To score higher in sections like IELTS Writing or Speaking exam, understanding body language-related vocabulary is crucial as it not only enhances your comprehension skills but also polishes your ability to express ideas effectively. Body language, gestures, facial expressions, and postures, play an important role in communication, adding depth and nuance to interactions. This blog will provide you with the essential body language vocabulary for the IELTS exam, helping you with the tools to articulate your thoughts with clarity and precision.
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Importance of using rich vocabulary related to body language in your IELTS test
Using a rich vocabulary related to body language can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS test, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Here's why:
Expressiveness: Having a diverse range of body language vocabulary enables you to convey your ideas more vividly and accurately, making your responses more engaging and memorable to the examiner.
Clarity and precision: Specific body language terms allow you to describe actions and gestures with clarity, helping you avoid ambiguity and ensuring your message is understood exactly as you intend.
Depth of description: Rich vocabulary related to body language allows you to provide detailed descriptions of people's actions, emotions, and reactions, showcasing your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Nuanced communication: Different body language terms convey subtle differences in meaning and intention, allowing you to communicate nuances in interpersonal interactions more effectively.
Impression on examiner: Demonstrating a sophisticated use of vocabulary, including terms related to body language, can leave a positive impression on the examiner, reflecting your language proficiency and communicative competence.
List of IELTS vocabulary related to body language
Here is the list of IELTS vocabulary words with meaning and examples related to the body language that you can consider using in your IELTS test to score higher:
Vocabulary Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Gesture | A movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning | His gestures were so expressive that he didn't need to say a word |
Posture | The position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting | Good posture is important for overall health |
Stance | How someone stands, especially when deliberately adopted (as in baseball, golf, and other sports) | His aggressive stance indicated that he was ready for a fight |
Gait | A person's manner of walking | He recognised her by her gait even from a distance |
Gesticulate | To use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasise one's words | He gesticulated wildly to make his point |
Slouch | Stand, move, or sit in a lazy, drooping way | He slouched against the wall, looking bored |
Fidget | Make small movements, especially of the hands and feet, through nervousness or impatience | He fidgeted with his pen during the meeting |
Grimace | An ugly, twisted expression on a person's face, typically expressing disgust, pain, or wry amusement | She grimaced when she tasted the medicine |
Wink | Close and open one eye quickly, typically to indicate that something is a joke or a secret or as a signal of affection or greeting | He winked at her as he passed by |
Nod | Lower and raise one's head slightly and briefly, especially in greeting, assent, or understanding, or to give someone a signal | She nodded in agreement |
Shake hands | Grasp and move (someone's hand) up and down as a greeting or to show agreement | They shook hands and introduced themselves |
Bow | Lower the head or upper body briefly as a formal gesture of respect or greeting | He bowed deeply to the queen |
Hug | Squeeze (someone) tightly in one's arms, typically to express affection | She hugged him tightly before he left |
Handshake | A greeting in which two people grasp each other's right hand and move them up and down | He greeted the guests with a firm handshake |
Nod off | Fall asleep, especially briefly or unintentionally | He nodded off during the boring lecture |
Wave | Move one's hand to and show a greeting or as a signal | She waved goodbye from the train |
Point | Extend a finger or other object toward a particular direction to indicate something | He pointed to the sign indicating the exit |
Clap | Strike the palms of (one's hands) together repeatedly, typically to applaud | The audience clapped loudly at the end of the performance |
Thumbs up | An indication of satisfaction or approval | He gave her a thumbs-up to show that he liked her idea |
Cross arms | Fold one's arms so that one hand or armrests on or across the other arm's elbow, typically as a sign of anger, stubbornness, or hostility | She crossed her arms and refused to listen to him |
Shrug | Raise (one's shoulders) slightly and momentarily to express doubt, ignorance, or indifference | He shrugged his shoulders, indicating he didn't know |
Facepalm | Cover one's face with one's hand, as an expression of disbelief, shame, or exasperation | He facepalmed when he realised his mistake |
Nod in agreement | To move your head up and down to show that you agree with someone or to show that you are listening to someone | She nodded in agreement with his proposal |
Lean in | To move one's body or a part of one's body closer to something or someone | He leaned in to hear her whisper |
Roll eyes | Move one's eyes upward as an expression of exasperation or annoyance | She rolled her eyes at his silly joke |
Bite lip | Press your teeth against your lip, usually because you are worried or nervous | She bit her lip, trying not to cry |
Clench fist | Close one's hand tightly into a fist, especially when one is angry or determined | He clenched his fists in frustration |
Rub hands together | To move one's hands together with a rubbing or wringing motion, typically when one is anticipating something eagerly | He rubbed his hands together in anticipation of the meal |
Tap fingers | To make quick, light, repeated touches with one's fingers, especially as a form of impatience, nervousness, or rhythm | He tapped his fingers on the table while waiting for her |
Fold hands | To bring one's hands together and intertwine the fingers or press the palms together, typically as a sign of concentration, prayer, or patience | She folded her hands and closed her eyes in prayer |
Body language -related questions asked in the IELTS Speaking test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
General questions
Do you think body language is important in communication?
How often do you notice people's body language?
Can you tell if someone is nervous just by their body language?
Do you think body language can express emotions better than words?
Personal experience
How do you use body language in your daily interactions?
Have you ever misinterpreted someone's body language?
Are there any gestures that you commonly use when speaking?
Do you think your body language changes when you speak in a different language?
Part 2: Long turn (Cue Card)
Describe a time when body language helped you understand someone better.
You should say:
When and where it happened
Who the person was
What body language the person used
And explain how you felt about understanding the person better through their body language.
Follow-up questions
How did their body language make the situation clearer for you?
Do you think you would have understood the person without their body language?
Part 3: Discussion
1. Importance of body language
In what ways do you think body language is more powerful than spoken language?
Do you believe body language is universal or culturally specific?
2. Professional context
How important is body language in professional settings like job interviews?
What role does body language play in customer service?
3. Learning and development
Can body language be taught, or is it something people naturally have?
How can someone improve their body language skills?
4. Cultural differences
How does body language vary between different cultures?
Have you ever experienced a situation where body language caused a misunderstanding due to cultural differences?
Hope these vocabulary words improve your language skills and help you effectively discuss body language-related questions asked in your IELTS exam. We recommend you include these words in your learning to score a high band in the IELTS test.
If you want to know more about the IELTS test, you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will guide you with all your doubts.