Question facts for kids

Jonathan Dimbleby asking questions during a BBC World Service program.

A question is a way of asking for information. People ask questions when they want to learn something new or understand something better. In writing, a question mark ("?") always goes at the end of a question.

What Are Questions?

Questions are special sentences that ask for an answer. They help us learn, explore, and communicate with others. We use questions every day to find out about the world around us.

Different Kinds of Questions

There are many ways to ask questions, and each type helps us get different kinds of answers.

Yes or No Questions

These questions usually need a simple "yes" or "no" as an answer.

• "Are you ready?"
• "Is this your book?"
• "Do you like pizza?"

Information Questions

These questions ask for specific details. They often start with words like "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," or "how." These are sometimes called "Wh- questions."

Asking About People: Who

• "Who is your favorite singer?"
• "Who won the game?"

Asking About Things: What

• "What is your name?"
• "What time is it?"

Asking About Places: Where

• "Where do you live?"
• "Where is the nearest park?"

Asking About Time: When

• "When does school start?"
• "When will the movie begin?"

Asking About Reasons: Why

• "Why did you choose that color?"
• "Why is the sky blue?"
• Questions starting with "why" often ask for an explanation or a reason.

Asking About How Things Happen: How

• "How do you make a cake?"
• "How old are you?"

Questions That Seek Explanations

Sometimes, a question asks for more than just a fact. It asks for an explanation of why something happened or how something works.

Explaining with Principles

Some answers are based on general rules or ideas.

• "Why do birds fly south in winter?" Answer: Because they are migrating to warmer places.

Explaining with Stories

Other answers might tell a short story or describe a sequence of events.

• "How did you get here so fast?" Answer: I took a shortcut through the park.

Explaining with Goals

Some questions ask about the purpose or goal behind an action.

• "Why are you studying so hard?" Answer: Because I want to get good grades.

The Importance of Questions

Asking questions is a very important skill. It helps us learn new things, solve problems, and understand different points of view. Good questions can lead to interesting discussions and new discoveries.

Images for kids

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  A journalist raises her hand to ask a question at a press conference.

See also

In Spanish: Pregunta para niños