Here are three useful and practical responses an IELTS student can use when they don't understand an examiner's question during the speaking exam:
- Ask for Clarification Politely:
- Ask for Rephrasing:
- Confirm Understanding with a Paraphrase:
The student can politely ask for clarification by saying:
"I'm sorry, could you please repeat the question?"
This is a simple way to ask for the question to be repeated, showing engagement and a desire to understand better without appearing too confused.
They can also ask for rephrasing by saying:
"Could you explain that in another way, please?"
If the question was unclear or too complex, this will prompt the examiner to rephrase it, which might help the student understand better.
Another approach is to confirm understanding by paraphrasing the question:
For example, "Do you mean [your interpretation of the question]?"
If the student is unsure about the meaning, they can try to paraphrase and confirm with the examiner, showing active listening while ensuring they answer the question correctly.
These responses help maintain the flow of conversation without sounding awkward or overly hesitant.