As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve witnessed countless students struggle with keeping their composure and articulation flowing during the Speaking test. Many fall into the trap of awkward silences or filler words, ultimately affecting their fluency and coherence scores. But fret not! “Buying time” is a valuable strategy that can significantly enhance your performance.

This article delves into the essence of buying time in the IELTS Speaking test, providing you with effective techniques and practical tips to navigate those tricky moments with confidence.

Understanding the Importance of Buying Time

In the high-pressure environment of the IELTS Speaking test, it’s natural to experience momentary brain freezes or struggle to formulate your thoughts coherently. This is where the art of buying time comes into play.

Buying time is NOT about stalling or avoiding the question. Instead, it’s a strategic pause that enables you to:

• Gather your thoughts: A well-placed pause gives you a moment to process the question and formulate a relevant response.
• Maintain fluency: By avoiding awkward silences or excessive use of filler words (“um,” “ah,” “like”), you create a smoother and more natural flow of speech.
• Demonstrate composure: Taking a moment to think showcases your ability to remain calm and collected under pressure, reflecting positively on your overall performance.

Effective Techniques for Buying Time

Let’s explore some effective techniques that’ll empower you to buy time without raising any eyebrows from the examiner:

1. Use Phrases that Acknowledge the Question

Acknowledging the question demonstrates active listening and buys you a few precious seconds. Here are some examples:

• “That’s an interesting question. Let me see…”
• “That’s a good point. I’ve never thought about it that way before, but…”
• “I understand what you’re asking. Well…”

2. Rephrase the Question

Rephrasing allows you to clarify your understanding and confirms to the examiner that you’re on the right track.

• Examiner: “What kind of impact does technology have on education?”
• You: “So, you’re asking about the influence of technology on the way we learn?”

3. Employ Transition Words and Phrases

These linguistic tools signal that you’re moving from one thought to another, creating a seamless transition while giving you breathing room:

• To introduce an opinion: “In my opinion…”, “From my perspective…”, “I believe that…”
• To express contrast: “On the other hand…”, “However…”, “Having said that…”
• To give examples: “For instance…”, “To illustrate…”, “One example of this is…”

4. Request Clarification (When Necessary)

Don’t hesitate to seek clarification if you’re unsure about the question. It’s better to ask than to risk misinterpreting and delivering an off-topic response.

• “Could you please rephrase the question?”
• “I’m not entirely sure I understand. Could you elaborate?”

IELTS Speaking Test Illustration

Illustrative Examples from IELTS Speaking

Let’s see these techniques in action:

Scenario 1:

• Examiner: “Do you think it’s important for children to learn a musical instrument?”
• You: “That’s a good point. I believe there are numerous benefits to learning a musical instrument during childhood…”

Scenario 2:

• Examiner: “How has the internet changed the way we communicate?”
• You: “So, you’re asking about the impact of the internet on communication methods? Well, it’s had a profound influence…”

Essential Tips for Success

• Practice makes perfect: Incorporate these techniques into your daily conversations and IELTS speaking practice sessions to make them feel natural.
• Don’t overuse any single technique: Variety is key. Employ a mix of phrases and techniques to avoid sounding repetitive or robotic.
• Be mindful of your pace: Buying time doesn’t mean speaking extremely slowly. Maintain a natural speaking pace to ensure clarity and coherence.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of buying time is a valuable skill that can significantly elevate your IELTS Speaking performance. Remember, it’s about strategic pausing and thoughtful phrasing, not about stalling or avoiding the questions. By incorporating these techniques and practicing consistently, you’ll gain the confidence to navigate any challenging question and deliver your responses with fluency and composure. Good luck!