Quiz: English Question Forms — 5 questions

1. What characterizes an open question?

A. It begins with a conjugated auxiliary or modal.

B. It invites a developed answer with additional detail.

C. It asks about a choice between two fixed answers.

D. It requires an answer consisting of yes or no.

Answer: (B)

Explanation

An open question begins with an interrogative word and allows the respondent to develop the answer and add detail. A yes-or-no response characterizes a closed question instead.

2. Which sequence correctly represents the structure of an open question?

A. Interrogative word + conjugated auxiliary + subject + verb + complement + question mark

B. Interrogative word + subject + conjugated auxiliary + verb + complement + question mark

C. Conjugated auxiliary or modal + subject + verb + complement + question mark

D. Subject + conjugated auxiliary + interrogative word + verb + complement + question mark

Answer: (A)

Explanation

An open question follows the sequence of an interrogative word, conjugated auxiliary, subject, verb, complement, and question mark. Beginning with an auxiliary or modal describes the structure of a closed question.

3. Which sentence type begins with an auxiliary or modal and can be answered by yes or no?

A. A closed question

B. An open question

C. A question beginning with a noun phrase

D. A question asking about a duration

Answer: (A)

Explanation

A closed question begins with an auxiliary or modal and receives a yes-or-no answer. An open question begins with an interrogative word and permits a more developed response.

4. Which interrogative word asks about a countable quantity?

A. How many

B. Which

C. How much

D. How long

Answer: (A)

Explanation

“How many” is used to ask about a countable quantity, such as the number of books or students. “How much” instead asks about an uncountable quantity, such as water or time.

5. A student wants to know the location of a museum. Which interrogative word should the student use?

A. Where

B. When

C. Whose

D. Why

Answer: (A)

Explanation

“Where” asks about a place or location, so it fits a question about a museum’s location. “Why” asks for a reason rather than a place.