General English Level 4 V 3
UNIT 02 Keeping fit TOPIC 02 Are you coming with us?
LANGUAGE FOCUS 05 Indirect questions
In this activity you will learn the difference between direct and indirect questions.
Ming and Jin Hee say:
Ming:
I want to know how much the trip costs? Also, could you tell me what time the bus leaves on Friday and arrives back on Sunday?
Jin Hee:
I was wondering if she's going on the trip to Black Mountain?
Jin Hee: Do you know where everyone is meeting on Friday morning?
Jin Hee: Could you tell me when he'll be back?
Jin Hee: I want to know where everyone is meeting on Friday.

When Ming and Jin Hee leave their messages they use Indirect questions. These are some of the ways we can begin Indirect questions.
Do you know……?
Can you tell me …………?
Could you tell me…………….?
Have you got any idea…………?


We also ask for information by using the following :
I want to know…
I need to know…
I was wondering…


1. Wh- questions

When we use indirect questions the word order is different from direct questions.

Direct question
Indirect question
How much does it cost? Do you know how much it costs?
When does the bus leave ? Can you tell me when the bus leaves?
What is the time? Could you tell me what the time is ?
Where are we meeting? Do you know where we are meeting?
When will we return? Have you got any idea when we will return?

2. Yes/No questions

We use if or whether for indirect yes/no questions.

A: I was wondering if I can bring a friend.
B: Yes you can./ No you can't.


Direct question
Indirect question
Do I need any special equipment? I want to know whether I need any special equipment.
Can I bring a friend? I was wondering if I can bring a friend.
Do you have a map? I need to know if you have a map.
Do I need any special equipment? I want to know whether I need any special equipment.
Can you lend me a tent? I was wondering if you can lend me a tent.

Examples

1 Read the examples.
2 Listen to the examples.
3 Practise saying each example. Use the Pause button.
1.
Juliana:
I was wondering if I can leave a message for George.
Emily: Sure, go ahead.
Juliana: I need to know when the bus leaves on Saturday.
Emily: OK, I'll pass that message on.


2
Joshua:
Hi David, it's Joshua here. Can I speak to Peter please.
David: I'm sorry but he's not here at the moment. Do you want to leave a message?
Joshua: That would be great. I need to know how much the caving trip costs. I also need to find out what to wear.
David: OK, so you need to know the cost and what to wear for the caving trip, is that right?
Joshua: That's it. Thanks David.
David: No worries, bye


3.
Claire:
Oh hi Sabrina, it's Claire here. I got your message about going horse riding next Saturday. Sounds great! Can you ring me back and tell me what time we need to leave ? Also I have a friend from Blacktown staying with me. So I was wondering if she can come too. OK, speak to you soon…bye.

Now go to 06 LANGUAGE FOCUS Indirect questions - task.