Interview skills · lesson 2 of 24 · free

Asking clear questions — Interview skills for students

“So, like, what about the thing?” gets a confused look; “Which documents should I bring for the scholarship form?” gets a useful answer. A clear question names exactly what you need. Open questions (what, how, why) invite a full answer; closed questions get a quick yes, no or one word — choose the kind that fits what you need.

▶ Watch how it works

Got it? Practise ↓

Tip

Name exactly what you need — “the thing, the day, the number — one question at a time”

  1. A clear question names exactly what you need: the thing, the date, the number, the step.
  2. Open questions start with what, how or why and invite details; closed questions get yes, no or one word — good for confirming a fact.
  3. Ask one question at a time, begin politely (“Excuse me, ma’am, …”) and say thank you for the answer.

Use it for: Asking teachers about projects, calling offices, interviews (you can ask questions too) and group work.

Worked example: ❓ Is this an open or a closed question? “Why did you choose this subject?” → an open question

  1. It starts with “why” and needs a full answer, not a yes or no.
  2. So it is an open question.

Check: Try it: write one clear question you need answered this week — with the exact day, number or document in it ✓

▶ Watch it animated

✏️ Practice

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

Right: 0 · Tried: 0

🏁 Lesson 2 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 ❓ Clear Questioner badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 8 lessons of Part 1 · Communication skills. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Communication Skills Worksheet: Asking Clear Questions

✨ Free AI tutor

Ask the AI tutor about this lesson

Why does it work? When should you use it? Ask in English, मराठी or हिंदी.

Sign in with Google to ask Free — 20 questions a day.

👩‍🏫 Interview skills classes near you — online or at home

Prefer a real teacher? TalentJR teachers take live online classes anywhere in India and visit homes in selected cities. Tell us what you need and our team will call you with timings and fees.

Live online classesSmall groups or 1:1 with a teacher, from home, any city.
Teacher at homeA TalentJR teacher visits your home (selected cities).
At a centreClasses at a TalentJR partner centre near you, where available.
Badges, certificates & gifts A badge for every lesson you pass, a certificate for every part you finish, plus TalentJR Points for daily practice. Debate & group discussion Speak up well in a group.