Speaking: Fluency and Coherence A1 - Lesson 3: Answering "Yes/No" and Simple Wh- Questions

Speaking: Fluency and Coherence A1

Answering "Yes/No" and Simple Wh- Questions

Listen to the examples here.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to give fluent, natural answers to both simple "Yes/No" questions and common "Wh-" questions.

Type 1: Answering Yes/No Questions ✅

These questions begin with a verb like "Do", "Are", or "Can". The most fluent way to answer is with a short answer, not just "yes" or "no".

Question: "Do you live in Siem Reap?"

👍 Good Answer

Yes.

✨ Better, More Fluent Answer

Yes, I do.

Type 2: Answering Wh- Questions ❓

These questions ask for information and begin with words like "What", "Where", or "When". The best way to answer is with a full phrase.

Question: "Where do you live?"

👍 Good Answer

Siem Reap.

✨ Better, More Fluent Answer

I live in Siem Reap.

Tips for Better Answers

💡 Answer Patterns

Pattern 1: Forming Short Answers for "Yes/No"

To make a short answer, just repeat the verb from the question. It's easy!

• Q: Do you like noodles? → A: Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
• Q: Are you a student? → A: Yes, I am. / No, I'm not.
• Q: Can you swim? → A: Yes, I can. / No, I can't.

Pattern 2: Forming Full Phrases for "Wh-"

The question word tells you what kind of information to give.

• Where do you work? → (Needs a place) → "I work at a hotel."
• What do you study? → (Needs a thing) → "I study English."
• When do you study? → (Needs a time) → "I study in the evening."

Practice Your Answers 🎯

Activity 1: Choose the Best Answer

Read the question and choose the most fluent, natural-sounding answer by clicking on it.

Activity 2: Answer About You!

Answer these questions about yourself. Try to use the correct pattern (short answer or full phrase).

• Do you live in Siem Reap?
• Are you a student?
• Where do you work or study?
• What is your favorite Khmer food?

(Practice speaking these answers aloud!)

Vocabulary

• Yes/No Question | សំណួរ បាទ/ចាស-ទេ
  A question you can answer with "yes" or "no". It starts with a verb like 'Do', 'Are', or 'Is'.
• Wh- Question | សំណួរ Wh
  A question that asks for information. It starts with a word like 'What', 'Where', 'When', or 'Who'.
• Short Answer | ចម្លើយខ្លី
  A short, polite phrase used to answer Yes/No questions (e.g., "Yes, I do.").
• live | រស់នៅ
  To have your home in a place.
• work | ធ្វើការ
  To do a job to earn money.
• study | រៀន
  To learn about a subject, usually at a school.

Your Speaking Mission ⭐

This week, your mission is to listen for questions and give good, fluent answers.

1. Listen for a "Yes/No" question and answer with a short answer (e.g., "Yes, I am.").
2. Listen for a "Wh-" question and answer with a full, fluent phrase (e.g., "I work at a restaurant.").

You can practice with friends, family, or your teacher!