[jimmyhwang]

This framework is very similar to case interview questions management consultants use during their interviews. The bit about repeating the question not only buys you some time to think about the problem some more, but also allows you to confirm your assumptions (as the write notes).

As another comment pointed out, the best way to become better at this process is to practice. I know when I was preparing for my consulting interviews, I practiced the framework with a friend for weeks at a fast food joint so that I had the process down. Once you can perform the process instinctively, you can focus your brain cells on actually solving the problem.