ESP6 Question Tags

What are the basic rules when using question tags? Select all that apply.

• Negative statement + positive tag

• Positive statement + negative tag

• We use a pronoun that matches the subject of the sentence, and a verb that matches the main verb

• We can make a question tag with the auxilliary verb "am"

• We always need to match the question tag with the statement

Answer explanation

What is the purpose of question tags?

• To confuse the listener

• To make the sentence longer

• To ask someone to agree with us or check information

• To show off grammar knowledge

Answer explanation

What should be the question tag if the main verb phrase is positive?

• The question tag should be negative

• The question tag should be positive

• The question tag should be the same as the main verb phrase

• The question tag should be opposite to the main verb phrase

Answer explanation

What should be the construction of a question tag if the main verb phrase is negative?

• The question tag should be negative

• The question tag should be positive

• The question tag should be the same as the main verb phrase

• The question tag should be opposite to the main verb phrase

Answer explanation

Question tags use short/contracted forms, such as ... isn't he? ... don't you?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

We don't usually use the full forms ('are we not?', 'does he not?') because they are very formal.

Organize these options into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Rising Intonation

,

(b) Falling Intonation

• 
• 
• to ask for agreement (we think we know the answer)

• to ask for information (we don't know the answer)

Answer explanation

Tags

CCSS.SL.6.1A

CCSS.SL.6.1C

Below are common exceptions when using question tags. Match them to make complete sentences.

• do they?

• Nobody wants to go,

• aren’t I?

•  Pass me the salt,

• shall we?

•  Let’s have dinner outside tonight,

• will you?

•  I’m getting red,

Answer explanation

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

Below are common exceptions when using question tags. Match them to make complete sentences.

• isn't there?

• There's a lot of homework today,

• don't they?

• Something went wrong,

• isn't it?

• Everything is fine,

• didn't it?

• Someone wants me to win,

Answer explanation

Question tags are more common in speaking than writing.

• True

• False

Question tag rule for "am":

- the ​ (a)   is ​ (b)  

- the ​ (c)   is usually ​ (d)  

• positive question tag
• negative question tag
• am I?
• aren't I?

Answer explanation

If the main verb or auxiliary verb in the statement is 'am':

- the positive question tag is am I?

- the negative question tag is usually aren't I?

Examples:

1. I'm never on time, am I?
2. I'm going to get an invitation for the party, aren't I?