Welcome! If you want to learn about a new place, help a customer, or make friends, you must know how to ask questions correctly.
In this lesson, we will focus on forming simple Yes/No questions (e.g., "Are you...?") and Wh- questions (Who, What, Where, When) using the verb "to be" (am, is, are).
Welcome! To learn about a new place or make new friends, you must know how to ask questions. Today, we will practice asking simple Yes/No questions and "Wh-" questions using the verb "to be" (am, is, are). Let's learn how to confidently find out more about the world around us.
warning Common Mistake
In many languages, you can make a question just by changing your voice or adding a question word at the end of a sentence. But in English, the verb "to be" must jump to the front of the subject! Don't say "You are a guide?". You must say "Are you a guide?"
Interactive Vocabulary
Yes/No Question
Are you...?
Used to ask someone directly about their identity, feelings, or job.
Example: Are you a driver in the city?
Yes/No Question
Is it...?
Used to ask about a specific thing, place, or situation.
Example: Is it hot outside the temple today?
Wh- Question
Who is...?
Used to ask which person did something or who someone is.
Example: Who is that friendly vendor selling iced coffee?
Wh- Question
Where is...?
Used to ask for a location or directions to a place.
Example: Where is the nearest market?
Wh- Question
What is...?
Used to ask for information about a thing, an action, or a description.
Example: What is your favorite local dessert?
Wh- Question
When is...?
Used to ask about time or when an event is going to happen.
Example: When is the festival this year?
Knowledge Check
map Meeting a Tourist
A visitor points to a map and asks for directions. Which question word did they likely use?
(Hint: They are looking for a location.)
handshake Getting to Know Someone
You want to find out if your new friend is a teacher. What is the correct question?
(Hint: The verb "to be" comes first in a question.)
calendar_month Festival Planning
You want to know the date of the next big holiday. Which question word do you use?
(Hint: You are asking about time.)
workspace_premium
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Study Resources
Lesson Summary & Review
Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above.
Yes/No Questions vs. Wh- Questions
- Yes/No Questions: These questions can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no". When using the verb 'to be', the verb comes before the subject. (e.g., "Are you a student?" or "Is it cold today?")
- Wh- Questions: These questions ask for specific information and cannot be answered with just "yes" or "no". They start with a Wh- word (Who, What, Where, When, Why), followed by the verb 'to be', and then the subject. (e.g., "Where is the restaurant?")
