Remember that awkward moment where you can’t think of what to say next and keep staring at the examiner? How can we avoid this? Have you ever come across a scenario during the speaking test, where you didn’t quite get what the IELTS examiner was asking, and have no idea how to begin your next sentence? What do you do then? What can we do in order to avoid getting ourselves into this awkward situation?
If I understand right,.
I’m sorry, I’m not sure I understand. Do you mean (that)…?
Sorry I don’t quite catch you. When you say …, do you mean …?
I’m not exactly sure how to answer that question, but (perhaps)…
That’s a rather difficult question, but (maybe)…
Could you please rephrase that question / topic?
Getting stuck during the conversion happens quite frequently, and we can try to use the following words and phrases to show that you are actively thinking (instead of having nothing to say):
Well, …Well,Actually,In fact,You see,
How shall I put it,Let me think for a second,Give me a few seconds …