Close-Ended Questions

If you can answer a question with only a "yes" or "no" response, then you are answering a close-ended type of question.

Examples of close-ended questions are:

• Are you feeling better today?
• May I use the bathroom?
• Will you please do me a favor?
• Have you already completed your homework?
• Is that your final answer?

Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions are ones that require more than one word answers. The answers could come in the form of a list, a few sentences or something longer such as a speech, paragraph or essay.

Here are some examples of open-ended questions:

• What were the most important wars fought in the history of the United States?
• What are you planning to buy today at the supermarket?
• What is your favorite memory from childhood?
• What types of decorations do you plan to have for your friend's birthday party?
• How did you and your best friend meet?
• What sites do you expect to see on your vacation?

Open-ended Questions

Open-ended questions require a response with more depth and a lengthier response. Open-ended questions are also helpful in finding out more about a person or a situation, whether it's during an interview, or when getting to know a new friend.

Close-ended Questions

Close-ended questions can be answered in only one word or very short phrase. Close-ended questions can also be used in the situations mentioned above, although they have the potential to end the conversation.

Here are examples of close-ended questions in these types of situations:

• Would you like vanilla ice cream?
• Have you ever met Joe before?
• What is your best quality?
• Are you happy?
• Do you have a pet?
• Do you like animals?
• When is your birthday?

Now, here's some examples of these close-ended questions turned into open-ended questions - to keep the conversation going:

• What is your favorite flavor of ice cream and why?
• How did you meet Joe?
• How can your top qualities help our company to thrive and grow?
• What are some of the things that bring you the most joy?
• Do you have a pet and what is your pet like?
• Do you like animals and why?
• When is your birthday and how do you like to celebrate?

From these examples, it is clear that close-ended questions are used to elicit a short, quick response, while open-ended questions are gateways into conversations.