Writing: Sentence Construction & Variety (A2) - Lesson 3: Forming Simple Questions (Do you...? What is...?)
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Hello Learners! 👋
Today, we will learn how to ask simple questions in English. Asking questions is a very important part of communication!
We will look at two common ways to start questions: with "Do you...?" and "What is...?".
In this lesson, you will learn:
- How to form Yes/No questions using "Do" and "Be" verbs (like "Do you...?", "Is it...?").
- How to form simple information questions using "What is...?".
- To use a capital letter at the start and a question mark ? at the end of questions.
Forming Simple Questions
Questions are sentences that ask for information. They always end with a question mark (?).
1. Yes/No Questions with "Do" / "Does"
We use "Do" or "Does" to ask questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no".
- Use Do with I, you, we, they. (e.g., Do you like apples?)
- Use Does with he, she, it. (e.g., Does she like cats?)
Structure: Do/Does + Subject + Verb (base form) + ... ?
Example: Do you play football?
2. Yes/No Questions with "Be" verbs (Is, Are)
We also use "Be" verbs (like is, are) at the start to ask Yes/No questions.
Structure: Is/Are + Subject + ... ?
Examples:
- Is he tall?
- Are they students?
3. Information Questions with "What is...?" / "What are...?"
We use "What" to ask for information about things.
Structure: What + is/are + Subject + ... ? OR What + is/are + this/that/these/those ?
Examples:
- What is your name?
- What is this?
- What are those?
Remember: All questions start with a capital letter and end with a question mark (?).
Activity 1: Choose the Correct Question Word
Read the end of the question. Choose the best word (Do, Does, Is, Are, What) to start the question.
Activity 2: Unscramble the Question
Put the words in the correct order to make a question. Remember the capital letter and question mark!
Activity 3: Change Statements to Questions
Read the statement. Change it into a question using the question word in (brackets).
✨ Tips for Forming Questions ✨
- Yes/No Answers: If the answer can be "yes" or "no", the question often starts with Do, Does, Is, or Are.
- Information Answers: If you need information (like a name, a thing, a place), the question often starts with What, Where, When, Who, Why, How. (We focused on "What" today).
- Word Order Changes: Notice how the verb often comes before the subject in questions (e.g., "He is happy." vs "Is he happy?").
- Punctuation is Key: Always end a question with a question mark (?).
Great Questioning! 🎉
You've learned how to ask simple questions in English! This is very important for conversations and learning new things.