1.

"I'M SO SORRY BUT TODAY I AM A

BAG OF NERVES. TO BE HONEST, MY
MIND JUST WENT COMPLETELY
BLANK".
This expression lets the examiner know that you are feeling under
pressure but that you are trying. "A bag of nerves" is also an idiom so
you will score points for idiomatic use of language. 

2." WOW, WHAT A FANTASTIC

QUESTION. I HAVE GENUINELY
NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT
BEFORE. LET ME JUST TAKE A
MOMENT TO CONSIDER YOUR
QUESTION".
Being excited and showing enthusiasm is a great way to improve your
intonation score. Also, examiners are subject to flattery like anyone else
so, don't be afraid to compliment their questions! 

3. "TO BE PERFECTLY HONEST, THIS

IS NOT A TOPIC I NORMALLY TALK
ABOUT. BUT, IF YOU HAVE TO ASK
ME I GUESS I WOULD SAY THAT...".
Once again, honesty is the best policy and by using this line you will
give yourself precious time to think of a better response.  

4. "UNFORTUNATELY, THIS SUBJECT

IS NOT REALLY MY CUP OF TEA. I
DON'T HAVE STRONG FEELINGS ONE
WAY OR THE OTHER. IF I HAD TO
CHOOSE, I WOULD HAVE TO SAY...".
Perfect for those tricky IELTS questions about Art like "what is your
favorite painting?" and all you can think of is the Mona Lisa. Don't be
afraid to buy some time and score points with these idioms.
SIGN UP TO GET A 7 OR HIGHER
5. "YOU KNOW, IT'S BEEN SUCH A
LONG TIME SINCE I'VE THOUGHT
ABOUT THIS MATTER. PLEASE, LET
ME TAKE A FEW SECONDS TO
COLLECT MY THOUGHTS".
Sometimes, we all need a few seconds to think in life. Don't be afraid to
take those seconds you need, as long as you don't leave your examiner in
silence for the next five minutes you should be fine.  

6. "SO, LET ME SEE".

Nice, simple and sweet. Sometimes, we just need a moment to think. Use
this nice phrase instead of making a dreaded mmmm uhhhh mmmm
sound. 

7. "I'M SO SORRY, I'M NOT SURE

WHAT YOU MEANT BY THAT. CAN
YOU REPEAT YOUR QUESTION
PLEASE?".
On occasion, you can always get the examiner to repeat the question.
This gives you a few valuable moments to think of a response. Try to
only use this one if you have to though as the examiner may think you
are not comprehending the questions if overused. 

8. PARAPHRASE THE EXAMINER.

Okay, so this one technically isn't a phrase...but you can use this to good
effect and score highly. You can find more information on paraphrasing
here.

Let me give you an example:

Examiner: How has global warming affected your country?

Student: Wow, that is an interesting question actually. Let me take a few

seconds to rack my brains and consider the recent ramifications of
climate change in my nation. 

So, what we have done here is bought ourselves time, used idioms, and
successfully paraphrased the examiner. All these things will help to
improve your score and the quality of your answer.

Don't feel pressured by the IELTS exam or examiner. This is your test,
your future and with these phrases, you are in control!