CELPIP SPEAKING 30 NATURAL FILLERS & THINKING PHRASES
CELPIP SPEAKING 30 NATURAL FILLERS & THINKING PHRASES
CLB 10–12 Phrase Bank
These are not writing phrases. These are natural spoken fillers that buy time while sounding fluent.
TASK 1 – GIVING ADVICE
1.
If I were in your shoes...
Example: If I were in your shoes, I'd take a short break before starting my career.
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2.
From my experience...
Example: From my experience, taking some time off can help you recharge.
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3.
One thing I'd strongly recommend is...
Example: One thing I'd strongly recommend is creating a realistic budget.
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4.
You might want to consider...
Example: You might want to consider enrolling in a short certification course.
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TASK 2 – PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
5.
Let me think back for a moment...
Example: Let me think back for a moment. One memorable experience was learning how to drive.
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6.
I vividly remember that...
Example: I vividly remember that it happened during my university years.
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7.
What stands out most is...
Example: What stands out most is how nervous I felt at the beginning.
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8.
Looking back on it now...
Example: Looking back on it now, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
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TASK 3 – DESCRIBE AN IMAGE
9.
At first glance, I can see...
Example: At first glance, I can see several families enjoying the park.
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10.
What immediately catches my attention is...
Example: What immediately catches my attention is the large crowd near the stage.
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11.
In the foreground...
Example: In the foreground, there are two children playing with a ball.
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12.
In the background...
Example: In the background, I can see several buildings and trees.
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TASK 4 – PREDICTION
13.
Based on what I can see...
Example: Based on what I can see, the family is likely preparing for a picnic.
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14.
It's quite likely that...
Example: It's quite likely that they will start setting up their tent soon.
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15.
I wouldn't be surprised if...
Example: I wouldn't be surprised if it starts raining later.
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16.
My guess is that...
Example: My guess is that they are waiting for their friends to arrive.
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TASK 5 – COMPARE & PERSUADE
17.
Before making a recommendation...
Example: Before making a recommendation, I'd like to compare both alternatives.
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18.
When weighing the two options...
Example: When weighing the two options, the first one seems more practical.
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19.
The main reason I prefer this choice is...
Example: The main reason I prefer this choice is its affordability.
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20.
If I had to choose...
Example: If I had to choose, I would definitely go with the first option.
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TASK 6 – DIFFICULT SITUATION
21.
I completely understand your concern, however...
Example: I completely understand your concern, however, I have already made a commitment.
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22.
Before making a final decision, I'd like to explain my situation...
Example: Before making a final decision, I'd like to explain my situation.
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23.
I appreciate your point of view, but...
Example: I appreciate your point of view, but I see things differently.
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24.
Perhaps we can find a compromise...
Example: Perhaps we can find a compromise that works for both of us.
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TASK 7 – EXPRESSING OPINIONS
25.
From my perspective...
Example: From my perspective, public transportation deserves more investment.
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26.
There are several reasons why I believe this...
Example: There are several reasons why I believe this. First, it benefits a larger number of people.
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27.
Personally speaking...
Example: Personally speaking, technology has improved our quality of life.
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28.
As far as I'm concerned...
Example: As far as I'm concerned, online learning is here to stay.
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TASK 8 – UNUSUAL SITUATION
29.
This is definitely an unusual scene because...
Example: This is definitely an unusual scene because a horse appears to be shopping.
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30.
One surprising aspect of this situation is...
Example: One surprising aspect of this situation is that nobody seems alarmed.
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UNIVERSAL EMERGENCY FILLERS
(Work for ALL 8 Tasks)
Let me think about that for a second...
That's an interesting question...
The first thing that comes to mind is...
Off the top of my head...
If I had to answer right away...
What immediately comes to mind is...
To be completely honest...
That's a great point because...
The way I see it...
One thing worth mentioning is...
CLB 12 Rule
Use fillers for 1–2 seconds only.
❌ Umm... ❌ Uh... ❌ Like... ❌ You know...
Replace with:
✅ Let me think about that for a second... ✅ What immediately comes to mind is... ✅ From my perspective... ✅ Based on what I can see... ✅ To be completely honest...
These sound natural, fluent, and score much better in CELPIP Speaking.
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