Dear administrator,
thank u for ur support.i was wondering if i could use informal language/idiomatic expressions/slang in my speaking test or not.
look forward to hearing from u
yours,
mehrad

Hi Mehrad,

Yes, you can use informal language in your speaking test. In fact, it is probably more natural to use informal language such as phrasal verbs, abbreviated sentences and idiomatic expressions when you are speaking.

However, I would be careful when using slang unless you are familiar with the terms you are using and can be sure that they are not in any way ambiguous or offensive.

Common slang words such as telly (television) or tenner (ten pounds) are perfectly acceptable but if you are unsure whether they are common terms or not, I would avoid using them.

Maybe you can give me some examples and I can advise you as to whether I think they are appropriate or not.

Jenny

Jenny Bedwell - 03 March 2009 11:24 AM

Hi Mehrad,

Yes, you can use informal language in your speaking test. In fact, it is probably more natural to use informal language such as phrasal verbs, abbreviated sentences and idiomatic expressions when you are speaking.

However, I would be careful when using slang unless you are familiar with the terms you are using and can be sure that they are not in any way ambiguous or offensive.

Common slang words such as telly (television) or tenner (ten pounds) are perfectly acceptable but if you are unsure whether they are common terms or not, I would avoid using them.

Maybe you can give me some examples and I can advise you as to whether I think they are appropriate or not.

Jenny

i have sent an example in a new post.i would be grateful if u can check that

Question:Do u take after ur father?
Answer:yes, i am a chip of the old block   or  
      no,i am a black sheep
     
      yes, i resemble my father in terms of appearance   or
      no as far as resemblance is concerned i look like my mother