Lifestyle is an interesting topic to discuss. There are several idioms and collocations for your study to help you get higher scores in the Pearson Test of English, especially when you face Speaking and Writing questions.
This is the Idioms and Collocations series, No. 2, Lifestyle topic.
1. Get/keep/stay in shape (idiom)
Meaning: (of a person) (to get/stay) in good physical condition
Example: You don’t have to spend a fortune on gym membership to get in shape.
2. A (new) lease of life (idiom)
Meaning: The chance to live or last longer, or with a better quality of life
Example: Since her hip operation she’s had a new lease of life.
3. Go the extra mile (for somebody/ something) (idiom)
Meaning: To make a special effort to achieve something, help somebody, etc.
Example: He is willing to go the extra mile for his team to complete the project on time.
4. Kill two birds with one stone (idiom)
Meaning: To achieve two things at the same time with one action
Example: Doing this work will give me new knowledge and earn me a bit of money. It kills two birds with one stone.
5. On cloud nine (idiom)
Meaning: Extremely happy and excited
Example: My father was on cloud nine when my younger sister got approval to study at the medical institution.
6. Call it a night (idiom)
Meaning: To stop what you have been doing in the evening or night, often in order to go to bed
Example: Yesterday, I left the office early and wanted to call it a night because I was exhausted.
7. Laughter is the best medicine (idiom, used as a sentence)
Meaning: Said to mean that trying to be happy is a good way to stop worrying
Example: You know! People always say “Laughter is the best medicine”.
8. (Go) back to the drawing board (idiom)
Meaning: To start thinking about a new way of doing something after a previous plan or idea has failed
Example: The client just rejected our proposal, we need to go back to the drawing board.
9. Live (from) hand to mouth (collocation)
Meaning: To spend all the money you earn on basic needs such as food without being able to save any money
Example: Since I started building my own company, I have been living from hand to mouth for years.
After learning, it’s time to put them into use on the PTE Practice Website.
Here is our sample question: P1: Write Essay, question number 91 on the PTE Practice Website.
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Question:
Some people enjoy change, and they look forward to new experiences. Others like their lives to stay the same, and they do not change their usual habits. Compare these two approaches to life. Which approach do you prefer? Explain why.
Sample answer:
Life is full of choices, and the way we approach it can greatly affect our happiness and growth. While some people prefer the safety of routines, others embrace change and new experiences. Personally, I believe that seeking change gives me a new lease of life, as it keeps me excited, motivated, and ready to face life’s ups and downs.
To begin with, change helps me stay in shape mentally and emotionally. Trying new activities, such as learning a language or taking on a new fitness challenge, not only sharpens my mind but also improves my overall health. For instance, I recently started a dance class. Not only did I get to meet new people, but I also improved my fitness, truly killing two birds with one stone.
Additionally, new experiences often leave me on cloud nine. When I travel to unfamiliar places or explore new hobbies, I feel a rush of excitement that routines simply can’t provide. Life feels more colorful and rewarding, especially when I’m willing to go the extra mile to achieve something I’ve never done before.
On the other hand, when I stick to old habits for too long, I find that life becomes repetitive and dull. If things don’t work out as planned, it’s always possible to go back to the drawing board and try again. Change gives me the opportunity to learn and grow without being afraid of starting over.
Although some might prefer the predictability of routine, I strongly believe that embracing change makes life far more enjoyable and meaningful. It keeps me inspired, teaches me to adapt, and reminds me that laughter is the best medicine for any setback. Change isn’t just about living; it’s about truly thriving.
If you speak your answer to our PTE Practice Website, you will receive the following detailed feedback including all the grading elements that the Pearson uses to assess your skills.
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For your study, we evaluate your practising answers the same way that Pearson evaluates your real tests based on the same grading elements. For details, feel free to take a look at this article: PTE Grading elements and how questions are scored.
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