How to Teach Interrogative Sentences

Hey guys, I've been getting a lot of requests for worksheets around interrogative sentences. Will add a few links here, but also wanted to share this quick guide. Hope you find it helpful!

What Are Interrogative Sentences?

Interrogative sentences are simply sentences that ask questions. They’re the sentences we use when we want to get information or start a conversation. These sentences always end with a question mark, so students can easily spot them. I tell my students that an easy way to remember this is to think of it as “interrogative = inquiry,” since these sentences are all about inquiring.

For example:

• What time is it?
• Can you help me with this problem?
• Where is the nearest park?

The 5 Ws and H: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How

A big part of teaching interrogative sentences is focusing on the question words (aka the 5 Ws and H): who, what, where, when, why, and how. These words are the foundation of almost every question. In my classroom, I've always spent time with my students practicing how to use each of these question words in sentences.

Here are a few examples:

• What is your favorite color?
• Where do you live?
• Why is the sky blue?
• How did you make this beautiful painting?

By using these question words, students learn to ask specific (and meaningful) questions. The more they practice asking questions, the better they become at gathering useful information.

Turning Statements into Questions

Another great way to teach interrogative sentences is by showing students how to turn statements into questions. It’s one of the first things I teach because it’s a great way to practice. By changing the word order in a statement, students can create their own questions. This can be a bit tricky for some students, but with practice, they get the hang of it.

For example:

• “You are going to the store.” (statement)
• “Are you going to the store?” (question)

This exercise helps kids understand that asking questions doesn’t always require a new word but can be as simple as rearranging words in a sentence.

Helping Kids Form Interrogative Sentences

When teaching younger kids, I like to give them sentence prompts to get them started. This could be a simple task where they change a declarative sentence into an interrogative one. As an example, I might give them a sentence like “I like pizza,” and ask them to change it into a question. They would answer with, “Do you like pizza?”

Creating these interactive exercises makes the learning process feel like a game. I also give them plenty of chances to ask questions about things they’re curious about. This helps keep them engaged while learning.

Putting It All Together with Real-Life Examples

I always used to try to relate grammar lessons to real-world situations. I want students to see how they can use interrogative sentences in their everyday lives (asking for help, clarifying directions, or just making conversation).

For instance, one time while we’re out on a field trip, I asked my students to ask questions about the places we visit... Questions like, "What time does the museum open?" or "Who painted that picture?"

Why Interrogative Sentences Matter

Learning how to ask the right questions is not just about grammar, it's about communication. As an elementary teacher, I know just how important it is for kids to learn to ask the right questions. When looking for information, solving problems, or just curious about the world, asking good questions is truly a valuable skill.

As with anything, practice is key. Asking questions isn’t just something to do in class. It's something we use all the time. I hope this short guide can give you a few new and fun ideas when working on interrogative sentences with your students. 😊