. Cambridge dictionary: idiomatic = containing expressions that are natural and correct
Some examples from IELTS Writing Task 1:
1️⃣
✅ Natural and correct:
The vast / overwhelming majority of the attendees have a PhD degree.
❌ Clear, but not natural or correct:
The wide / astronomical majority of the attendees have a PhD degree.
2️⃣
✅ Natural and correct in a report:
The team is predominantly composed of PhD-degree holders.
❌ Natural in colloquial speech, but unnatural in a report:
- The team consists of a whole bunch of PhD degree holders.
- The lion’s share of the team members have a PhD degree.
Don't use idioms in IELTS writing, but do use idiomatic items — in the second meaning of the word.
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