Idioms for the ICAO English exam? 🤔
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets high standards for English proficiency among pilots to ensure safe and efficient communication in international aviation. Pilots who achieve level 5 or 6 proficiency have vocabulary and usage that meet operational needs and allow for smooth, nuanced communication.
Idioms are expressions that don’t mean exactly what the words say but enrich speech and show greater fluency and cultural understanding. Pilots at level 5 or 6 who use idiomatic language demonstrate a strong grasp of English. This includes paraphrasing effectively and communicating comfortably on common, concrete, and work-related topics.
Let’s explore how using idioms strategically can boost your English proficiency.
Idioms for level 5 and 6
Among many other things, using idiomatic expressions correctly can help you increase your English proficiency level.
Here is the description of Vocabulary from the Manual on the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements (Doc 9835):
Level 5 Vocabulary: Vocabulary range and accuracy are sufficient to communicate effectively on common, concrete, and work related topics. Paraphrases consistently and successfully. Vocabulary is sometimes idiomatic.
Level 6 Vocabulary: Vocabulary range and accuracy are sufficient to communicate effectively on a wide variety of familiar and unfamiliar topics. Vocabulary is idiomatic, nuanced and sensitive to register.
By mastering when and how to use idioms, you can not only enhance their English proficiency, but also navigate the complexities of international aviation communication more effectively.
❗️❗️❗️Note that using idioms alone won’t guarantee an advanced proficiency level. Your overall language skills will also be assessed. ❗️❗️❗️
What are idioms?
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the individual words, usually understood through common use. In other words, an idiom has a metaphorical, not literal, meaning.
For example, “let the cat out of the bag” means to reveal a secret, not related to actual cats or bags.
Idioms carry cultural and historical significance, making them crucial for understanding language nuances. Native speakers often use idioms in everyday speech without realizing it. For language learners, mastering idioms is challenging but indicates fluency, as it requires both linguistic and cultural understanding. Idioms vary by region and evolve over time. They express complex emotions succinctly and add sophistication and creativity to language, making it more engaging, persuasive, and enjoyable.
Here are some examples and their meaning:
“Break a leg.”
Meaning: To wish someone luck.
“Under the weather.”
Meaning: To feel ill.
“Hit the books.”
Meaning: Study very hard.
“Pull yourself together.”
Meaning: Calm down and act normally.
“Get your head around it.”
Meaning: Understand something.
“Piece of cake.”
Meaning: When something is easy to do.
Benefits of using idioms in general
Enhanced Fluency: Regular use of idioms shows deeper familiarity with the language, making communication more natural and engaging.
Cultural Resonance: Idioms carry cultural nuances, making communication more personable and relatable.
Expressive Communication: Idioms allow speakers to express ideas more colorfully and impactfully, which is useful in casual conversations and non-operational contexts.
Using idioms in aviation
While idioms may enhance a pilot’s language proficiency, their use in aviation communication must be approached with caution to avoid misunderstandings and ensure safety.
Idioms are well-suited for casual conversations, perhaps during layovers or in non-operational exchanges with colleagues. They enrich informal communication and can help in bonding with peers from diverse backgrounds.
In contrast, communication during flight operations, especially when speaking over the radio or with air traffic control, should be free of idioms. Clarity and precision are important, and the standard phraseology set by the ICAO should be adhered to strictly.
For instance, while “clear the air” is a common idiom, using this during a flight could lead to misunderstandings about weather conditions or aircraft performance.
All pilots, air traffic controllers and aeronautical station operators involved in international operations must be able to speak and understand English to a level 4.
Idioms for the ICAO English exam
As you now know, idioms work well in casual conversations but should be avoided in operational interactions.
To improve your proficiency level in the ICAO English language test, practice using idioms in the first part of the exam, where you describe images or answer general audio questions. You can also use idioms appropriately during the live video call with the assessor.
However, avoid using idioms during ATC transmissions or when discussing the briefing package in the live video call.
❗️❗️❗️While idioms show fluency and cultural understanding, they are not suitable for aeronautical radiotelephony communications, as they may hinder clear communication and understanding.❗️❗️❗️
Using idioms to answer general questions in the test
Question example: Tell us about how you became a pilot.
Simple answer:
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by planes. I grew up watching airshows and built model airplanes, dreaming of flying. In high school, I focused on math and physics because I knew they were essential for a career in aviation. After graduation, I enrolled in a flight school where I earned my pilot’s licenses through rigorous training. Each step brought me closer to achieving my childhood dream, and now, I’m a commercial pilot, flying passengers across the globe. It’s a dream come true, every day up in the sky.
Answer using idioms:
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by planes. I grew up watching airshows and building model airplanes, dreaming of flying. In high school, I focused on math and physics because I knew they were essential for a career in aviation. Attending flight school was no walk in the park; while others were out having fun on weekends, I was hitting the books and preparing for a career in the skies. But I knew that every minute of hard work was a stepping stone toward my childhood dream. The aviation school cost an arm and a leg, and the training was tough as nails. Now, I’m a commercial pilot, flying passengers across the globe. It’s a dream come true, every day up in the sky. Every challenge paid off.
The example above uses more idioms than you would typically use in everyday speech. It demonstrates how to incorporate idioms effectively into communication. However, use idioms only when they feel natural. Avoid forcing too many into your response, as this can do more harm than good.