Why Phrasal Verbs Matter in IELTS Speaking

Phrasal verbs are common in everyday English, especially in spoken contexts. Native speakers use them naturally to express complex ideas in simple ways. In IELTS Speaking, examiners assess your ability to communicate ideas clearly and naturally. Using a few well-chosen phrasal verbs at the right moment shows that you can handle natural English communication beyond memorized answers.

However, overusing or forcing them into answers can sound unnatural. The key is balance—choose relevant phrasal verbs that fit your topic and tone.

Phrasal Verbs for Part 2: Describing Experiences and Events

Part 2 requires you to speak for one to two minutes on a given topic, such as describing a memorable trip, a person you admire, or a goal you achieved. Here are some useful advanced phrasal verbs for such scenarios:

1. Come across – to find something by chance
   Example: “I came across an old photo that reminded me of my childhood trip.”

2. Set off – to start a journey or activity
   Example: “We set off early in the morning to avoid traffic.”

3. Look back on – to reflect on a past event
   Example: “When I look back on that day, I realize how much I learned.”

4. Run into – to meet someone unexpectedly
   Example: “I ran into my school friend while visiting another city.”

5. Carry out – to complete or perform a task
   Example: “During the project, I carried out research on renewable energy.”

6. Take up – to start a new hobby or habit
   Example: “Last year, I took up painting to relax after work.”

7. End up – to reach an unexpected result or place
   Example: “We planned to visit one museum but ended up exploring another.”

8. Look forward to – to anticipate something positively
   Example: “I was really looking forward to meeting my cousin after many years.”

9. Come up with – to think of an idea or plan
   Example: “We came up with a creative way to reduce waste in our community.”

10. Get over – to recover from a difficulty or setback
    Example: “It took me a while to get over my fear of public speaking.”

Using such expressions naturally in storytelling helps you build a smooth narrative and maintain fluency.

Phrasal Verbs for Part 3: Discussing Ideas and Opinions

Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test involves discussing more abstract or analytical topics related to Part 2. You need to express and support opinions, compare viewpoints, and speculate about the future. Advanced phrasal verbs can help structure your responses effectively.

1. Bring about – to cause something to happen
   Example: “Technology has brought about significant changes in communication.”

2. Boil down to – to be the main reason or essence of something
   Example: “The success of any business usually boils down to good leadership.”

3. Point out – to highlight or emphasize something
   Example: “I’d like to point out that education plays a key role in development.”

4. Figure out – to understand or solve a problem
   Example: “It’s difficult to figure out why some people avoid online learning.”

5. Lay out – to explain something in detail
   Example: “The government laid out a plan to improve public health.”

6. Stem from – to originate or result from something
   Example: “Environmental problems often stem from industrial pollution.”

7. Cut down on – to reduce something
   Example: “People should cut down on plastic usage to protect the environment.”

8. Keep up with – to stay informed or updated
   Example: “It’s hard to keep up with the latest technological trends.”

9. Turn out – to result in a particular way
   Example: “The new policy turned out to be more effective than expected.”

10. Rely on – to depend on someone or something
    Example: “Many students rely on digital resources for their education.”

How to Use Phrasal Verbs Naturally in IELTS Speaking

• Avoid overuse: Limit yourself to two or three phrasal verbs per answer.

• Match tone and topic: Use informal phrasal verbs only in casual contexts (like describing experiences).

• Paraphrase naturally: Combine them with synonyms or collocations to show variety.

• Practice contextually: Record yourself speaking on sample IELTS topics and listen for overuse or awkward phrasing.

Practice Activity

Choose a Part 2 topic such as “Describe a time you solved a problem.” Write a short paragraph using at least three of the phrasal verbs above. Practice saying it aloud while keeping your tone natural and conversational.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using inappropriate phrasal verbs: Make sure the meaning fits your sentence.

• Overcomplicating speech: Don’t use difficult expressions just to sound advanced.

• Mixing literal and idiomatic meanings: Understand whether a phrasal verb is being used figuratively or literally.

Mastering advanced phrasal verbs is a key step toward achieving Band 8+ in IELTS Speaking Parts 2 and 3. They allow international students to express ideas more naturally and confidently, which is exactly what examiners look for. With regular listening and speaking practice, you can integrate these expressions smoothly into your responses—showing not just language knowledge, but also genuine fluency.