Closed (yes/no) questions in English

Introduction

Closed questions, also known as yes/no questions, are an essential part of the TOEIC Listening & Reading test. These questions require a simple "yes" or "no" answer and are commonly used in business conversations, meetings, and written communication. Understanding how to form and respond to closed questions will help you succeed in the TOEIC exam and in real-world business situations.

Explanation

Closed questions typically begin with an auxiliary verb (such as "is," "are," "do," "does," "has," or "have") or a modal verb (such as "can," "will," "should," or "must"). The structure is straightforward:

Auxiliary or Modal Verb + Subject + Main Verb + (The rest of the Sentence)?

Examples:

• "Is the report ready?"

• "Do you need any help with the presentation?"

• "Can we schedule the meeting for tomorrow?"

When forming closed questions in the present simple tense, use "do" or "does":

• "Does she work here?"

• "Do they offer a discount?"

Common mistakes

• Forgetting the auxiliary or modal verb: Learners often omit the auxiliary or modal verb. Remember, it is essential for forming closed questions.

  • Incorrect: "You need help?"

  • Correct: "Do you need help?"

• Incorrect word order: The subject must come after the auxiliary or modal verb.

  • Incorrect: "Is ready the report?"

  • Correct: "Is the report ready?"

Tips for the TOEIC test

• Listen carefully for auxiliary and modal verbs in the Listening section. They often indicate a closed question.

• In the Reading section, pay attention to the context of closed questions to determine the correct answer.

• Practice forming closed questions to improve your ability to quickly understand and respond to them.

Mini practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct auxiliary or modal verb:

1. _______ you attending the conference next week?

2. _______ the manager approve the budget yesterday?

3. _______ we start the project now, or should we wait?

Answers:

1. Are

2. Did

3. Can