Negative Questions

SPEAK

Responding to a Negative Question: Disagreeing.  People ask negative questions when they want confirmation; in other words, they expect the answer to be “no,” but they’re checking just to make sure.  However, sometimes they’re incorrect, so the other person disagrees.  In such a case, the response is “yes.”  It’s important to use emphasis in the voice.  Notice the intonation in these sentences:

Q:  You don’t have any appointments earlier than 11:00?

A:  Yes, we do.

Q:  You haven’t read it yet?

A:  Yes, I have.

Q:  We won’t have to do homework?

A:  Yes, we will.

It’s also possible, after the “yes,” to add correct information.  Here is an example:

Q:  You don’t have any appointment earlier that 11:00?

A:  Yes.  Actually, we have an opening at 10:00.

Directions:

Agree or disagree with the following negative questions with answers that are true for you.  If you answer yes, use emphasis and add correct information or additional details if possible. 

       Example: 1. You don't like to eat at McDonald's?  Number one.  Yes, I do. I especially like their breakfast menu. But, I don't eat there every week. I sometimes go there when I don't have time to cook.

1. You don’t have a driver’s license?                  
2. You’re not taking ESL level 4/5 next quarter?  
3. English grammar isn’t easy for you?               
4. You haven’t been to Mt. Rainier?                   
5. You haven’t seen the movie Titanic ?                            
6. You don’t have to go to work tomorrow?                    
7. You didn’t do the homework?                      
8. It isn’t hot in your home?                                     
9. You didn’t study English in your country?      

    

    

    

   Instructions on how to submit a video/audio recording on Canvas:

   When you click on Submit Assignment, you will be presented with a Media box (see below). You can click the Record/Upload Media button to create your recording.