How to use question tags effectively

Introduction

Question tags are short questions added to the end of a statement. They are important in English because they help confirm information or seek agreement. In the TOEIC Listening & Reading test, understanding question tags can help you better comprehend conversations and written texts.

Explanation

A question tag is usually formed by using an auxiliary verb (e.g., is, are, do, have) and a pronoun. The basic rule is: if the statement is positive, the question tag is negative, and if the statement is negative, the question tag is positive.

• Positive statement: "You work here, don't you?"

• Negative statement: "She isn't coming, is she?"

For sentences with "I am," the question tag is "aren't I?"

• "I am on time, aren't I?"

Common mistakes

• Using the wrong auxiliary verb: Match the auxiliary verb in the statement with the question tag.

  • Incorrect: "She can swim, doesn't she?"

  • Correct: "She can swim, can't she?"

• Using the wrong pronoun: Ensure the pronoun in the tag matches the subject.

  • Incorrect: "John is here, isn't it?"

  • Correct: "John is here, isn't he?"

Tips for the TOEIC test

• Listen carefully for question tags in conversations; they often indicate that a speaker is confirming information.

• In reading sections, notice question tags to understand the speaker's intention or attitude.

• Practice forming question tags to improve your comprehension and response skills.

Mini practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct question tag:

1. The meeting starts at 9 AM, _______?

2. You haven't finished the report, _______?

3. She was at the conference yesterday, _______?

Answers:

1. doesn't it

2. have you

3. wasn't she