A2 • Lesson 16
Vocabulary and reading to prepare for your lesson
Click each word to see its meaning and an example.
Sounds you make when thinking or pausing.
"Um, I think the answer is yes."
Words you use to start or connect ideas.
"Well, I think so. Actually, yes."
A filler phrase used while thinking.
"You know, I'm not sure about that."
Approximation words; less certain.
"It's, like, sort of difficult."
To pause or delay before speaking or acting.
"I hesitate to say, but I think..."
A moment of silence or hesitation.
"After a pause, I said yes."
Used to clarify or reconsider what you said.
"I mean, maybe not. I think so."
Use filler to show you need thinking time.
"Um... let me think about that."
Start speaking with a filler word.
"Well, I think the answer is..."
Use filler to show engagement.
"You know, that's really interesting."
Use multiple fillers to fill silence.
"I mean, like, sort of difficult."
Transition with fillers.
"Anyway, what I mean is it's good."
Correct or reconsider with a filler.
"Actually, I think the opposite."
Fillers are sounds and words you use when you pause or think. They help fill silence. Common fillers are "um," "uh," "well," and "like." They are normal in natural speech.
Fillers help you buy time. When you need to think, you can say "Um..." or "Let me see..." These give you a moment to organize your thoughts.
You can use fillers to sound more natural. Phrases like "You know," "Actually," and "I mean" make your speech sound more relaxed and conversational.
Don't overuse fillers. One or two fillers is fine. Too many fillers make it hard to understand you. Use them naturally, not constantly.
Fillers are normal in everyday speech. Native speakers use them too. Understanding fillers and using them appropriately helps you sound more natural and confident.
~220 words • A2 Level
Think about these questions before your lesson.
For each question above, write maximum 3 keywords — no sentences. Then practise speaking your answer out loud from just the keywords.
Q1: "Do you use fillers when you speak? Which ones?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Now say your answer out loud. Speak for about 30 seconds from just your keywords.
Q2: "Do people use fillers in your native language?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Speak for 30 seconds. Let your brain build the sentences from the keywords.
Q3: "Do you think fillers are good or bad in speaking?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Say your answer out loud — don't just think it! Your keywords are enough.
Remember: keywords only. Your brain does the rest. Mistakes are good — they mean you're practising speaking, not reading.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes