Mind Gone Blank in IELTS Speaking? Phrases to Buy Time and Ask for Repetition
Asked about space tourism, Rohan from Kolkata said nothing for eight long seconds. He knew English; he just didn’t know anything about space tourism.
If your mind goes blank in IELTS Speaking, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question and buy a few seconds with a natural phrase. Then answer with what you do know: the examiner is assessing your English, not your expertise.
Practice question: Do you think space tourism will become common?
Can You Ask the Examiner to Repeat a Question?
Yes. IDP IELTS lists “I cannot ask the examiner to repeat a question” as a myth. It says asking for a repeat, or for the question to be put in a different way, is acceptable, and it advises asking whenever you are unsure.
What the examiner does next depends on the part, according to IELTS research reports that quote the examiner instructions. In Part 1 the examiner uses the exact words of the question and does not explain or reformulate it, while in Part 3 the wording is less controlled. So in Part 1, expect a repeat rather than an explanation of a word.
Phrases for Five Common Moments
Choose the phrase that matches what has actually happened.
| Situation | What you can say |
|---|---|
| Didn’t hear or understand | Could you repeat that? (In Part 3: or put it another way?) |
| Can’t find a word | I can’t think of the word, but it’s something you use to… |
| Need a moment | That’s an interesting question — let me think. |
| Know little about the topic | I haven’t thought much about this, but I’d imagine… |
| Lost your thread | Sorry, what I meant to say was… |
Use the Phrases Sparingly
A stock phrase buys a few seconds, but using the same one every time sounds mechanical. The Fluency and Coherence descriptors mention hesitation and repetition, so keep these phrases occasional and follow each one with a real answer.
Our guide to natural and habitual fillers explains the difference.
Incorrect: Saying nothing for eight seconds.
Correct: “That’s an interesting question — let me think for a second.”
Incorrect: “Sorry, I don’t know.”
Correct: “I don’t know much about it, but I’d guess commercial flights will remain costly.”
Turning “I Don’t Know” Into an Answer
IDP IELTS says your knowledge of particular topics isn’t being tested. If you know little about a topic, say so briefly, then use a personal angle, general reasoning or a comparison.
Our guide to extended Part 3 answers shows how to build the answer from there.
If Your Mind Goes Blank in Part 2
Glance at your keyword notes and move on to the next point on your list. IDP IELTS says to write abbreviations or signs that help you speak, so your notes are there to help you.
Tip
Take one slow breath before answering an unexpected question, then use your time-buying phrase. The breath gives you a second to choose your first idea.
Sample Answer: Handling an Unfamiliar Topic
Here is one way to answer the practice question after freezing briefly.
Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)
That’s an interesting question — let me think for a second. To be honest, I haven’t really followed space travel, but I’d imagine it will stay a luxury for decades, because launching rockets is so expensive. Perhaps prices will fall one day, as they did for international flights, but for now I can’t see it becoming an everyday holiday option. Of course, I could be wrong.
Why it works: The speaker buys a second with a stock phrase, admits limited knowledge, gives a reason (cost), and compares the idea with air travel.
Try It
Answer each of these three unexpected questions. Begin each answer with a time-buying phrase before you develop your point.
- Should historic buildings be protected by the government?
- How will exploration of the deep sea develop over the next fifty years?
- Why do some people enjoy collecting vintage mechanical items?
Show sample answer
Hmm, let me think. I haven’t thought much about the deep sea, but I’d imagine robots will do most of the exploring. Sending people down to such depths is dangerous and expensive, so small unmanned submarines make more sense.
If nerves are the real problem, our guide to stage fear in public speaking may help, though it focuses on public speaking.
Key Takeaways
- IDP IELTS says asking the examiner to repeat a question is acceptable.
- Match the phrase to the problem: not hearing, not understanding, or needing time.
- In Part 1 expect a repeat; in Part 3 the examiner may reword the question.
- Use stalling phrases sparingly, and follow each with a real answer.
- Turn an unfamiliar topic into an answer with a personal angle or comparison.
The bottom line: A short pause phrase and an honest “I’d guess…” give you something to say, and your English is what gets assessed.