Mastering WH questions can be a challenging task for many English language learners. However, with the right approach and practice, anyone can become proficient in using these types of questions. In this article, we will explore seven ways to master WH questions, along with worksheets to help you practice.
Understanding WH Questions
Before we dive into the seven ways to master WH questions, let’s first understand what they are. WH questions are a type of question that begins with the words who, what, when, where, why, or how. These questions are used to ask for specific information about a person, place, thing, or situation.
1. Practice with Authentic Materials
One of the best ways to master WH questions is to practice with authentic materials. This can include news articles, videos, podcasts, and social media posts. Try to find materials that interest you and that include WH questions. Read or listen to the material and then try to answer the WH questions on your own.
Worksheet:
Read the following news article and answer the WH questions that follow:
“Yesterday, a new restaurant opened in downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant, called ‘Taste of Italy,’ serves traditional Italian cuisine. The owner, Maria, said that she is excited to share her love of Italian food with the community.”
- Who opened a new restaurant in downtown Los Angeles?
- What is the name of the restaurant?
- What type of cuisine does the restaurant serve?
- Who is the owner of the restaurant?
2. Focus on Question Words
Another way to master WH questions is to focus on the question words themselves. Make a list of the six WH question words (who, what, when, where, why, and how) and try to come up with as many example questions as you can for each word.
Worksheet:
Complete the following table with example WH questions:
| Question Word | Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Who | |
| What | |
| When | |
| Where | |
| Why | |
| How |
3. Practice with Conversational Dialogues
Practicing with conversational dialogues is another great way to master WH questions. Find a language exchange partner or tutor and practice having conversations that include WH questions. You can also listen to podcasts or watch TV shows and try to answer the WH questions that are asked.
Worksheet:
Read the following conversational dialogue and answer the WH questions that follow:
Person A: “I’m planning a trip to Europe next month.” Person B: “That sounds like a great adventure! Who are you going with?” Person A: “I’m going with my best friend, Sarah.” Person B: “What cities do you plan to visit?”
- Who is Person A going on the trip with?
- What cities does Person A plan to visit?
4. Learn Common WH Question Patterns
Many WH questions follow common patterns. For example, “What do you like to do in your free time?” or “How did you learn English?” Learning these patterns can help you to better understand and answer WH questions.
Worksheet:
Complete the following sentences with the correct WH question pattern:
- I like to _______________________ in my free time. (What)
- I learned English by _______________________. (How)
5. Use Flashcards
Flashcards can be a great tool for mastering WH questions. Write the WH question on one side and the answer on the other. Quiz yourself by covering the answer and trying to come up with the correct response.
Worksheet:
Create flashcards with the following WH questions and answers:
- Who is the main character in the book? / The main character in the book is John.
- What is the capital of France? / The capital of France is Paris.
- When is the deadline for the project? / The deadline for the project is tomorrow.
6. Play WH Question Games
Playing games that involve WH questions can be a fun and interactive way to practice. You can play games like “Jeopardy!” or “20 Questions” with a language exchange partner or tutor.
Worksheet:
Play the following game with a language exchange partner or tutor:
- I’m thinking of a famous person. You can ask me up to five WH questions to try to guess who it is.
7. Watch English Videos
Watching English videos is another great way to master WH questions. Try to find videos that include WH questions, such as interviews or news broadcasts. Watch the video and then try to answer the WH questions on your own.
Worksheet:
Watch the following video and answer the WH questions that follow:
[Insert video]
- Who is the person being interviewed in the video?
- What is the topic of the interview?
- Why is the person being interviewed an expert on the topic?
Summary
Mastering WH questions takes practice, but with the right approach, anyone can become proficient. By practicing with authentic materials, focusing on question words, practicing with conversational dialogues, learning common WH question patterns, using flashcards, playing WH question games, and watching English videos, you can improve your skills and become a confident English speaker.
FAQ
What are WH questions?
+WH questions are a type of question that begins with the words who, what, when, where, why, or how. These questions are used to ask for specific information about a person, place, thing, or situation.
Why are WH questions important?
+WH questions are important because they help us to ask for specific information and to clarify our understanding of a person, place, thing, or situation.
How can I practice WH questions?
+You can practice WH questions by using the seven methods outlined in this article, including practicing with authentic materials, focusing on question words, practicing with conversational dialogues, and more.
