Punctuation: Question Marks

Question Marks: Turning Statements into Questions

What is a question mark (?)?

A question mark is a punctuation mark that looks like a curly hook. It shows that a sentence is a question.

When do we use question marks?

1. Direct Questions: We use a question mark at the end of a sentence that asks something directly.

   • Examples:
     • What is your name?
     • Do you like ice cream?
     • Where are you going?

2. Tag Questions: We use a question mark after tag questions (short questions added to the end of a statement).

   • Examples:
     • You like pizza, don’t you?
     • He’s coming to the party, isn’t he?

Important Things to Remember:

• Every question needs a question mark at the end.
• Don’t use a question mark for indirect questions (questions that are reported, not asked directly).
  • Example: She asked me what my name was. (This is a statement, not a direct question.)
• Don’t put a space before the question mark.

Let’s Practice!

1. Add the Question Marks: Put question marks where they belong in these sentences.

   • How old are you
   • Is it raining outside
   • You’re going to the party aren’t you

2. Change to Questions: Change the following statements into questions.

   • You like chocolate.
   • He is from Canada.
   • They are watching a movie.

Challenge!

Write a dialogue between two friends. Use at least three different questions in your dialogue. Remember the question marks!