Answering Questions in Complete Sentences
What Does It Mean?
When you are asked a question, it is sometimes appropriate to answer in a complete sentence.
What does it mean to answer a question in a complete sentence?
➢ Answer using the same words used in the question.
➢ Avoid one-word answers.
➢ Avoid sentence fragments (sentences must include a subject and predicate).
Example 1:
How would you describe Tom’s relationship with his mother? (loving)
➢ Complete Sentence: I would describe Tom’s relationship with his mother as loving.
➢ Not a Complete Sentence: Loving
Example 2:
What does Miles’ decision not to gossip about the new student demonstrate about Miles? (willingness
to stand alone)
➢ Complete Sentence: Miles’ decision not to gossip about the new student demonstrates his
willingness to stand alone.
➢ Not a Complete Sentence: Willingness to stand alone
Example 3:
Do you agree with Sophie’s decision to join the volleyball team? (yes)
➢ Complete Sentence: Yes, I agree with Sophie’s decision to join the volleyball team.
➢ Not a Complete Sentence: Yes agree.
Example 4:
Why did Olivia fall asleep at the kitchen table? (stayed up late studying for her math test)
➢ Complete Sentence: Olivia fell asleep at the kitchen table because she stayed up late studying
for her math test.
➢ Not a Complete Sentence: Because of her math test
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Name _______________________________
Your Turn!
Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. What is the tone of this poem? (joyous)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. What style of writing was used by the author of this passage? (persuasive)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. What three things did Brian do during his summer vacation? (volunteered, joined a soccer
league, and learned to rollerblade)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
4. Why do you think Marcus was sick on Monday morning? (ate too much candy at the carnival)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
5. How can Alexa demonstrate to Anna that she is sorry for what she has done? (offer to pay for
the broken bicycle)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
6. What are the names of the two boys who recently moved to Kevin’s neighborhood? (Terrence
and Colby)
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
7. What is the theme of the story? (persistence pays off)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
8. What two literary devices are used in this poem? (alliteration and rhyme)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
9. Do you agree with Maya’s decision to return home after the meeting? (no)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
10. Do you think Michael’s family will move back to San Diego? (yes)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Answer Key
(Student Responses May Vary)
1. What is the tone of this poem? (joyous)
The tone of this poem is joyous.
2. What style of writing was used by the author of this passage? (persuasive)
The author of this passage used a persuasive writing style.
3. What three things did Brian do during his summer vacation? (volunteered at the animal shelter,
joined a soccer league, and learned to rollerblade)
During his summer vacation, Brian volunteered at the animal shelter, joined a soccer league,
and learned to rollerblade.
4. Why do you think Marcus was sick on Monday morning? (ate too much candy at the carnival)
I think Marcus was sick on Monday morning because he ate too much candy at the carnival.
5. How can Alexa demonstrate to Anna that she is sorry for what she has done? (offer to pay for
the broken bicycle)
Alexa can demonstrate to Anna that she is sorry for what she has done by offering to pay for
the broken bicycle.
6. What are the names of the two boys who recently moved to Kevin’s neighborhood? (Terrence
and Colby)
The names of the two boys who recently moved to Kevin’s neighborhood are Terrence and
Colby.
7. What is the theme of the story? (persistence pays off)
The theme of the story is persistence pays off.
8. What two literary devices are used in this poem? (alliteration and rhyme)
Alliteration and rhyme are the two literary devices used in this poem.
9. Do you agree with Maya’s decision to return home after the meeting? (no)
No, I do not agree with Maya’s decision to return home after the meeting.
10. Do you think Michael’s family will move back to San Diego? (yes)
Yes, I think Michael’s family will move back to San Diego.
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