Interrogatives Notes, Quizzes & Revision
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Notes: Interrogatives
Topic: topic_name_replace β Subject: subject_replace
Target learners: age_replace (Kenyan context)
Interrogatives are questions or parts of sentences used to ask for information. They include question words (who, what, where, when, why, how), yes/no questions, and tag questions. Questions help learners get information and check understanding.
Common question words (WH- words)
- Who β asks about a person. (Who is the bus conductor?) π
- What β asks about a thing or an idea. (What is your favourite snack?) π
- Where β asks about place. (Where is the matatu stage?) π
- When β asks about time. (When does assembly start?) β°
- Why β asks for a reason. (Why are you late?) β
- How β asks about manner, condition, or amount. (How did you get to school?) πΆββοΈπ²
- Which β asks to choose from a set. (Which uniform will you wear?) π
- Whose β asks about ownership. (Whose book is this?) π
Forms of questions
1. Yes / No questions
Structure (simple): Auxiliary + subject + main verb
Example (present): Do
2. WH- questions
Structure: Question word + auxiliary (if needed) + subject + main verb
Example: Where do you buy kuki? β Where do you buy biscuits?
3. Tag questions
Small question added to the end to check information. Use the opposite polarity.
Example: You are from Kisumu, aren't you?
Intonation and punctuation
- Yes/No questions often end with a rising intonation in speech and a question mark in writing: "Is the lesson over?"
- WH- questions usually end with a falling intonation and a question mark: "What time does the exam start?"
Short answers
Use short answers for quick replies in conversation. Match the auxiliary or verb form:
Q: "Do you play football?" β A: "Yes, I do." / "No, I don't."
Q: "Has the teacher arrived?" β A: "Yes, she has." / "No, she hasn't."
Common mistakes and tips
- For WH- questions, don't answer with "Yes" or "No" β give the information asked for. Q: "Where is the library?" A: "At the front of the school."
- Remember the auxiliary verb in questions: "She sings?" (wrong) β "Does she sing?" (correct).
- Use the correct tense: "When did you come?" for past, "When will you come?" for future.
Examples using Kenyan contexts (age_replace learners)
Yes/No: "Are you coming to the school trip to Nairobi National Museum?"
WH-:
- "Who sold the mandazi at break?"
- "Where is the nearest post office in town?"
- "When does the matatu leave for Nakuru?"
- "Why did you choose to study science?"
- "How do you make chai with masala?"
Tag: "You will bring your exercise book tomorrow, won't you?"
Practice activities (classroom-friendly for age_replace)
- Make question cards (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How). Learners pick a card and ask a classmate about a local topic (market, school, family).
- Convert statements to questions: "Your teacher is kind." β "Is your teacher kind?"
- Short-answer drill: call out questions; learners reply with short answers quickly.
- Role-play: one plays a customer in the bus park, another the conductor β practise Who/Where/How questions.
Assessment pointers
- Check correct question word usage and correct auxiliary placement.
- Listen for correct intonation and suitable short answers.
- Use real-life Kenyan contexts (markets, schools, transport) for authenticity.
Interrogatives let us request information. Teach the question words, correct grammar (auxiliaries and word order), intonation, and short answers. Use local Kenyan examples so learners of age_replace find questions meaningful and useful in daily life. π