Asking for and Providing Information

  • Objective: Learn how to ask for and provide information using language.

Introductory Video

Introduction:

Asking questions and providing information are important parts of talking to others. When we ask questions, we can learn new things. When we answer questions, we help others learn from us. Let’s explore how to ask and answer questions, and understand the difference between open and closed questions.

Asking Questions:

  1. How to Ask Questions:
    • Start with Words Like: “What,” “Where,” “When,” “Why,” “How,” or “Can.”
    • Example: If you want to know what your friend had for lunch, you can ask, “What did you have for lunch today?”
  2. Types of Questions:
    • Open Questions:
      • What They Are: Open questions are questions that can have many different answers. They help you learn more details.
      • Allow for More Information: These questions help you get more details and learn more about the topic.
      • Example: “What did you do over the weekend?” This question lets the person tell you a lot about their weekend.
    • Closed Questions:
      • What They Are: Closed questions are questions that can be answered with just a few words, like “yes” or “no.”
      • Short Answers: These questions usually get short answers like “yes” or “no.”
      • Example: “Did you go to the park yesterday?” This question can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”
Question Words and How to Use Them:
  1. What:
    • Use: To ask about things, objects, or activities.
    • Examples:
      • “What is your favourite colour?” (Asking about a favourite colour)
      • “What did you eat for breakfast?” (Asking about breakfast)
  2. Where:
    • Use: To ask about places or locations.
    • Examples:
      • “Where do you live?” (Asking about the place someone lives)
      • “Where is your school?” (Asking about the location of the school)
  3. When:
    • Use: To ask about time or moments.
    • Examples:
      • “When is your birthday?” (Asking about the date of a birthday)
      • “When do you go to bed?” (Asking about the time someone goes to bed)
  4. Why:
    • Use: To ask for reasons or explanations.
    • Examples:
      • “Why do we need to eat vegetables?” (Asking for a reason)
      • “Why are you happy today?” (Asking for an explanation)
  5. How:
    • Use: To ask about the way or manner something is done.
    • Examples:
      • “How do you tie your shoes?” (Asking about the method)
      • “How are you feeling?” (Asking about someone’s feelings)
  6. Can:
    • Use: To ask if something is possible or if someone is able to do something.
    • Examples:
      • “Can you ride a bike?” (Asking if someone is able to ride a bike)
      • “Can we go to the park?” (Asking if it is possible to go to the park)

Answering Questions:

  1. How to Answer Questions:
    • Listen Carefully: Make sure you understand the question.
    • Think Before You Speak: Take a moment to think about your answer.
    • Give Clear Information: Answer the question clearly and give enough details.
  2. Examples of Answering Questions:
    • Open Question Example:
      • Question: “What is your favourite animal and why?”
      • Answer: “My favourite animal is a dolphin because they are smart and friendly.”
    • Closed Question Example:
      • Question: “Do you like pizza?”
      • Answer: “Yes, I do.”

Conclusion:

Asking and answering questions helps us learn and share information with others. Open questions let us find out more details, while closed questions give us quick answers. By practicing how to ask and answer different types of questions, we can become better at talking to others and learning new things. Remember to listen carefully, think before you speak, and be clear with your answers.