Expressing likes and dislikes with advanced vocabulary can significantly improve your IELTS speaking and writing scores. Here are some sophisticated terms and phrases to help you articulate your preferences more precisely and impressively.
1. Adore
Definition: To love deeply and respect highly.
Example: “She adores classical music and listens to it every evening.”
Additional Examples:
-
“I adore spending time with my family during the holidays.”
-
“He adores his pet dog, treating it like a member of the family.”
2. Despise
Definition: To feel a strong dislike for someone or something.
Example: “He despises dishonesty and always values transparency.”
Additional Examples:
-
“She despises waking up early in the morning.”
-
“They despise unfair treatment and advocate for equality.”
3. Have a Soft Spot For
Definition: To feel a great deal of affection for someone or something.
Example: “She has a soft spot for stray animals and often takes them in.”
Additional Examples:
-
“He has a soft spot for old movies and collects vintage films.”
-
“I have a soft spot for my grandmother’s cooking; it brings back wonderful memories.”
4. Not My Cup of Tea
Definition: Something that you do not like or are not interested in.
Example: “Watching horror movies is not my cup of tea.”
Additional Examples:
-
“Skiing is not my cup of tea; I prefer warm-weather activities.”
-
“Modern art is not my cup of tea, but I appreciate its creativity.”
5. Take a Fancy To
Definition: To become fond of something or someone.
Example: “She’s taken a fancy to gardening and spends hours in her garden.”
Additional Examples:
-
“He’s taken a fancy to painting and is getting quite good at it.”
-
“They’ve taken a fancy to traveling and plan a new adventure every year.”
6. Not Able to Stomach
Definition: To not be able to tolerate something.
Example: “He is not able to stomach violent movies.”
Additional Examples:
-
“I’m not able to stomach spicy food; it upsets my stomach.”
-
“She is not able to stomach the sight of blood.”
How to Use These Terms in Your IELTS Speaking and Writing
Using these expressions effectively can demonstrate your proficiency and understanding of complex ideas related to likes and dislikes. Here are some tips on how to integrate them into your responses:
-
Contextual Usage: Always use these terms in relevant contexts to ensure they fit naturally into your responses. For instance, when discussing your preferences, bring in terms like “adore” or “not my cup of tea.”
-
Practice Examples: Regularly practice writing sentences or short paragraphs using these terms. This helps in making them a natural part of your vocabulary.
-
Understand the Nuance: Make sure you fully understand the meaning and usage of each term. Misusing them can detract from your score.
-
Mix with Simpler Words: While it’s good to use advanced vocabulary, mixing it with simpler words can make your speech or writing more understandable and fluent.
-
Get Feedback: Have someone review your usage of these terms to ensure you are using them correctly and effectively.
Practice Questions and Model Answers
Question 1: Describe a hobby you adore.
Model Answer:
“I adore painting. It allows me to express my creativity and unwind after a long day. The process of mixing colors and bringing a blank canvas to life is incredibly satisfying. I especially enjoy painting landscapes and often spend weekends capturing the beauty of nature on my canvas.”
Question 2: Is there something you despise doing?
Model Answer:
“Yes, I despise doing the dishes. It’s a monotonous task that I find very tedious. I prefer tasks that engage my mind or creativity, but washing dishes feels like a waste of time. Whenever possible, I try to delegate this chore or use a dishwasher.”
By incorporating these advanced expressions into your IELTS practice, you can enhance your vocabulary, demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency, and potentially achieve a better score. Remember to practice consistently and seek feedback to continually improve your skills.
