Natural Fillers in Spoken English
IELTS with Mujahid · Beginner practice
Score: 0 / 0Answered: 0 / 0
Why fillers matter in IELTS Speaking: Fillers are short words and phrases that give you time to think and make your speech sound natural. Native speakers use them too, but only a little. Use a short filler, then give a clear answer. Do not fill the silence with long sounds like ummmm.
❌ Ummmm… aaaa… ummmm… yes.✅ Well, let me think… I’d say yes.
⏳ Buying thinking time
💬 Giving an opinion gently
🔧 Explaining or correcting
➡️ Moving on
⚠️ Habits to avoid
💡 IELTS tip: Use one short filler at the start of an answer, not in every sentence. Vary your fillers. Good fluency means smooth speech, not speech with no pauses at all. Do not memorise a long script, because examiners notice robotic answers.
Ready? Tap a tab above and start with 1. Match.
Activity 1: Match the Meaning
Choose the correct job of each filler.
Activity 2: Gap Fill
Choose the best word to complete each spoken sentence.
Activity 3: Odd One Out
Two items are natural spoken fillers. One is not. Tap the one that is NOT natural.
Activity 4: Fix It
Each pair has one natural sentence and one unnatural sentence. Tap the natural sentence.
Activity 5: Type It
Type the missing word. The first letter is given as a clue. Press Check or Enter.
Activity 6: Choose the Best Answer
Read each speaking situation. Choose the best answer.