Fluency: Fillers and Linking Phrases is a speaking skill that enhances clarity and coherence. This lesson teaches you how to structure your responses with meaningful linkers, ensuring your speech remains organized and impactful, even under pressure.
Examples
Example 1
Too weakWell, you know, I think it is good because it helps people in daily life.
BetterFirst of all, I support the idea because it improves reliability for daily commuters.
The better answer immediately addresses the main point and uses a linking phrase to add structure.
Example 2
Too weakFor example, one change in my area made transport better.
BetterFor example, one new bus lane in my area reduced delays during rush hour.
The stronger sentence provides a specific example that adds clarity and detail.
How It Works
Meaning
Fluency in speaking involves the smooth and coherent connection of ideas. At the B2 level, using linking phrases and fillers is crucial for maintaining clarity and coherence. Linking phrases help transition between ideas, while fillers give you time to think without losing the listener's attention.
Examples of linking phrases include first of all, for example, and overall, which help structure your speech and make it more meaningful.
Use it when
- Giving structured responses in speaking exams or presentations.
- Pausing to think without breaking the flow of speech.
- Introducing examples or reasons to support your argument.
- Summarizing your thoughts at the end of a discussion.
See it
Quick rules
- Begin with a clear point before using linkers.
- Use linkers to introduce reasons or examples.
- Avoid excessive fillers; use meaningful phrases instead.
- Keep sentences concise to maintain fluency.
- Conclude with a brief, meaningful summary.
Common Mistakes
Common problem 1
Opening with filler instead of a point
WeakWell, you know, there are many things to say about it.
StrongThe main reason I support it is that it saves commuters time every day.
Fix: Start with a real point, then add a linker if needed.
Common problem 2
Using an empty example
WeakFor example, something changed in my town and it became better.
StrongFor example, a new bus lane near the station cut the morning queue in my area.
Fix: Use a concrete example that adds real information.
Common problem 3
Ending with a filler summary
WeakSo yeah, that is basically it, I think.
StrongOverall, the change works because it makes daily travel more predictable.
Fix: Keep the final sentence short but meaningful.
Practice Lab
Practice
Start with the opening move, then check the answer shape from start to finish.
Score: 0/3
If a line does not add meaning, cut it and replace it with one clear reason or example.
1. Quick pick
Choose the stronger move for Fluency: Fillers and Linking Phrases.
2. Build the flow
Put these moves in a helpful order.
Put the chunks in the natural order.
3. Final sort
Sort these habits into helpful or not helpful.
Answer the question first before using any linker.
Use one linker to add a reason and one to add an example.
Keep talking around the topic until an answer appears.
Use fillers because they sound more natural than silence.
Why It Matters
🎯 Why it matters: Fluency impacts speaking scores by enhancing clarity and coherence. Mastering this skill helps you sound organized and natural, maintaining the flow of your response even when you need to pause and think.
Get Feedback
Personalized score feedback
Get clear next-step advice.
Choose the support that matches your study goal. You get direct correction, clear scoring language, and a simple next step.
Best when you need speaking-specific feedback on fluency, coherence, grammar range, and lexical resource.
Personalized Coaching
Need faster IELTS improvement? Book a focused 1:1 strategy session.Related Strategy Guides
Use these focused pages to go deeper on the exact test task behind this lesson.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Guide
How to use 1-minute prep time and maintain coherent 2-minute answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics Guide
Natural, score-safe approaches for short personal topic questions.
CELPIP Speaking Hub
Open all task guides, lessons, and speaking support in one place.
CELPIP Speaking Task 1 Guide
Give practical advice clearly and sound helpful, not generic.
Get free Band 7+ strategies every week
Get free Band 7+ strategies every week