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

Tags

CCSS.L.5.2C

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

Tags

CCSS.L.5.2C

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

Tags

CCSS.L.5.2C

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

Tags

CCSS.L.5.2C

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.2C

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.L.1.1J

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1C

CCSS.L.K.1D

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

• will you?

•  Pass me the salt,

• do they?

•  Let’s have dinner outside tonight,

• shall we?

•  I’m getting red,

• aren’t I?

• Nobody wants to go,

Answer explanation

Tags

CCSS.L.5.2C

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

• don't they?

• Someone wants me to win,

• isn't it?

• Something went wrong,

• isn't there?

• Everything is fine,

• didn't it?

• There's a lot of homework today,

Answer explanation

Tags

CCSS.L.5.2C

Question tags are more common in speaking than writing.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.L.5.2C

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?

Tags

CCSS.L.5.2C