Saying “I Don’t Know” — Mini Lesson

Level 3 • Conversation Skills Interactive
Link List MiClase.org
Grammar Cheatsheet — How to say I don't know

Most common: “I don’t know.”

Other natural forms:

  • I’m not sure.
  • I don’t understand.
  • I don’t know that yet.
  • I don’t know, but I can check.
  • I don’t know. Can you explain it?

Avoid: “No know,” silence, or guessing.

Short Story — “At the Morning Meeting”

Luis and Maya were looking at the schedule before the meeting. Luis asked, “Do you know what time it starts?” Maya froze for a moment. She usually guessed, but today she said clearly, “I don’t know.”

Luis smiled. “No problem. We can check the paper on the wall.” Then he asked, “Do you know who’s bringing snacks?” Maya said, “I’m not sure.” Luis laughed and said, “I don’t know either. Let’s find out.”

Multiple Choice — understanding the story

1) Why did Maya say “I don’t know” instead of guessing?

2) What did Luis do when Maya didn’t know the answer?

True or False
Fill-In Dialogue — use “I don’t know” / “I’m not sure” / “I don’t understand”

1) Carlos: What page are we on?
Marina:

2) Carlos: Do you understand the instructions?
Marina:

3) Carlos: Should we start now?
Marina:

Short Dialogue (12 lines)

Marina: Luis, do you know where the new forms are?

Luis: I don’t know. Maybe near the door?

Marina: I looked there. I'm not sure.

Luis: Let’s check the front desk.

Marina: Good idea. Do you know the manager’s name?

Luis: I’m not sure. I don’t know yet.

Marina: Should we ask the person by the printer?

Luis: Yes! If we don’t know, we can ask.

Marina: I don’t understand the new system.

Luis: Me neither. Let’s learn it together.

Practice — choose the correct phrase

1) Who is calling?

2) What does “tighten” mean?

3) Is the office open today?

4) How many pages do we read?