Interrogatives

In English we can have open, or closed questions or retorical.

Open questions, usually have an open answer, talking about a subject that you choose.

Closed questions, usually have an answer suggested in the question. For example: What

would you like to eat today? Salad or sushi? the question doesnt affer an open

answer, it just lets you choose between 2 alternatives.

Retorical questions are those questions with no answer. They are used to accentuate an

idea. They are usually used in speeches or article in order to catch people attention. For

example: This is a cute story, dont you think so? I wrote it myself. (Dont you think

so is not a question that waits for an answer).

Open and closed questions have 4 cathegories:

1. Yes and No questions

2. Alternative questions (they offer your choises for the answer)

3. Wh- and H questions (they begin with what, who, where, why, how,

etc.)

4. Tag questions (they tag you in the question)

Examples for Yes and No questions

Do you like computer games? Yes, I do. Or No, I dont.

Examples for Alternative questions

Should I call or email you? I would prefer an email, please.

Examples for Wh- and H questions

How come you want to stay home tonight? (what is the reason behind your choice, or

why?) I would like to stay home tonight because I feel sick.

How come you didnt show up at the party? I didnt show up because my car broke

down.

What would you like to do today? (What would you like to choose?) I would like to

watch a movie. or I would be interested in taking a stroll in the park. or I would

rather take a nap. or I would prefer talking about electronics.

Examples for Tag questions

You live in Tokyo, dont you? Yes, I live in Tokyo. ; No, I dont.

You feel tired, dont you? Maybe a little. ; No, I actually dont. Do I look tired?