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How to Ask Better Questions in English Class: 3 Tips

Hari

1. Ask questions that need more than “yes” or “no.”
Instead of: “Do you like travelling?”
Try: “Where would you like to travel, and why?” ✈️
This gives students more opportunities to speak and develop their ideas.

2. Build the next question from the student's answer.
Student: “I like cooking.”
Tutor: “What do you enjoy cooking?”
Student: “Korean food.”
Tutor: “What Korean dish would you recommend?” ??
A conversation should feel natural, not like a list of unrelated questions.

3. Give learners time to think.
Students don't always need an easier question—they may simply need a few seconds to organise their English. If needed, the tutor can give a simple prompt or example before asking the student to try again.

My approach: Good questions should help students speak, think and build confidence. Sometimes one interesting question can create an entire conversation!                                       
Good questions + English practice + coffee = a pretty productive lesson. ☕??
I can provide the first two. The coffee is your responsibility!

— Hari ???? | English Tutor

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This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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