Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking To Hit the Book

An idiom is a phrase or expression in which meaning cannot be directly understood by reading each word. For IELTS speaking candidates must learn how to use them accurately, so they don't sound unnatural. There are thousands of idioms and phrasal verbs used every day when we express ourselves.

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It is very important to consider the context of to whom or what the idiom is pointed towards. This particular IELTS speaking idiom ‘To Hit the Book’ consists of different exercises so that the candidates understand the accurate usage of this idiom in a conversation.

• To Hit the Book

Origin: The exact origin of this idiom has not been found but we can correlate it with similar idioms such as ‘hit the sack’ or ‘hit the nail’. These idioms have been used since the 1900s.

Meaning: to study very hard, Studying with concentrated effort

Synonyms: cram, burn midnight oil, heavy booking

Examples:

1. Simon, you must hit the books as you have a test tomorrow.
2. It is time to turn off the video game and hit the books.
3. For my dissertation I have to go to the library and hit the books to collect more data on the topic.
4. You can not learn a new language just by hitting the books you would also have to converse with people.
5. Erica can get into her desired university if she hits the books every day for at least two hours.
6. ‘Sorry Franca, I won’t be able to come to your birthday party as I need to hit the books tonight’.
7. They go on vacations when they should be hitting the books and then they wonder why their grades are low.

Exercise:

Fill the gap: ” The final exam is approaching. You would delay your graduation plan unless you hit the …… for the exam right now.”

1. papers.
2. computers.
3. magazines.
4. books.

Answer: D

Explanation: In the above question, it is mentioned that the exam is nearby and if not studied properly for the exam, the graduation plan will be delayed. We can see that the starting of the idiom has been mentioned so we can easily spot the answer. The idiom hit the books fits perfectly with the given description, hence the correct answer would be option D.

Also, check:

What is the meaning of “hit the books”?

1. To study very hard.
2. To read many books.
3. To find interesting books.
4. To be lazy.

Answer: A

Explanation: To hit the books this idiom refers to studying very hard with utmost concentration. Considering the accurate meaning of the idiom we know that the correct answer will be option A.