🎯 Learning Objectives
- Identify the correct question word (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How) for different types of information
- Use Wh-questions to ask about schedules, projects, and people at work
- Recognize the structure of Wh-questions in business conversations
- Demonstrate understanding by asking and answering basic business questions
📚 Grammar Explanation
Wh-Questions
We use Wh-questions to ask for specific information. We cannot answer them with "yes" or "no".
Form / Structure:
Question Word + Auxiliary Verb (be, do, can) + Subject + Main Verb?
- Where is the office?
- When do you start work?
- What can I do?
Usage Rules / Question Words:
- Who: asks about a person. ("Who is the manager?")
- What: asks about a thing or an action. ("What is your job?")
- Where: asks about a place. ("Where is the meeting room?")
- When: asks about a time. ("When is the deadline?")
- Why: asks for a reason. ("Why is the office closed?")
- How: asks about the way or manner. ("How do I send this file?")
- How much/many: asks about quantity. ("How much does it cost?" / "How many people are on your team?")
🔑 Key Learning Tip
Remember the 5 W's and 1 H: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. They help you get the exact information you need at work.
🏢 Wh-Questions in Professional Contexts
- "Who is my main contact for this project?"
- "When is the next team meeting?"
- "What are the main points of the agenda?"
- "Why did we change the project deadline?"
💼 Wh-Questions in Daily Business
- "How should I contact the client? By phone or email?"
- "Where do you work in the company?"
- "How much progress did we make this month?"
- "What are our goals for the next quarter?"
🎧 Listening Exercise
David: Hi Anna, welcome to the team. How are you finding your first week?
Anna: Hi David, thank you. It's going well, but I have a few questions.
David: Of course, ask away. That's what I'm here for.
Anna: Great. First, I need to look at the marketing plan for the new product. Where can I find the project files?
David: Good question. They are on the shared drive, in the folder named 'Q4-Product-Launch'.
Anna: Okay, 'Q4-Product-Launch'. Got it. And who is the main contact for the design team? I need to ask them about some images.
David: That's Maria. Her desk is over there, by the window. She is very helpful.
Anna: Perfect, thank you. Now, about my tasks. What is my first big task for this project?
David: We need you to create the social media plan. It's a very important part of the launch.
Anna: A social media plan, excellent. I have experience with that. When is the deadline for the first draft?
David: I need to see the first draft by next Friday. Is that possible?
Anna: Yes, next Friday is fine. Just one more thing about that... Why is this campaign so important for the company right now?
David: Because our competitor launched a similar product last month. We need to be fast and effective.
Anna: I understand. That makes sense. And finally, a practical question. How should I send the draft to you? As a PDF in an email?
David: Yes, an email with a PDF attachment is perfect. Oh, and don't forget our team meeting tomorrow.
Anna: Oh, right! What time is our team meeting tomorrow?
David: It's at 10 AM.
Anna: And where is the meeting room?
David: It's in Meeting Room 3, on this floor. I'll see you there.
Anna: Thank you, David. I feel much better now.
Anna asks: "______ can I find the project files?"
📝 Interactive Quiz
📝 Exercise A: Matching Exercise
Instructions: Match the question word to the type of information it asks for.
Question Words:
📝 Exercise B: Choose the Correct Form
Instructions: Choose the correct question word to complete the sentence.
📝 Exercise C: Complete the Dialogue
Instructions: Complete the dialogue by typing the correct question in the gaps.
Alex: Hi Maria, do you have a minute? I need some information for the new client report.
Maria: Sure, Alex. What do you need?
Alex: (1) I need to know the final date for submission.
Maria: The deadline is this Friday, June 10th.
Alex: Okay, Friday. And (2) to? Mr. Evans?
Maria: Yes, you should send it directly to Mr. Evans.
Alex: Perfect. One last thing. (3) I can't find it on my computer.
Maria: This template is on the shared drive, in the "Client Reports" folder.
Alex: Great, thank you so much for your help!
Maria: No problem.
🗣️ Speaking Practice
Task 1: Asking About a Meeting (Controlled Practice)
Instructions: You need to ask your teacher about an upcoming team meeting. Use the prompts below to form full questions.
Preparation: Prepare to ask three questions using:
- What time ...?
- Where ...?
- Who ...?
Example Response: "Teacher, I have a question about the meeting. What time does it start? Where is the meeting room? Who will be there?"
Task 2: Your First Day Questions (Guided Practice)
Instructions: It's your first day at a new job. Your teacher is your manager. Ask your manager at least four questions to understand your new role.
Vocabulary to help: desk, computer, lunch, team, first task
Question words: Where...?, How...?, What...?, Who...?
Example Framework: "Hi, I have a few questions. First, where is my desk? ... Second, how do I log in to my computer? ... What is my first task? ... Who is on my team?"
Task 3: Planning a Business Trip (Free Practice)
Instructions: You and your teacher need to plan a business trip to another city (e.g., London, New York, Tokyo). Discuss the details together. You should ask questions to decide on the plan.
Discussion Points:
- Why are we going? (Purpose of the trip)
- When should we travel? (Dates)
- How will we get there? (Plane, train)
- Where will we stay? (Hotel)
- What do we need to prepare? (Presentation, documents)