Filler Phrases to Get High Scores on the IELTS Speaking Test
Filler Phrases: Addresses a common challenge faced by test takers
- To acknowledge the difficulty:
- “Hmm, that’s a good one. Let me ponder that for a moment.”
- “That’s a thought-provoking question. Give me a second to gather my thoughts.”
- “Interesting question. I need a moment to process it properly.”
- To request clarification:
- “Can you rephrase that for me? I want to make sure I understand the question fully.”
- “Just to be clear, are you asking…?”
- “Would you mind providing more context for your question?”
- To express uncertainty:
- “I’m not sure about that one. I need to think it through more carefully.”
- “That’s a tough one to answer. I’m not sure where I stand on that.”
- “Hmm, I’m not familiar with that topic. Let me see if I can find some information.”
- To buy time:
- “Let me take a moment to reflect on that.”
- “That’s something I need to consider carefully.”
- “I’d like to think about that before I answer.”
- To express interest:
- “That’s a fascinating question. I’m curious to know what you think.”
- “I’ve never considered that before. It’s a really interesting perspective.”
- “That’s a complex issue. I’m interested in learning more about it.”
Remember to choose an alternative that fits the specific situation and conveys your intended message effectively.
However, keep in mind that while filler phrases may be useful to some extent in maintaining fluency and giving yourself a moment to gather your thoughts, overusing them can negatively impact your overall speaking performance. It’s crucial to strike a balance and focus on expressing yourself clearly and coherently without relying too heavily on fillers.