How to Ask and Answer Basic English Questions

One of the most important tasks in speaking any language is asking questions. This article will help you learn how to ask and answer questions so you can begin having conversations in English. To help you, questions are divided into categories with a short explanation.

Yes and No Questions vs. Information Questions

There are two main types of questions in English: questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no, and questions that require a more detailed response.

Yes and No Questions

Are you happy today?	Yes, I am.
Did you have fun at the party.	No, I didn’t.
Will you come to class tomorrow?	Yes, I will.

Information Questions

Information questions are asked with the question words what, where, when, how, why, and which. These questions require longer answers to provide the specific information requested. Notice that each of these questions are answered with the positive or negative form of the helping verb. 

Where are you from?	I’m from Seattle.
What did you do on Saturday evening?	We went to see a film.
Why was the class difficult?	The class was difficult because the teacher didn’t explain things well.

Questions With Greetings: Saying Hello

Start the conversation with a greeting. Examples include:

• How are you? (formal)
• How’s it going? (informal)
• What’s up? (informal)
• How’s life? (informal)

Practice Dialogue:

• Mary: What’s up?
• Jane: Nothing much. How are you?
• Mary: I’m fine. 

 

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