Open and closed questions — Communication skills for students

Communication tip

What, how, why open the door — “is, do, did get a quick yes or no”

1. Open questions (what, how, why): “What happened at the match?”, “How did you make that model?”, “Why do you like cricket?”
2. Closed questions (is, are, do, did, was, have): “Is it raining?”, “Did you finish the model?”, “Have you eaten lunch?”
3. Good question habits: asking when unsure, one question at a time, waiting for a pause, asking politely. Poor: asking five at once, asking mid-sentence, rude personal questions.

Use it for: Getting to know new classmates, doubts in class, asking grandparents about the old days and project interviews.

Worked example: ❓ Open or closed question? “Did you like the trip?” → a closed question

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

🏁 Lesson 8 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the ❓ Question Crafter badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 6 lessons of Part 2 · Listening. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Open and Closed Questions Worksheet

• Worksheet set 1 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 2 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 3 (PDF)