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Interrogatives

Interrogatives are frequently used in assessment questions. They are also known as question words and 'wh' words. Understanding what each type of question requires will help you answer assessment questions more effectively.

Who, what, when, where, why, which and how

A number of colourful question marks in speech bubbles.
There are many ways to answer interrogative questions — let's focus on two of them:

  • Simple answer: identify the answer (the person or people / the time or date / the place).
  • Answer with context/detail: identify and add context.

To decide which option to choose, consider the context of the question and make a judgement about how much detail is needed. If you have any doubts, it's a good idea to talk to your teacher about their expectations.

Let's explore how this works with the different wh- words:

Who questions

  • Simple: name the person or people involved
  • Add more detail: you can also mention their role or why they are important

Question: Who needs supervision on a residential building site?

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate features of the text. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

Simple: Employees of builders, builder's contractors, employees of contractors, and anyone visiting the building site need supervisionScreen reader users, this is the answer..

With context/detail: Under the OHS Act,Screen reader users, this is added context/detail. employees of builders, builder's contractors, employees of contractors, and anyone visiting the building site require supervisionScreen reader users, this is the answer. to ensure safety compliance.Screen reader users, this is added context/detail.

What questions

  • Simple: identify the object, event, or situation
  • Add more detail: describe the purpose or significance of it

Question: What is the function of a piston in a car engine?

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different features of the text. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

Simple: Pistons convert fuel into mechanical energy.Screen reader users, this is the answer.

With context/detail: The piston converts fuel combustion into mechanical energy.Screen reader users, this is the answer. It moves up and down in the cylinder, changing straight movement into a spinning movement that powers the car.Screen reader users, this is added context/detail.

When questions

  • Simple: give specific times or dates
  • Add more detail: you can add why these times or dates are important

Question: When was the the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) introduced?

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different features of the text. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

Simple: The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act was introduced in 1999.Screen reader users, this is the answer.

With context/detail: The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act,Screen reader users, this is the answer. which established a legal framework for conservation management,Screen reader users, this is added context/detail. was introduced in 1999.Screen reader users, this is the answer.

Where questions

  • Simple: tell the place or location
  • Add more detail: you can say what happens there or why it's important

Question: Where can you find the nutritional information label on packaged food?

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different features of the text. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

Simple: On the back or the side of the package.Screen reader users, this is the answer.

With context/detail: The nutritional information label on packaged food is typically located on the back or side of the packaging.Screen reader users, this is the answer. This label provides essential details about the product, including serving size, calorie count, and nutrient content.Screen reader users, this is added context/detail.

Why questions

  • Simple: explain the reasons or purposes
  • Add more detail: include why it's important

Question: Why is trust important when working with clients?

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different features of the text. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

Simple: Trust is important because it makes clients feel comfortable and confident that you'll do a professional job.Screen reader users, this is the answer.

With context/detail: Trust helps clients feel comfortable and sure that their needs will be met, creating a positive working relationship.Screen reader users, this is the answer. When clients trust you, they share their needs more openly which leads to better results.Screen reader users, this is added context/detail.

Which questions

  • Simple: choose from options and explain your choice
  • Add more detail: you can compare it with other options

Which questions

Question: Which is better for printed signs—RGB or CMYK?

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different features of the text. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

Simple: CMYK is better for printed signs.Screen reader users, this is the answer.

With context/detail: For printed signs, CMYK is preferred because it uses four colours (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) suitable for printing processes.Screen reader users, this is the answer. RGB is more suitable for digital displays, as it uses red, green, and blue light to create colours on screens.Screen reader users, this is added context/detail.

How questions

You may need to answer a few different types of how questions, such as:

How often

  • Simple: describe the frequency (e.g. daily, weekly, once a month)
  • Add more detail: include any patterns, exceptions, or why this particular frequency is correct

How much / many

  • Simple: give the quantity or number (e.g. 5 units, 20 people)
  • Add more detail: explain why the quantity or number is the correct answer

How do you / can you (do something)

  • Simple: describe the basic steps or method
  • Add more detail: provide detailed steps or explanation about why these steps or this method should be used

How is / are

  • Simple: describe a current state, method or difference
  • Add more detail: explain why the state is the way it is, why a method should be used or detail the differences

Question: How often should a kiln be serviced?

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different features of the text. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

Simple: A kiln should be serviced once a year or after every 200 firings.Screen reader users, this is the answer.

With context/detail: For most kilns used in educational or hobby settings,Screen reader users, this is added context/detail. service is recommended once a year or after every 200 firingsScreen reader users, this is the answer. to ensure optimal performance and safety.Screen reader users, this is added context/detail.

Question: How many milligrams of paracetamol can an adult have in a 24 hour period?

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different features of the text. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

Simple: An adult can have a maximum of 4,000 milligrams in 24 hours.Screen reader users, this is the answer.

With context/detail: An adult can have a maximum of 4,000 milligrams in 24 hours.Screen reader users, this is the answer. It's important to avoid exceeding this limit to prevent liver damage and other potential side effects.Screen reader users, this is added context/detail.

Questions: How do you measure a person's body mass index (BMI)?

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different features of the text. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

Simple answer: Calculate BMI by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.Screen reader users, this is the answer.

With context/detail: Calculate BMI by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.Screen reader users, this is the answer. This calculation is used to assess whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.Screen reader users, this is added context/detail.

Questions: How are cover letters and resumes different?

Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different features of the text. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.

Simple answer: Cover letters introduce you and highlight your interest in a job, while resumes list your skills, experiences, and qualifications.Screen reader users, this is the answer.

With context/detail: Cover letters are personalised documents that show your interest and suitability for a job, highlighting your experiences and skills. Resumes are organised lists of your work history, education, and skills.Screen reader users, this is the answer. Together, they give a full picture of your qualifications.Screen reader users, this is added context/detail.

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