In the IELTS Speaking exams, can we ask questions? The answer is Yes. However, you have to be aware of what questions you can ask and what should be avoided. How to ask questions in a nicer manner? Let’s learn about it in the following passage.
1. Ask the examiner to repeat the question politely
When you cannot hear the question clearly or if you are confused about the question, you can ask the examiner to repeat once more by saying:
Could you repeat the question, please?
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t catch that. Would you mind speaking once more time but slower please?’
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you. Could you repeat that, please?’
2. Never ask about the opinion of the examiner
You should be the one to answer the question, and that means you should never ask about the examiner’s point of view. The following should not appear during the exam:
‘Do you agree with this?’
‘What is your opinion?’
‘Can you give me an example for this topic?’
3. Ask the examiner to clarify the term / rephrase the question politely
When there is word that you don’t know / you don’t understand the question, you can consider asking the examiner these following questions:
‘Could you explain what does ____ mean, please?’
‘I’m sorry. What do you mean exactly?’
With these 3 skills in asking question, IELTS speaking won’t be as harsh as it was!
