Yes/no questions, Wh-questions (what, where, when, why, who, how), and tag questions (..., isn't it?).
“If you only know how to speak in statements, your English will be one-sided. Questions are how you join a conversation. Today we learn every kind.”
Years ago I was at an airport. A man at security asked me: 'What is your name? Where are you flying to? Why are you going there? When did you book the flight? Who is travelling with you? How long will you stay?' Six questions, six different question words. He was polite. I answered every one. I caught my flight.
Every Wh-question starts with: What, Where, When, Why, Who, How. Each one asks for a different kind of information. Learn the question word, and you can ask anything.
Start with the verb. Either 'to be' or 'do/does/did' or a modal (can, will).
Are you tired? Is she home? Was he late?
Do you like tea? Does she speak English? Did you sleep well?
Can you help me? Will he come? Should I leave?
These all expect a 'yes' or 'no' answer.
WHAT asks about a thing: 'What is your name?' 'What did you eat?'
WHERE asks about a place: 'Where do you live?' 'Where is the station?'
WHEN asks about time: 'When did you arrive?' 'When is your birthday?'
WHY asks about reason: 'Why are you sad?' 'Why did you leave?'
WHO asks about a person: 'Who is your teacher?' 'Who called you?'
HOW asks about manner or method: 'How are you?' 'How do you make tea?'
HOW MUCH / HOW MANY ask about quantity: 'How much does it cost?' 'How many brothers do you have?'
A small question added to the end of a statement. Used when you want confirmation.
Positive sentence + negative tag: 'You speak English, don't you?'
Negative sentence + positive tag: 'She isn't here, is she?'
Native speakers use these all the time in conversation. 'It is hot today, isn't it?' 'You like coffee, don't you?'
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Question word for things.
What is this?
Question word for places.
Where do you live?
Question word for time.
When did he leave?
Question word for reason.
Why are you here?
Question word for people.
Who is she?
Question word for manner or method.
How do you do it?
Asking about quantity of uncountable things.
How much water do you want?
Asking about quantity of countable things.
How many books do you have?
Question word order is one of the most confusing parts of English. In a question, the VERB comes BEFORE the SUBJECT (Where IS she?). In a statement, the subject comes first (She IS at home). Tag questions especially trip up learners. Just remember: positive sentence + negative tag, negative sentence + positive tag.
Try these on paper or out loud. Mr. Gee's rule: practice today, do not save it for tomorrow.
Questions: start with the verb OR with a Wh-word. Wh-words: What, Where, When, Why, Who, How. Tag questions: opposite polarity (positive + negative tag, or vice versa).
Read aloud every day. Even if it sounds funny. Your tongue needs practice.
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