The Question Is…

The Question Is… – Wh- Questions Review Game. Fun ESL Pairwork Activity to Practice and Guess Wh- Questions from Given Answers

The Question Is… – Wh- Questions Review Game

The Question Is… – Wh- Questions Review Game

Need an engaging way to help your students review Wh- questions in a communicative and interactive format? “The Question Is…” is a fun and flexible ESL pairwork activity where students try to guess questions based on answers — perfect for reinforcing grammar structures and promoting speaking confidence. It’s ideal for pre-intermediate to intermediate learners, and the worksheet is easy to prep and use in any classroom.

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🎯 Learning Objectives

• Practice forming Wh- questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How)
• Improve listening and comprehension skills
• Build fluency and accuracy in question-and-answer structure
• Encourage student collaboration and critical thinking

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🖨️ Materials Needed

• One printable worksheet per pair of students (with separate A and B versions)
• Scissors (for pre-class cutting, or have students do it themselves)

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👯 How to Set Up the Game

1. Pair Up the Students

Divide the class into pairs — each student will receive a different worksheet (Student A and Student B). Make sure they do not show their worksheet to their partner.

2. Start the Guessing Game

• Student A reads the first answer from their sheet aloud.
• Student B listens and tries to guess the corresponding Wh- question (which is written in brackets on A’s sheet).
• If the guess is wrong, Student B keeps trying until they guess it correctly.
• Then, switch roles: Student B reads an answer, and Student A guesses the question.
• Continue until all questions have been guessed by both students.

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🏁 Variation: Make It Competitive!

Want to increase energy in the classroom? Try the race format:

• Hand out only the Student A worksheet.
• Student B guesses all the questions as quickly as possible.
• Time the round and record their completion time.
• Then switch roles: Student A guesses from Student B’s worksheet.
• The student who finishes in the shortest time wins!

This format works especially well in larger classes or as a wrap-up review activity.

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🗣️ Example Pair

• Answer: “In the kitchen.”
• Correct Question: “Where do you cook?”
• Answer: “With a spoon.”
• Correct Question: “What do you eat soup with?”

These simple but targeted questions reinforce grammar patterns and vocabulary from common themes like routines, home, food, and daily activities.

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👥 Who Is It For?

• ESL learners at A2–B1 level
• Teens, young adults, and adults
• General English or grammar-focused classes
• Small group or one-on-one lessons

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💡 Teaching Tips

• Write question words (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) on the board for support.
• Encourage full sentence answers and polite communication.
• As a follow-up, have students write their own answers and questions to challenge classmates.
• Use this activity to transition into a freer speaking task like interviews or surveys.

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📥 Free Download

Get the printable version of “The Question Is…” with a complete A & B worksheet set — great for printing, laminating, or using digitally in breakout rooms.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF FOR FREE

📩 Want more free ESL grammar lesson? Share this post with other teachers and let us know how it worked in your classroom!

💬 What other grammar topics would you like? Drop your ideas in the comments!

More ESL Classroom Games & Activities

Looking for more fun grammar activities for your English class? Check out these ideas:
✅ ESL Speaking Games to improve fluency
✅ Grammar Board Games for practicing sentence structures
✅ Interactive Writing Activities for ESL learners