What do you usually argue about with your friends?
There’s a good chance you’ll need to talk about fights on IELTS.
These could be major disagreements or minor squabbles.
Be ready with today’s high-scoring vocabulary and sample answers.
#1: See eye to eye
This idiom means to agree.
“We don’t always see eye to eye” means we don’t always agree.
Idiomatic language like this must be added to IELTS Speaking answers to score 7+.
#2: Back down
This idiom means to stop fighting.
It is perfect whether describing a physical altercation or verbal disagreement.
“I knew he would never back down, so I had to.”
IELTS Speaking questions
Practice answering the following questions using this vocabulary:
“How do you feel when you have an argument with someone?”
“Do you think it’s important to be able to express your opinion in an argument?
You may also see IELTS Writing Task 2 topics related to disagreements.
Practice writing the following essay:
Some people believe it is vital to stand up for one’s opinion, while others believe it is best to not cause arguments. Discuss both options and give examples.
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#3: Conflict-avoidant
This compound adjective means you avoid fights and disagreements.
It applies to both physical and verbal disagreements.
“I’ve always been conflict-avoidant. In fact, last week…”
Use this on Speaking Part 2 if asked to describe a person.
You can either describe them as conflict-avoidant or the opposite, confrontational.
#4: Physical fights
Some vocabulary is used specifically for physical fights
- fist fight
- brawl
- scuffle
All of these only describe a physical altercation.
I witnessed a fist fight last night outside a restaurant.
I would never get in a fist fight, but I definitely stand up for myself verbally.
#5 Verbal fights
- quarrel
- bicker
- argue
These three verbs all refer to verbal disagreements.
When describing verbal fights, use higher-level synonyms for “argument” or “disagreement”.
- Altercation: verbal or physical
- Feud: long, drawn-out disagreement
Feuds are often between friends, family or neighbors.
This is not used to describe short disagreements that are resolved quickly.
Instead, they refer to fights that can last years and potentially never be resolved.
Takeaway
Practice using today’s vocabulary so you are ready for test day!
You need to be able to describe both verbal and physical fights.
Use band 9 verbs and nouns to boost vocabulary scores on this topic.
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What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
