Of course! "Interesting idea" is a fantastic phrase to use in IELTS Speaking. It shows you are actively listening, engaging with the examiner, and thinking critically about the topic. It's a key part of achieving a higher band score for Fluency and Coherence and Lexical Resource.

Here’s a complete guide on how to use "interesting idea" effectively, including different ways to say it, when to use it, and example dialogues.

Why "Interesting Idea" is Powerful in IELTS

Using this phrase does three things for you:

1. Buys You Time: When the examiner asks a difficult or unexpected question, saying "That's an interesting idea" gives you a few crucial seconds to think about your answer.
2. Shows Engagement: It proves you're not just robotically answering questions. You are listening and processing what they say, which is a core part of a natural conversation.
3. Adds Sophistication: It's a more nuanced and positive response than just "Yes" or "No." It demonstrates a wider range of vocabulary and better conversational skills.

Different Ways to Say "Interesting Idea"

Using the same phrase repeatedly can sound robotic. Here are many excellent alternatives, categorized by tone.

Positive & Neutral Phrases (Safest and most versatile)

These are great for almost any situation.

• That's a fascinating point. (Slightly more formal and academic)
• That's a really good question. (Classic, polite, and buys you time)
• That's an angle I hadn't considered. (Shows you are thinking deeply)
• You've raised an interesting point there. (Very natural and conversational)
• That's certainly a way to look at it. (Neutral, shows you acknowledge their perspective)
• I see what you mean. (Simple, effective, shows understanding)
• That's a perspective worth thinking about. (Sophisticated and shows critical thinking)

More Enthusiastic Phrases

Use these when you genuinely agree or are excited by the idea.

• That's a fantastic point! (Stronger, more positive)
• I love that way of thinking about it. (Very natural and personal)
• That's a brilliant question. (High praise, use it for questions that really make you think)
• That's a great insight. (Suggests the examiner has said something clever)

More Cautious or Phrasing for Agreement/Disagreement

These are useful when you want to introduce a counter-argument or show you're considering both sides.

• That's one way to see it, however... (Signals you are about to offer a different opinion)
• I understand the logic behind that, but... (Polite way to introduce a contrasting view)
• That's a fair point, but I would also argue that... (Excellent for balanced answers)

When to Use "Interesting Idea"

Don't just say it randomly. Use it strategically at key moments in the test.

Part 1: Introduction & General Conversation

Use it to start your answers, especially for abstract questions.

• Examiner: "Do you think it's important to be on time?"

• You: "That's an interesting question. I believe it is, for a few reasons. Firstly, it shows respect for other people's time..."

• Examiner: "Do you like going to the cinema?"

• You: "That's a good question. I do, but I also really enjoy watching movies at home now. The main difference for me is the convenience..."

Part 2: The Long Turn

You won't be talking to the examiner here, but you can use the principle to structure your answer. When you interpret the cue card's prompt, you can think to yourself, "That's an interesting idea," to help you organize your thoughts. For example, for a cue card like "Describe a time you had to be creative," you could mentally frame it as "The interesting idea here is to be creative," and then brainstorm examples.

Part 3: Discussion & Abstract Topics

This is where the phrase is most powerful. The examiner will ask follow-up questions that build on your previous answer. This is the perfect time to use it.

• Examiner: (After you've talked about the importance of being on time) "Some people argue that in today's flexible world, being a few minutes late is acceptable. What are your thoughts on that?"

• You: "That's an interesting point, and it's a perspective I've heard before. While I understand the need for flexibility in some situations, I still believe that punctuality forms the basis of trust and professionalism in most environments. For instance, in a business meeting..."

• Examiner: "Do you think technology will make museums obsolete in the future?"

• You: "That's a fascinating point. On one hand, technology like virtual reality can offer experiences that physical museums can't. However, I don't think it will replace them entirely because there's a unique value in seeing an artefact in person..."

Example Dialogue (Part 3)

Let's see it in action in a sample conversation.

Examiner: "Let's talk about holidays. What makes a holiday 'perfect' for you?"

You: "For me, a perfect holiday is one where I can completely switch off from work and daily routines. It’s less about the destination and more about the feeling of relaxation and recharging my batteries. A quiet beach or a peaceful countryside retreat would be ideal."

Examiner: "Some people say you should always try to do something adventurous and challenging on holiday. What's your view on that?"

You: "That's an interesting angle. I definitely see the appeal in that. Adventurous activities can create incredible memories and push you out of your comfort zone. For example, I went hiking in the Himalayas once, and the sense of achievement was amazing. However, I think a 'perfect' holiday is highly personal. For me, the goal is rest, not a challenge. But I completely agree that for others, that sense of adventure is exactly what makes a holiday perfect."

Examiner: "Do you think traditional package holidays will disappear because of things like Airbnb and online booking platforms?"

You: "That's a really good question, and it's something I've thought about. I don't think they will disappear completely, but they will have to change. The traditional package holiday offers convenience and peace of mind, especially for families who don't want the hassle of planning. However, platforms like Airbnb give people much more choice and a more 'local' experience. So, I think the market will just diversify, with options for every type of traveller."

Key Takeaways & Tips

1. Don't Overuse It: Use it 2-3 times maximum in the entire test. Use different variations.
2. Sound Natural, Not Scripted: Your tone of voice is crucial. Say it with a slight nod or a thoughtful expression. Don't just blurt it out.
3. Combine with a Good Answer: The phrase is just a tool. It's useless if you follow it with "um... I don't know." Use the time it buys you to formulate a clear, structured answer.
4. It's a Bridge, Not a Destination: Its main job is to bridge the gap between the examiner's question and your brilliant answer. So, always follow it up with your point.

Mastering phrases like "That's an interesting idea" is a simple but highly effective way to boost your IELTS Speaking score. Good luck