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II.1 Question words: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

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What Are Question Words?

Question words are special words we use to ask for information. They help us find out more about people, places, things, and ideas.

Examples:
  • Who is your teacher?
  • What is your favorite food?
Helpful Hint

Every question word has a job. Learning their jobs will help you ask clear questions and understand answers better.

Using "Who"

"Who" is used to ask about a person or people. It helps us find out names, roles, or identities.

Examples:
  • Who is knocking at the door?
  • Who is your best friend?
Helpful Hint

When you use "Who," think about people. The answer will usually be someoneโ€™s name or a personโ€™s role.

Using "What"

"What" is used to ask about things, ideas, or actions. It helps us find out facts, objects, or choices.

Examples:
  • What is inside the box?
  • What game do you want to play?
Helpful Hint

Use "What" when you want to know about objects, activities, or descriptions.

Using "When"

"When" is used to ask about time. It helps us learn about dates, times of day, or events.

Examples:
  • When is your birthday?
  • When do we go to lunch?
Helpful Hint

Look for time words in the answer, like morning, afternoon, tomorrow, or a date.

Using "Where"

"Where" is used to ask about places. It helps us learn locations or directions.

Examples:
  • Where is the library?
  • Where is my backpack?
Helpful Hint

The answer to a "Where" question will tell you about a place or location.

Using "Why"

"Why" is used to ask about reasons. It helps us understand causes and explanations.

Examples:
  • Why is the sky blue?
  • Why are you happy?
Helpful Hint

Answers to "Why" questions often use words like because or so that.

Practicing Question Words

Practice using question words in your speaking and writing. The more you use them, the easier it is to gather information and share ideas.

Examples:
  • Who is your teacher? โ†’ Ms. Lopez.
  • What is your favorite color? โ†’ Green.
  • When is lunch? โ†’ At noon.
  • Where do you play soccer? โ†’ At the park.
  • Why do you like reading? โ†’ Because it is fun.
Helpful Hint

Try making your own questions with Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Then answer them in complete sentences.