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IELTS Speaking Tip – If you forget words

IELTS Speaking Tip – If you forget words

May 28, 2013 By Nestor Leave a Comment

During the IELTS speaking test you might forget some words because you are nervous. Try not to worry! You can use other words to describe what you want to say.

In this post I will give you some expressions that you can use to help you explain what you mean and at the same time demonstrate your speaking skills to the examiner.

Let’s describe some words that you may have forgotten or may not know in the exam:

  • “I don’t know what you call it, but you use it to cut grass.”
    (a lawnmower)
  • “I can’t remember the word for it, but it’s used for changing the TV channel.”
    (a remote control)
  • “I can’t remember the word for them, but they help you to see under water.”
    (goggles)
  • “I’ve forgotten the name for it, but it’s a type of fish with red meat and is normally quite expensive.”
    (salmon)
  • “I don’t recall the word for this profession, but it’s a person who helps passengers on a plane.”
    (a flight attendant)
  • “I’ve forgotten the verb, but it’s when you change the colour of something, for example your hair or your car.”
    (dye)
  • “I don’t know the word for it in English, but it’s a dangerous medical condition that you can have when your body temperature is very low.”
    (hypothermia)

Advanced expressions

Consider using these expressions if you aiming for band 7 or higher:

  • “The name of this crime is on the tip of my tongue but I can’t quite recall it. It’s a form of white-collar crime where someone dishonestly takes money that is entrusted to him or her.”
    (embezzlement)
  • “The name of this condition has completely slipped my mind. A person who suffers from it has problems breathing.”
    (asthma)
  • “I’ve never come across the name of this animal in English. It’s a nocturnal bird with large eyes, a flat face and a flexible neck.”
    (an owl)
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