Guide: Using Wh-Questions in Collaboration
Objective
This guide will teach you how to use Wh-questions effectively in the workplace to ask for
information, delegate tasks, and clarify responsibilities.
1. What Are Wh-Questions?
Wh-questions begin with a question word and are used to ask for specific information. They
help in professional settings, especially during meetings or while assigning tasks. The most
common Wh-questions are:
Who: asks about a person.
What: asks about things, tasks, or actions.
Where: asks about location or place.
2. Structure of Wh-Questions
The structure of a Wh-question is:
3. Examples of Wh-Questions in Collaboration
Here are examples of how Wh-questions can be used in a professional context:
Who is leading the project?
(Asks about the person in charge.)
What is the deadline for this task?
(Asks for the specific time frame.)
Where should we upload the completed files?
(Asks about the location or platform.)
4. Practice: Turn Statements into Questions
Example Statement:
The team leader is Maria.
Question:
Who is the team leader?
Now you try:
The deadline is Friday.
→ ____________________________
The files are on the shared drive.
→ ____________________________
John is preparing the presentation.
→ ____________________________
5. When to Use Wh-Questions at Work
Use Wh-questions in the following situations:
Delegating Tasks:
Who will handle this task?
What do you need to complete it?
Clarifying Information:
What is the next step in the process?
Where can I find the resources?
Checking Progress:
Who is responsible for this part?
What still needs to be done?
6. Quick Reference: Common Wh-Questions for Work
Wh-Word Example Questions
Who Who is working on this task?
What What is the priority for this project?
Where Where will the files be stored after completion?
When When is the report due?
Why Why do we need to adjust the deadline?
How How can we streamline the workflow for this project?
7. Activity: Practice Delegating Tasks
Scenario: You are leading a meeting for a new project. Use the following steps:
Start the Meeting:
Greet the team and explain the project.
“Good morning, everyone. Let’s assign tasks for the new project.”
Ask Wh-Questions:
Use Wh-questions to delegate tasks:
Who will handle the presentation?
What resources do we need for the report?
Where should we upload the files?
Follow Up:
Confirm deadlines and ask for feedback:
When will the task be completed?
Do you have any questions or suggestions?
8. Summary
Who asks about people.
What asks about tasks, things, or actions.
Where asks about location.
Using Wh-questions ensures clear communication, avoids misunderstandings, and helps
teams work efficiently.
Would you like more examples or exercises to expand this guide?