2
LESSON
Embedded questions
GRAMMAR
STUDY
Embedded Questions
Wh-
Questions
What time is the appointment? Can you tell me
what time the appointment is
?
What does Sam want?
Can you explain
what Sam wants
?
When did you start working here? I’d like to know
when you started working here
.
Yes/No
Questions
Do I need a college degree?
I wonder
if/whether I need a college degree
.
Does class start at 8 or 8:30? I’m not sure
if/whether class starts at 8 or 8:30
.
Embedded questions are generally more polite than direct questions.
Grammar Note
PRACTICE
A
Put the words in the correct order to make embedded questions. Add punctuation.
1.
the counselor / do you know / said / what
Do you know what the counselor said?
2.
the test / how long / I wonder / will take
3.
my options / are / I don’t / what / know
4.
any / have taken / I’d like / college classes / to know / if you
5.
explain / my career / change / could you / how / I can
B
On a separate piece of paper, rewrite each direct question as an embedded question.
Use the phrase in parentheses.
1.
Where is the counseling office? (Can you tell me)
Can you tell me where the counseling office is?
2.
Which careers pay well? (I wonder)
5.
What did he study at college? (I don’t know)
3.
How long does it take to get a BA?
6.
When will Sam start taking classes?
(Do you know)
(I’m not sure)
4.
Does she have a GED? (Can you tell me)
7.
Is it difficult to pass this test? (I’d like to know)
PAIRS
Imagine that you are a new student. Write 5 embedded questions about your class or
campus. Include at least 1
yes/no
question and 3 different question words. Ask and answer
your questions with a partner. Then find a new partner and ask your questions again.
Do you know where the cafeteria is?
Direct Questions
Embedded Questions
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
UNIT 10
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