It would seem that it could be easier than asking a question? However, there are quite a few rules and varieties of questions in both English and Russian. In addition, their use in conversation always depends on the speech situation. And as we have to make sure, the situations in both English and Russian conversation are very similar to each other. We will analyze the types of questions in more detail in this article.
What are the questions in Russian?
In this paper, we consider 5 types of questions. There are a number of other classifications, the number of questions in which may vary, but today we will dwell on this.
So, according to our classification, there are five types of questions: closed, open, crucial, rhetorical, questions for consideration. Note that open and closed questions stand out in almost all types of classifications. This fact makes them basic.
Now consider each view in more detail, as well as give examples.
Open question
Open-ended questions are those that require a detailed answer and any explanation. It is impossible to answer either “yes” or “no”. Such questions begin with the following interrogative words: “how”, “who”, “what”, “why”, “how much”, “what”, etc.
Such questions allow your interlocutor to choose information to answer at their discretion. On the one hand, this can lead to the fact that the interlocutor will hide what he does not want to divulge. But on the other hand, if you ask a question in a suitable emotional situation, the interlocutor can open up and tell much more than the question you asked.
Open-ended questions turn your monologue into a conversation. However, there is a danger that you will lose control of the conversation and it will not be easy to regain control.
Here are some examples of such questions:
- Why do you want to study at our university?
- When did you decide to agree to this conversation?
- How much do you earn per month?
- Who is cleaning your house?
- What do you usually do in the evenings?
Closed question
Closed-type questions are those that can be answered with either yes or no. Often, in closed questions, a “li” particle is used. They maximize the freedom of the interlocutor, leading him to a monosyllabic answer.
By asking these kinds of questions, you can keep the conversation under your control. However, at the same time, the interlocutor cannot express his opinion or share ideas.
In addition, closed questions have a number of negative features:
- information received in response to them will be superficial;
- the two answers give the impression of coercion, so the interlocutor will gradually feel more and more uncomfortable, which ultimately means that he wants to end the conversation as soon as possible;
- they lead to the reluctance of the interlocutor to open up and provide more information.
Closed questions are recommended to be used when it is necessary to collect a lot of information in a short time. For example, when conducting various studies. If you plan to get to know your interlocutor better and assume that your acquaintance will continue, closed questions must be alternated with open ones, allowing the partner to speak out.
Examples:
- Do you like to run?
- Would you like to learn how to swim?
- Do you play musical instruments?
A rhetorical question
We continue to consider the types of questions. Next in line is a rhetorical question, which serves for a deep and detailed consideration of the subject of conversation. It is impossible to give an unambiguous and unbiased answer to such questions. Their goal is to identify unresolved issues and raise new questions or arouse the support of your opinion by the participants in the discussion by tacit agreement. In compiling such questions, a “li” particle is also often used.
Examples:
- After all, we all adhere to the same opinion on this issue?
- Can we perceive such actions normally?
Tipping point
Another major type of issue is the tipping point. These are issues that help to keep the discussion in a certain direction. They can also serve to raise new challenges. They are set in those situations when you have received comprehensive information on the issue in question and would like to switch the audience's attention to another, or when the opponent has resistance and you want to overcome it.
The interlocutor's answers to such questions make it possible to find out vulnerable points in his judgments.
Examples:
- Tell me, in your opinion, is it necessary? ..
- How is it really going with you? ..
- What do you think? ..
- What do you see in the future? ..
Question for consideration
These kinds of questions help the interlocutor to ponder and carefully think over what was said earlier and prepare comments. In such a speech situation, the interlocutor gets the opportunity to make changes to the position already stated by someone. This allows you to look at the problem from several angles.
Examples of such questions:
- Do you think that? ..
- Have we understood your judgment about that correctly? ..
- Do you agree with what? ..
Thus, we examined the meaning and examples of types of questions used in the Russian language.
How many kinds of questions are there in English?
There are also several types of questions in English. There are five of them, as in Russian. The use of questions will depend on the situation, context and the purpose for which you ask them. So, consider the types of questions in English with examples.
General question
General questions are identical to closed in Russian, that is, they suggest a monosyllabic answer: "yes" or "no." Serve for general information only.
Such questions are compiled without interrogative words, and begin with auxiliary verbs. And as you remember, in the English language for each time certain auxiliary verbs are provided .
The word order in the preparation of the question: auxiliary verb - subject - semantic verb - addition - definition.
Examples:
- Is he a good driver?
- Did he go to the disco today?
- Do you play basketball every day?
Separated question
We continue to consider types of questions in English with examples. This type is called separation because it consists of two parts, which are separated by a comma:
- Part 1 is a statement;
- Part 2 - “spine”, a question regarding this statement.
A “spine” is usually the opposite of a statement. That is, the purpose of the question is to verify the authenticity of the statement made.
Examples:
- You play basketball every day, don't you?
- Steven is a famous artist, isn't he?
Special issue
Types of questions can also serve for more information. For example, a special question. It necessarily begins with interrogative words. The following are commonly used: when, why, where, which, how , etc. These words do not include what and who , when they act as subjects.
Thus, the question has the following structure: interrogative word - auxiliary verb - subject - semantic verb - addition.
Examples:
- What is your name?
- When did you go to England last time?
Questions with or ("or")
Such questions suggest a choice between two different answer options. The word order is the same as in the general question, but it is imperative to offer an alternative opportunity.
Examples:
- Do you like tea or coffee?
- Will you go to Moscow by plane or by train?
- Does your father or your mother help you with your homework?
Question with who ( what )
This type is used when it is necessary to ask a question to the subject in the proposal. It will begin with what or who . The main feature of this type of question is that the word order when compiling it remains the same as in the statement. That is, the word order will be like this: who / what - semantic verb - addition.
Here are some examples:
- Who is this man?
- What was that?
So, we examined the possible types of questions in both Russian and English. As you can see, in both languages, despite the huge difference in origin and grammar between them, questions perform approximately the same functions. This tells us that the conversation in any language is conducted with certain goals. Moreover, the mechanisms for controlling the course of reasoning, regulated by questions, also seem to be similar.