Writing: Basic Mechanics & Formation (A1) - Lesson 6: Using Question Marks for Simple Questions
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Hello Learners! 👋
Today, we will learn about another important punctuation mark: the question mark. It looks like this: ?
A question mark is used when we ask something.
In this lesson, you will learn:
- What a question mark is.
- When to use a question mark at the end of a sentence.
- To tell the difference between a statement (that ends with a full stop .) and a question.
What is a Question Mark?
A question mark ? is a punctuation mark we use at the end of a sentence that asks something.
Main Rule: If a sentence asks a question, it must end with a question mark ?.
Examples of Questions:
- What is your name?
- Do you like blue?
- Is this a cat?
Remember Statements? Sentences that tell something (statements) end with a full stop .
- My name is Lin. (This is a statement, not a question)
- I like blue. (This is a statement)
Activity 1: Statement or Question?
Read the sentence. Is it a statement (telling something) or a question (asking something)? Choose the correct end mark: . or ?
Activity 2: Add the Question Mark!
These sentences are questions, but they are missing a question mark at the end. Type the sentence correctly in the box, adding the question mark ?.
Activity 3: Choose the Right Mark! (. or ?)
Read each sentence. Decide if it needs a full stop . or a question mark ? at the end. Click the correct mark.
✨ Tips for Using Question Marks ✨
- Asking Words: Many questions start with words like "What", "Where", "When", "Who", "Why", "How", "Do", "Does", "Is", "Are", "Can". If you see these at the start, it's often a question!
- Voice Goes Up: When we ask a question, our voice often goes up a little at the end. Try saying the sentence aloud.
- Check Your Writing: After you write, ask yourself: "Am I asking something here?" If yes, use a ?.
Excellent Work with Question Marks! 🎉
You've learned how to use question marks to show you are asking something. This is very important for writing clear English!