Time Fillers

some techniques to deal with speaking tests

	Technique	Explanation and examples
	Repeat the question	You can buy yourself time to think by repeating the examiner's question. Examiner: What different types of food do people eat in your country? Candidate: Okay, so you would like to know what kinds of food people eat in my country. Examiner: How does television influence children? Candidate: Hmm...how does television influence children? Well....
	Express a lack ol opinion	If you are asked for your opinion on something, you can begin your answer by expressing a lack of opinion. Examiner: What does success mean to you? Candidate: Hmm. I haven't really thought about that...
	Use conversation fillers	Conversation fillers are simple words and phrases like hmm: umm. well, let's see. difficult question, interesting question, basically rlmm...difficult question. Well, basically 1 think that sport can help us to live a much healthier lifestyle.
	Combine techniques	If you need a lot of time, consider combining several approaches. Examiner: What different types of food do people eat in your country? Candidate: Hmm...so you would like to know what kinds of food people eat in my country. Hmm...interesting question. Can I think about it for a moment? Well, I guess our traditional cuisine is still popular.