ielts.india@idp.com 
1800-102-4544 
In the IELTS Speaking test, effective communication is not only about using accurate grammar and vocabulary but also about using effective rhetorical devices to express oneself. One such thing that can significantly improve your speaking score is the use of hyperboles.
Hyperboles are exaggerated statements or claims that are not meant to be taken literally but serve to emphasise a point or create a strong impact.
By including well-placed hyperboles in your responses, you can demonstrate your linguistic flexibility, creativity, and ability to convey emotions effectively. In this blog, we will explore some commonly used hyperboles that can help you score high in the IELTS Speaking test.
What are hyperboles?
Hyperboles are exaggerated statements that are not meant to be taken literally but serve to make a situation more impactful or dramatic. When you're extremely hungry and waiting for your lunch in a café with tempting aromas around, you might tell your friend:Example: I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!This expression doesn't mean you actually want to eat a horse, but it vividly portrays the intensity of your appetite due to the animal's large size. Similarly, to convey your impatience with the long wait for your meal, you might add:Example: It feels like I've been waiting for this food for 10 years!Of course, the meal won't take a decade to arrive, but the statement highlights your frustration by exaggerating the wait time.Read more: Know important vocabulary for IELTS Speaking test
Examples of hyperboles
Here are some examples of hyperboles that you might use in your IELTS Speaking test to score high:
Hyperbole | Explanation |
|---|---|
My backpack weighs a ton. | The speaker is exaggerating the weight of the backpack to emphasise how heavy it is. In reality, the backpack might be heavy, but it is not as heavy as a ton. |
I've told you a million times. | The speaker is exaggerating the number of times they've told something to someone, they meant that they have repeated themselves many times to show frustration or impatience with the listener's lack of attention or understanding. |
The queue at the amusement park was a mile long. | The speaker is exaggerating the length of the queue. The queue might have been long, but it is not literally a mile long. This hyperbole is used to convey how long and time-consuming the waiting line was at the amusement park. |
I've been waiting for ages. | The speaker is exaggerating the length of time they have been waiting. "Ages" suggests an incredibly long time, but the actual duration might not be that long. Hyperbole is used to express the speaker's impatience or frustration with the long wait. |
The concert was the best thing ever. | The speaker is exaggerating the greatness of the concert. While the concert may have been enjoyable, it is unlikely to be the absolute best thing ever to happen in the world. This hyperbole is used to express the speaker's enthusiasm and enjoyment of the concert. |
This suitcase weighs a ton of bricks. | The speaker is exaggerating the heaviness of the suitcase by comparing it to a ton of bricks. The suitcase may be heavy, but it is not as heavy as a ton of bricks. This hyperbole is used to convey the weight of the suitcase and how difficult it is to carry. |
My friend is always glued to his phone. | The speaker is exaggerating the attachment of the friend to his phone. While the friend may use his phone frequently, he is not physically "glued" to it. This hyperbole is used to highlight the friend's constant and excessive use of the phone. |
What are the differences between hyperbole and similes?
Hyperboles and similes are different ways of making comparisons to add emphasis to what you want to say. Similes use "as" or "like" to compare two things and highlight their similarities:
Example 1: "He is as blind as a bat." (This means he cannot see very well, and we are comparing his vision to a bat's vision, which is not very clear.)
Example 2: "She is as tall as a house." (This means she is very tall, and we are comparing her height to the height of a house.)
We can also use "like" to create similes:
Example 1: "This jacket fits like a glove." (This means the jacket fits perfectly, just like a glove fit perfectly on your hand.)
Example 4: "She can swim like a fish." (This means she is an excellent swimmer, and we are comparing her swimming ability to that of a fish, which swims effortlessly.)
On the other hand, hyperboles are a bit different from similes. They also involve exaggeration, but they are more extreme and not meant to be taken literally:
Example 1: "My backpack weighs a ton." (Here, we are exaggerating the weight of the backpack to say that it's very heavy, but it's not actually as heavy as a ton.)
Example 2: "I've told you a million times." (This hyperbole emphasises that the person has repeated something many times, but not literally a million times.)
List of common hyperboles
Here is a list of common hyperboles. Can you think of any situations where you could use them in your speech, especially when talking about yourself or personal matters?
I had to run like the wind to get to work on time
This bag weighs a ton – what did you put in it?
I died of embarrassment
My parents are going to kill me when they find out
I've heard this story a thousand times
I'm drowning in paperwork at the moment
These shoes cost me an arm and a leg
I've told her a million times to clean her room
It's going to take us forever to get there
It was so funny; I laughed my head off
She really has a heart of gold
I got in trouble with the teacher because I was the class clown
Including hyperboles in your IELTS Speaking test can greatly increase your score. By using exaggerated language, you demonstrate your linguistic flexibility and creativity, capturing the attention of the examiner and showcasing your ability to express yourself effectively. However, it is important to use hyperboles in a balanced and appropriate manner, ensuring they contribute to the overall coherence and clarity of your speech. With practice and a keen understanding of when and how to use hyperboles, you can elevate your speaking performance and achieve a higher score on the IELTS Speaking test.Additionally, if you want to know more about the IELTS test, you can visit your nearest IDP IELTS test centres.
1800-102-4544
ielts.india@idp.com
Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
