Different students volunteer to be asked questions. They must avoid saying the words “YES” or “NO” for a given period of time e.g. 1-2 minutes.
This is done by using expressions like: “I do”, “I am”, “that’s true”, “that isn’t true”,
“that’s not correct”, “exactly”, “precisely”, “that’s right”, “that’s correct”, “I think so”,
“probably”, “possibly”, “usually”.
The questioners can try to trap them through deliberate misunderstanding and
echo questions: “Did you say usually? So you said you live in Stuttgart? Perhaps?
Questions
Do you come from Australia? Are you sure you don’t?
Are you single or married? So you’re divorced. You’re not interested in marriage?
Do you like English food? So you LOVE English food. You think it’s the best in the world?
Have you been to Florence? So you haven’t been to Italy?
Which is more important – health or money? You said “health”?
How many brothers and sisters do you have? Fifteen?
Would you like a million pounds? So you’re not interested in money?
Are you more intelligent than your parents? So you’re less intelligent?
Did you say you were stupid?
Do you like your teacher? Is he / she the best teacher you’ve ever had?
The best in the world?
What are your hobbies? So you like listening to folk music?
Can you use a computer / play the piano? You can?
See our Yes, No activities on ELT Buzz.
