2026.07.21_Conversations Abroad_Asking for Clarification

When You Don’t Understand: Asking for Clarification

REVIEW – Vocabulary from Lesson 2

Japan is on my ______ ______. 

We joined a ______ ______ yesterday. 

The view was absolutely ______. 

That restaurant is a tourist ______. 

It's definitely ______ a visit. 

GRAMMAR FOCUS – Indirect Questions

Structure: Introductory phrase + question word + subject + verb

Could you tell me where the station is?
Do you know where I can buy tickets?
Would you mind telling me how this works?
Do you happen to know when the next bus arrives?

❌ Could you tell me where is the station?
✅ Could you tell me where the station is?

FIXED PHRASES

Sorry, I didn't quite catch that.

Could you say that again, please?

What do you mean by...?

Could you speak a little more slowly?

Let me make sure I understood correctly...

VOCABULARY

ROLEPLAY

Scenario: You're travelling in Scotland and speaking to a local at a train station.

Local: Good morning! Where are you travelling today?
Traveller: Explain where you're going.

Local: Give several instructions quickly.
Traveller: Ask them to repeat or speak more slowly.

Local: Explain again.
Traveller: Ask one indirect question about tickets, platforms or train times.

Local: Answer.
Traveller: Check that you've understood correctly.

Local: Give one more piece of information.
Traveller: React naturally and thank them.

Challenge: Use 2 indirect questions, 2 clarification phrases and 1 question tag or So/Neither.

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS (WITH EXAMPLE ANSWERS)

1. Have you ever struggled to understand someone's English because of their accent?
Yes, I have. When I visited Scotland, I found some accents quite difficult to understand at first.

2. What do you usually do if you don't understand someone?
I usually ask them to repeat what they said or speak a little more slowly.

3. Do you think it's okay to ask people to repeat themselves? Why?
Yes. Most people are happy to repeat something if you're polite.

4. Which English accent is the easiest for you to understand?
I find British English quite easy because that's what I've listened to most.

5. Have you ever misunderstood someone while travelling?
Yes, once I misunderstood directions and ended up on the wrong train.

6. What English words do you often find difficult to remember?
I sometimes forget less common vocabulary, especially when I'm nervous.

7. Do you prefer speaking to native speakers or other English learners? Why?
I enjoy both. Native speakers help me improve, but other learners are often easier to understand.

8. How do you practise your listening skills?
I watch films, listen to podcasts, and attend English conversation meetings.

9. What's the best piece of advice you've received for improving your English?
The best advice was to stop worrying about mistakes and just keep speaking.

10. What would make you feel more confident speaking English abroad?
More real-life practice and more conversations with different people would definitely help.