Asking and Telling Sentences
Grade 1 · English · Study Guide
Learn the difference between sentences that tell us something and sentences that ask a question!
Every sentence has a job. Some sentences TELL us something — these are called telling sentences or statements. Other sentences ASK something — these are called asking sentences or questions. Knowing the difference helps you read with the right expression and write the right punctuation!
A telling sentence states a fact or idea. It ends with a period (.). For example: 'The sun is bright.' 'I like pizza.' 'My dog is brown.' These sentences give information. You read them in a flat, steady voice.
An asking sentence asks for information. It ends with a question mark (?). For example: 'What is your name?' 'Do you like pizza?' 'Where is my dog?' When you read asking sentences out loud, your voice usually goes UP at the end. That rising tone helps the listener know a question is coming!
| Type | Ends With | Example | Voice When Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telling sentence | Period (.) | The cat is on the mat. | Steady voice |
| Asking sentence | Question mark (?) | Is the cat on the mat? | Voice goes up at end |
Key terms
- telling sentence
- A sentence that states a fact or idea — ends with a period (.)
- asking sentence
- A sentence that asks for information — ends with a question mark (?)
- period
- The punctuation mark (.) used at the end of a telling sentence
- question mark
- The punctuation mark (?) used at the end of an asking sentence
- statement
- Another name for a telling sentence
Flashcards
- telling sentence
- States a fact or idea, ends with a period — 'The sky is blue.'
- asking sentence
- Asks for information, ends with a question mark — 'Is the sky blue?'
- period (.)
- Punctuation at the end of a telling sentence — signals a complete thought
- question mark (?)
- Punctuation at the end of an asking sentence — signals a question
- statement
- Another word for a telling sentence — states something as true
- question
- Another word for an asking sentence — seeks information or an answer
Practice questions
Which punctuation mark goes at the end of an asking sentence?
- period
- exclamation point
- question mark
- comma
Show answer
Answer: question mark
Asking sentences (questions) always end with a question mark (?).
'Where is my backpack?' is an asking sentence.
Show answer
Answer: True
'Where is my backpack?' asks for a location — it is an asking sentence that ends with ?.
Which sentence is a TELLING sentence?
- Do you have a pet?
- What is your name?
- My cat is orange.
- Can you help me?
Show answer
Answer: My cat is orange.
'My cat is orange.' states a fact. The other three are all asking sentences (questions).
A telling sentence ends with a ___.
Show answer
Answer: period
Telling sentences end with a period (.) to signal the end of a complete statement.
When you read an asking sentence aloud, your voice usually goes UP at the end.
Show answer
Answer: True
Your voice naturally rises at the end of a question — it signals to the listener that you want an answer.
Fun facts
- The question mark was invented by monks in the Middle Ages who used a dot with a squiggle above it to show a question!
- In some languages like Spanish, question marks appear at BOTH the beginning and end of a question — like this: ¿How are you?
- Young children ask an average of about 100 questions a day — asking questions is one of the best ways to learn!
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