Question

Conversation between english teacher and student for clarify doubt

Answer 1

There isn’t just one way to let someone know that you didn’t understand. The culturally appropriate response may vary based on geographical location, formality of the situation, and type of relationship between the speakers. For example, when talking with close friends, it’s appropriate to say, “Huh?” If you’re in the southern U.S., the best response is “Ma’am?” or “Sir?”
Explain to your students the importance of register and teach a variety of ways to indicate confusion such as the following:

I’m sorry. Could you repeat that please?
I’m sorry I didn’t hear you. Could you please say that again slowly?
You said…. ?
Did you say X or Y?
Pardon?
Excuse me?
What was that?
Say that again please?
I’m sorry, I don’t understand what ______ means.

Be sure to tell them that certain common expression can have other meanings. For example, if students responded with “What did you say?” the listener might be confused and think that the student was offended rather than confused. This is also a good time to bring up intonation.