Communicating Clearly: Questions & Tone
Communicating Clearly: Asking and answering questions
Lesson duration is: 120 minItems in this lesson
Communicating Clearly: Asking and answering questions
Learning Objectives
· Ask relevant questions to obtain specific information in different contexts
· To know the differences between open, closed, probing and claryfying questions.
· Communicate ideas and opinions clearly and support them with evidence
· Respect turn-taking and interject appropriately during discussions
Two Truths one lie
Everyone write down two truths and one lie to share with the class
Starter: What Is a Good Question?
Think: What makes a question good or bad? Discuss with a partner for two minutes.
Good question
Bad question
Enter your question here
Examples of Bad Questions
Can you elaborate more please?
Do you know what I mean?
That’s an awful suggestion, what made you think of that?
This is a generic question – make sure your questions are specific.
This question is too vague and doesn’t show that you can obtain relevant information.
This is too rude for the context of the exam – make sure that you remain polite throughout.
Other examples of bad questions include those that are irrelevant to the topic. For example, if someone gave a presentation on a holiday destination, asking, ‘What’s your main hobby?’ would not be appropriate.
Examples of Good Questions
What are the reasons behind your opinion on…?
How did you become interested in hiking?
What other options are available for people who cannot partake?
These questions help to progress the conversation – they request new information which can lead to new areas of discussion.
These questions encourage detailed responses and maintain the natural flow of the conversation, as they cannot be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
These questions show the examiner that you are taking an interest in the discussion, and that you are engaged.
Types of Questions
We use open, closed, probing, and clarifying questions.
Open Question
Encourages a detailed response rather than a simple yes/no.
Example: “What do you think about this idea?”Closed Question
Can be answered with a short response, often yes or no.
Example: “Do you agree with this rule?”Probing Question
Digs deeper into a previous answer to get more detail.
Example: “Can you explain why you feel that way?”Clarifying Question
Checks understanding or asks for more explanation.
Example: “When you say ‘better service,’ what do you mean?”
Open vs Closed Questions
Open Question-Describes
Can you tell me about your weekend?
Did you go out last weekend?
Closed Question-Yes or no
Probing & Clarifying Questions
Probing: "Why do you think that?"
Clarifying: "Do you mean... ?" Use them to get more details or check understanding.
What type of question is 'What is your name?'
Clarifying question
Closed question
Open question
Probing question
Is 'Can you explain that further?' a probing question?
No, it is a closed question
No, it is an open question
Yes, it is a probing question
No, it is a clarifying question
Identify the type: 'What do you think about it?'
Closed question
Probing question
Open question
Clarifying question
Is 'Could you clarify that point?' a clarifying question?
Yes, it is a clarifying question
No, it is a closed question
No, it is an open question
No, it is a probing question
What type of question is 'Did you finish your homework?'
Clarifying question
Closed question
Probing question
Open question
Have a Go!
Read the following paragraph and then think of some good questions that you can ask.
Last week, I spent a fantastic day at the beach with friends and family. We arrived early to find a perfect spot, laying out our towels and umbrellas. The sun was shining, and the ocean breeze was amazing. We spent the morning playing beach cricket and swimming in the crystal-clear water. For lunch, we had a picnic with sandwiches, crisps and cold drinks. After that, we took a leisurely stroll along the shore, whilst enjoying the sound of the waves. How relaxing! As the sun began to set, we gathered around a bonfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. It was a perfect day, filled with laughter, relaxation, and good company.
In a group, think of as many relevant questions as you can.
Example Answers
Read the following paragraph and then think of some good questions that you can ask.
Last week, I spent a fantastic day at the beach with friends and family. We arrived early to find a perfect spot, laying out our towels and umbrellas. The sun was shining, and the ocean breeze was amazing. We spent the morning playing beach cricket and swimming in the crystal-clear water. For lunch, we had a picnic with sandwiches, crisps and cold drinks. After that, we took a leisurely stroll along the shore, whilst enjoying the sound of the waves. How relaxing! As the sun began to set, we gathered around a bonfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. It was a perfect day, filled with laughter, relaxation, and good company.
Example questions:
Have you always enjoyed going to the beach?
What activities did you enjoy the most?
What would you recommend to someone who plans on going to the beach soon?
What tips would you give someone to make their beach day more enjoyable?
What safety advice would you give to someone planning to swim in the sea?
Activity: Exam Questions
Practise answering formal exam-style questions. Focus on clear, full sentences.
Exam-Style Question
In an exam, one of the group members, James, said this:
Advertising the discounts will help to attract customers.
What would be the best question to ask James? Explain why this is the best question to ask him.
Questions:
a) What is advertising?
b) How and where will you advertise the discounts?
c) Customers are very beneficial, do you agree?
d) From a business perspective, what is the purpose of discounts?
Answer
Did you get…
b) How and where will you advertise the discounts?
= This question is specific to the topic of conversation and encourages a detailed response. It cannot be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, which would abruptly end conversations and limit the depth of the response. Additionally, the information being requested has not already been addressed in the original statement.
Group Discussion: Hot Seat
One student answers questions on a topic. The rest ask relevant questions and take turns.
Plenary: Quiz Time!
Can you name all the types of questions we practised today?
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
