Asking questions in class is a normal part of learning. Good students ask questions when they need help, want more information, or don’t understand something. These simple expressions will help you speak naturally and confidently in any classroom.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about making mistakes. Teachers appreciate students who ask polite and clear questions. Speaking up is one of the fastest ways to improve your confidence.
Useful Expressions
- Excuse me, may I ask a question?
- Could you explain that again, please?
- I didn’t understand that.
- Could you speak a little more slowly?
- What does this word mean?
- How do you pronounce this word?
- Can you give another example?
- Could you write it on the board, please?
- Is this the correct answer?
- Should we write this down?
- Can you repeat the last sentence?
- When is the homework due?
- May I answer the question?
- Can you help me with this exercise?
- Thank you. That makes sense now.
Questions & Answers
1. Can I ask a question?
Yes, of course.
2. What does this word mean?
It means “very important.”
3. Could you repeat that, please?
Sure. I’ll say it again.
4. Is this answer correct?
Yes, that’s correct.
5. Can you explain this question?
Certainly. Let’s look at it together.
6. How do you pronounce this word?
It’s pronounced “comfortable.”
7. Should we write this in our notebook?
Yes, please write it down.
8. When should we submit the homework?
Submit it on Friday.
9. Can you give another example?
Yes. Here’s another one.
10. May I answer the question?
Yes, please go ahead.
Conversation
Teacher: Good morning, everyone.
Student: Good morning, teacher.
Teacher: Do you have any questions?
Student: Yes. Could you explain today’s topic again?
Teacher: Of course. Which part is confusing?
Student: I didn’t understand the last example.
Teacher: No problem. I’ll explain it differently.
Student: Thank you. Can you give one more example?
Teacher: Certainly. Listen carefully.
Student: Oh, I understand now.
Teacher: Great! Feel free to ask anytime.
Real-Life Conversation
Teacher: Good morning, class.
Students: Good morning!
Teacher: Today we’ll learn about giving directions.
Student: Excuse me, may I ask a question?
Teacher: Of course.
Student: What does “intersection” mean?
Teacher: It means a place where two roads meet.
Student: Could you spell it, please?
Teacher: I-N-T-E-R-S-E-C-T-I-O-N.
Student: Thank you.
Teacher: You’re welcome.
Student: Could you say it one more time?
Teacher: Sure. “Intersection.”
Student: Is my pronunciation correct?
Teacher: Almost. Try saying it a little more slowly.
Student: Intersection.
Teacher: Perfect!
Student: Can you give another example?
Teacher: Turn left at the intersection.
Student: That makes sense.
Teacher: Excellent.
Student: Should we write these examples?
Teacher: Yes, please write them in your notebook.
Student: Thank you for explaining.
Teacher: You’re welcome. Keep asking questions whenever you need help.
Quick Practice
A. Change the Words
Replace the bold words with another suitable expression.
- Repeat that, please. → __________
- Explain this again. → __________
- Help me with this question. → __________
- Answer the question. → __________
- Write it on the board. → __________
B. Answer the Questions
- What can you say if you don’t understand the lesson?
- How do you ask for another example?
- What do you say if you want the teacher to speak more slowly?
- How do you ask about homework?
- What polite phrase can you use before asking a question?
C. Complete the Sentences
- Excuse me, may I ________ a question?
- Could you ________ that again, please?
- What does this word ________?
- Can you give another ________?
- Thank you. That ________ sense now.
Speaking Challenge
Imagine you are in an English class. Speak for 1–2 minutes without reading.
Include these expressions naturally:
- Excuse me, may I ask a question?
- Could you explain that again?
- I didn’t understand.
- Can you give another example?
- Thank you. That makes sense now.
Try to ask at least five different questions as if you were talking to your teacher.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Teacher, repeat. | Could you repeat that, please? |
| What meaning this word? | What does this word mean? |
| Explain again. | Could you explain that again, please? |
| I not understand. | I don’t understand. |
| Speak slow. | Could you speak more slowly, please? |
Lesson Summary
Remember these key expressions:
- Excuse me, may I ask a question?
- Could you explain that again, please?
- I don’t understand.
- Could you repeat that, please?
- What does this word mean?
- Can you give another example?
- Could you speak more slowly?
- Is this correct?
- Should we write this down?
- Thank you. That makes sense now.
