Asking or Telling?

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

I can make a funny face.

This first sentence tells something. A sentence that tells something or makes a statement is a declarative sentence. Sometimes, these sentences are called telling sentences.

Can you make a funny face?

The second sentence asks a question. A sentence that asks a question is an interrogative sentence. Sometimes, these sentences are called asking sentences.

Read the following telling sentences. Telling sentences will always end with a period (.).

• My dog's name is Max.
• The garden has many types of vegetables.
• I am wearing green pants and a white shirt today.
• I like to read scary books.

Now, read the following asking sentences. Asking sentences will always end with a question mark (?).

• Will you go clean your room?
• Why is the sky blue?
• Where are my socks?
• Did you like the book you checked out at the library last week?

Asking sentences often ask the 5Ws and H: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.

Review what you learned with the video below.

Keep the practice going in the Got It? section!