A2 • Lesson 12
Vocabulary and reading to prepare for your lesson
Click each word to see its meaning and an example.
Something you ask to get information.
"I have a question about that."
To make a question; to request information.
"Can I ask you something?"
Words used to ask questions.
"What happened? When? Where? Why?"
Additional specific information.
"Tell me more details about that."
Holding your attention; engaging.
"That sounds interesting. Tell me more."
Coming after; a second question based on an answer.
"That's a good answer. Here's my follow-up question."
One instance or illustration of something.
"Can you give me an example?"
Ask for more information about something.
"You traveled to Spain? That's interesting. Can you tell me more?"
Ask for a specific illustration or instance.
"You like adventure. Can you give me an example?"
Ask for the way something occurred.
"You met him in Japan? How did that happen?"
Ask for the reason behind an action.
"Why did you choose that? Tell me more."
Ask what occurred after something else.
"You arrived late. What happened next?"
Continue asking about a sequence of events.
"You called him. And then what did you do?"
Good conversations have good questions. Follow-up questions are questions you ask after someone gives you an answer. These questions show interest in what they say.
You can ask "Can you give me an example?" or "How did that happen?" These questions get more details. They help you understand better. They also show the person that you care about their story.
Use question words like what, when, where, who, why, and how. You can ask "Why did you do that?" or "What happened next?" Start with the person's answer and ask for more.
Follow-up questions keep conversations going. They make conversations longer and more interesting. People like when you ask them questions about themselves.
Practice asking follow-up questions. Listen to what people say. Think of something you want to know more about. Ask a good question. This makes you a better conversationalist.
~230 words • A2 Level
Think about these questions before your lesson.
For each question above, write maximum 3 keywords — no sentences. Then practise speaking your answer out loud from just the keywords.
Q1: "What is a good follow-up question you can ask?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Now say your answer out loud. Speak for about 30 seconds from just your keywords.
Q2: "Do people ask you follow-up questions?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Speak for 30 seconds. Let your brain build the sentences from the keywords.
Q3: "How does a follow-up question help a conversation?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Say your answer out loud — don't just think it! Your keywords are enough.
Remember: keywords only. Your brain does the rest. Mistakes are good — they mean you're practising speaking, not reading.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes