Unit 6 A COMMUNICATION: GIVING YOURSELF TIME TO THINK
Sometimes we need to think before we answer a question. We need to use polite ways of ‘buying’ thinking time. We also use phrases to show that we are not sure of the answer.
1 Put the phrases from the box into the correct category. Well, let’s see.
I’m not sure, but … I believe …
Just a moment. Possibly …
Let me think. To my knowledge …
Could you say that again? I think …
Do you mean …? Perhaps …
Mmm. That’s a good question. ‘Time to think’ phrases ‘Not sure’ phrases
C21 skills
2 In pairs. Think of three difficult questions to ask your partner.
Examples What teacher at school influenced you the most? In what ways? What was your best memory when you were a child? Do you think the past was better than the present? In what ways?