Think about these questions, or answer them aloud.
Not understanding something is normal, even for native speakers. What matters is what you do next. Saying nothing, or answering a different question, causes more problems than asking.
In IELTS Speaking you talk to a real examiner, so you can ask. Asking the examiner to repeat a question is allowed, and a single polite request is not marked down. A short, polite request also shows that you can manage a conversation in English.
In TOEFL and TOEIC Speaking you answer a recording, so you can't ask. But the same phrases appear in listening tasks, and you will need them every day outside the exam.
| You want to… | Say | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| hear it again | Sorry, could you repeat the question, please? / Sorry, I didn't catch that. / Could you say that again, please? | What? / Again! / Repeat. |
| know what a word means | Sorry, what does “commute” mean? / What do you mean by “commute”? | I don't know this word. (and then stop) |
| check you understood | Do you mean…? / So you're asking about…, is that right? / Sorry, did you say fifteen or fifty? | Guessing and hoping you are right |
| ask someone to slow down or spell | Could you speak a bit more slowly, please? / Could you spell that, please? | Slowly! / Too fast. |
| show you understand now | Oh, I see. / Right, that makes sense. / OK, got it, thanks. | Silence |
A flat Repeat sounds rude, even with please. Start with Sorry and let your voice go up and down naturally:
Listen to each sentence. You can't see it, as in TOEFL Listen and Choose a Response. Choose the best reply. Sometimes the best reply is a question that checks or clarifies.
Choose the best phrase for each situation. There is one extra phrase that you do not need.
Listen and repeat. Start softly with Sorry, and copy the rising and falling voice so you sound friendly, not rude.
Listen to each sentence, then record yourself saying it the same way. Copy the rhythm, stress and intonation.
1.Sorry, could you repeat the question, please?
2.Sorry, I didn't catch that.
3.What do you mean by flexible hours?
4.Sorry, did you say fifteen or fifty?
5.So you mean the train, not the bus?
6.Could you speak a bit more slowly, please?
7.Oh, I see. Thanks, that makes sense now.
Read the short exchange. The examiner has just explained the question. Start with a short check (Oh, I see. So…), then give your opinion, a reason and an example. You have 45 seconds.
Examiner: Do you think people in your country have a good work-life balance?
You: Sorry, what do you mean by work-life balance?
Examiner: I mean having enough time for both your job and your private life: your family, your friends and your free time.
Now answer the question.
No preparation time · 0:45 speaking
Save words to review them later with flashcards.
“Sorry, I didn't catch your name.”
“Could you repeat the last part, please?”
“In Part 3 the examiner can rephrase the question.”
“Could you clarify what you mean by “soon”?”
“I misunderstood the question and talked about the wrong thing.”
“Oh, I see. That makes sense now.”
“Could you spell your surname, please?”
“Oh, I see. So the class starts at nine, not ten.”
“It's polite to say “sorry” before you ask someone to repeat something.”
“The city plans to invest in new bike lanes.”
“A shorter working week could improve work-life balance.”
