IELTS Speaking: Avoid using these phrases!
It is quite common for many students to learn and use "linking" or "filler" phrases in their speaking test. These phrases include:
- "That's a very interesting question."
- "Thank you for asking me that question, and I will endeavor to answer it."
- "I suppose I should begin by highlighting the fact that..."
- "Going on to my next point which is..."
- "As a final point, I would like to explain why..."
However, it is advisable to avoid using such phrases in the speaking test as they do not impress examiners and can potentially harm your performance.
But why is that?
Firstly, anyone can memorize these linking phrases and fillers, even individuals with a low level of English. Often, they rely on these phrases to compensate for their lack of true language proficiency when answering questions.
Secondly, these phrases tend to consume valuable time. Considering the brevity of the speaking test, it is crucial to utilize every second to provide answers using "topic vocabulary" – words and phrases that are specific to the question's subject matter.
Therefore, my recommendation is to prioritize answering the question directly instead of focusing on linking or filling phrases. Get straight to the point and provide a concise and relevant response.
