Seoul National University College English Programme

Speaking Skills Asking and answering questions in academic situations

Asking questions
There are many academic situations in which students are expected to ask questions, after
lecturers for example, questions create opportunities for deeper learning and show interest
and attention, questions are also important in seminars and presentations. When interviewing
in social research, it is good practice to produce an interview guide of prepared questions, and
Kvale (1996) has identified nine types of question asked in qualitative interviews.
Introducing questions: These questions introduce the topic and are designed to encourage
the participant to speak as much as possible:

'Can you tell me about....

'Could you describe in as much detail as possible....

Why do you...?'

Follow up questions: Through these you can elaborate on their initial answer:

'What did you mean by...?' or

'Can you give more detail about...?'

'could you expand on that point.'

'You mentioned that....how did you feel about it.

Note: To follow on from a point the interviewee has made you do not necessarily have to ask
a question. A nod, 'mm' or even a pause may indicate to the interviewee to carry on.
Probing questions: You can employ direct questioning to follow up what has been said and
to get more detail. 'Do you have any examples?' or 'Could you say more about...?'
Specifying questions: Such as 'What happened when you said that?' or 'What did he say
next?'
Direct questions: Questions with a yes or no answer are direct questions. You might want to
leave these questions until the end so you don't lead the interviewee to answer a certain way.
Indirect questions: You can ask these to get the interviewee's true opinion.
Structuring questions: These move the interview on to the next subject. For example,
'Moving on to...'

Silence: Through pauses you can suggest to the interviewee that you want them to answer
the question!
Interpreting questions: 'Do you mean that...?' or 'Is it correct that...?'

Dealing with questions:

There are also a range of academic situations when you are required to answer
questions. After presentations, in seminars, in examinations such a PHD viva, or in
interviews where you are the participant.
Clarifying questions
Im afraid I didnt (quite) catch that, could you repeat the question please?
Im sorry could you repeat the question please?
So if I understood you correctly you would like to know if/whether/what/where/how I.
Buying time to answer:
Thats a good question, Ive never thought about anything like that before.I would
say that.
Giving opinions
I think that
I believe that
Well, I dont know much about this topic, but I would say that.
I would say that
In my opinion
From my perspective
Admitting you dont know (in a presentation)
Im afraid I dont know the answer to that question, but if youd like to give me your
contact details I will try to find out for you.