from Grammar in Context, 6th ed, Level 1

Cohen work sample: after

5.4 Questions with the Present Continuous Yes/No Questions and Short Answers

Be Subject Base Form + -ing Short AnswerAm I

gaining weight?

No, you’re not.

Is

hesheitthe lemur

Yes, he is.No, she isn’t.Yes, it is.No, it’s not.

Are

youwetheythe babies

Yes, I am.No, we’re not.Yes, they are.No, they aren’t.

Language Notes:1. Compare statements and Yes/No questions.

Statement: It is gaining weight.

Question: Is it gaining weight?

Statement: The babies are playing.

Question: Are the babies playing?2. For a short Yes answer, we don’t use a contraction.

Are you reading about animals? Yes, I am. (NOT: Yes, I’m.)3. For a short No answer, there are usually two negative contractions.

Are the babies gaining weight? No, they aren’t. OR No, they’re not.4. For a short No answer with I, there is only one negative contraction.

Are you learning about zoo animals? No, I’m not. (NOT: No, I amn’t.)

Wh- QuestionsWh- Word Be (+ not) Subject Base Form + -ingWhat are they studying?Why is Boyes writing a blog?Why aren’t the babies gaining weight?Language Notes:Compare statements and Wh- questions.

Statement: The lemurs are playing.

Question: Where are the lemurs playing?

Subject QuestionsWh- Word as Subject Be Base Form + -ing Who is studying lemurs?How many lemurs are living at the lemur center?Language Note:Compare statements and subject questions.

Someone is studying lemurs.

Who is studying lemurs?

from Grammar in Context, 6th ed, Level 1