The speaking skill in the IELTS examination becomes a hurdle for many, especially when they are aiming high at around 7+ bands in all modules. Frequent fumbling and the use of fillers such as 'uumm, eeh, aahh' make the experience for the examiner really unpleasant, and ultimately, you end up getting a lower score than you expected. This blog will shed light on using fillers and idioms in a way that can drastically improve your score without letting the examiner feel annoyed.
What Are Considered Natural Fillers?
There are many alternatives that can be used as a form of natural filler. All of the phrases below can be used as naturally flowing expressions.
• While structuring your answer: "To be fair", "to be equitable", and "I have not given a thought to it earlier" are some of the phrases that will help you buy some time to build your next statement.
• While addressing a complicated question: "That's a complex one" and "that is really a convoluted one" will help you show that you're taking the question seriously while answering.
• While using delaying techniques to think: "Let me catch on to..." and "on getting the picture clear, I can say that..." can be the best way to understand and answer the question asked without needing to say uumm or eeehhh.
• While summing up the heart of the matter: "As a matter of fact", "in reality", "fundamentally", and "practically" are some of the words that can help you highlight the main theme when summing up.
• While justifying your point: "What I actually mean to convey is..." and "long story short, I would say that..." work excessively well to zero in on your viewpoint.
How to Use an Idiom in a Sentence
Making methodical use of idiomatic expressions in your answers is an art that can help you score 7+ bands in your IELTS exam, though not everyone masters it easily. Here are some examples of how to use idioms in your speaking:
• To talk about your favourite leisure activity: My favourite free-time activity is reading novels. In my childhood, I used to do it once in a blue moon, but now, I do it every day.
• To express a favourable experience: When I submitted the project before the deadline, my boss appreciated my efforts and dedication — it just felt like music to my ears. I was on cloud nine when I achieved 8 bands in my IELTS exam.
• To describe a tough yet fruitful task: It was a tough nut to crack, but the climb was worth the view. After a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, I finally reaped the rewards of my effort.
• To describe an effortless or easy task: Organising the party was just a walk in the park. Learning that new skill felt like a breeze.
• To describe an astonishing event: Watching the sunrise during our trip to Udaipur was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The scenic view from that mountainside took my breath away.
How Can These Fillers Be Used Naturally?
To apply the fillers above naturally in your flow of speaking, follow the tips below:
• Don't force the connection: Just because you want to use an idiom or phrase doesn't mean you should force it into a sentence where it doesn't fit. If the word or phrase doesn't align with the idea you want to present, skip it.
• Stop overusing the word 'very': There are many words you can use instead of 'very', such as very good — magnificent; very bad — awful/dreadful; very happy — ecstatic/jubilant; very sad — tragic/melancholic; very small — tiny/minuscule/microscopic; very big — enormous/colossal; very important — vital/paramount.
• Review yourself after recording: While practising your speaking skills, get into the habit of recording yourself to spot areas for improvement, and approach IELTS faculty for constructive feedback on your speaking abilities.
• Insert a few typical structuring words: Use words that are common in daily life to form meaningful sentences, such as "if the truth be told", "actually", "in fact", "indeed", "surprisingly", and others.
Conclusion
To cut a long story short, you can incorporate smart idioms and fillers flawlessly by using the phrases above. These words will help you avoid breaking your flow while giving you time to frame your answers in a structured way. You can also visit an IELTS coaching centre where the faculty can give you comprehensive, personalised guidance.
