CSC–COA–DBM Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2025: A Complete Guide for Government Agencies and Public Schools

Writing Interrogative Sentences for Polite Inquiries

Today you will learn how to write interrogative sentences that sound polite, clear, and professional in a formal letter of inquiry. You will practice turning direct questions and commands into respectful inquiries using modals, question structure, and precise wording. You will also check your questions for clarity, relevance, and answerability so the reader can respond easily. By the end, you will have a set of well-formed inquiry questions you can use in your letter.

• Subject: English
• Grade: 8
• Day: 4 of 8

🎯 Learning Goals

By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:

1. Identify different types of interrogative sentences and explain which types fit formal inquiries best.
2. Rewrite direct, vague, or rude questions into polite, specific, and answerable inquiry questions.
3. Create at least eight inquiry questions on one topic, using correct punctuation, structure, and respectful tone.

🧩 Key Ideas & Terms

• Interrogative sentence – a sentence that asks a question and usually ends with a question mark.
• Yes/No question – a question answered with yes or no (for example, “Is online submission allowed?”).
• Wh-question – a question that begins with who/what/where/when/why/how and asks for information.
• Polite inquiry – a respectful question used to request information in a formal setting.
• Question structure – the word order that forms a correct question (often with an auxiliary/modal first).
• Auxiliary verb – a helping verb used in questions (do/does/did, is/are/was/were, has/have/had).
• Modal – a helping verb that softens requests (could, would, may, might, should).
• Clarity – clear wording that helps the reader understand exactly what you are asking.
• Answerable – a question that a reader can respond to with specific information.
• Scope – the limits of your question (too broad vs. focused).

🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge

Warm up. Answer first, then check your understanding.

1. What do modals like could, would, and may help you do in formal writing?
   Show Answer

   They help soften requests, show respect, and match a formal tone while keeping the request clear.

2. Which is clearer for a reader: “Could you clarify this?” or “Could you clarify the updated schedule for the orientation?” Why?
   Show Answer

   The second is clearer because it names the specific topic the reader should explain.

3. Why is it important that inquiry questions are answerable?
   Show Answer

   Because answerable questions help the reader respond accurately and reduce delays or misunderstandings.

📖 Explore the Lesson

In inquiry letters, your questions are your strongest tools. Let’s sharpen them step by step.

Checkpoint 1: What Makes a Question “Formal” and “Polite”?

Mini-goal: Describe the features of polite interrogative sentences in inquiry letters.

Not all questions are equal. Some questions open doors. Others create conflict. In a formal letter of inquiry, your goal is not to “win an argument.” Your goal is to receive accurate information or guidance. That is why your questions must be polite, clear, and focused.

A formal, polite question usually has three features. First, it uses respectful language. This often includes a modal (could, would, may) or a polite phrase (May I ask…? Could you please…?). Second, it avoids accusations. A question like “Why are you always changing the rules?” sounds like blame. A better version focuses on facts: “Could you clarify the reason for the recent changes in the guidelines?” Third, it asks about one specific detail. If you ask too many things in one sentence, the reader may answer only part of your question.

Politeness also includes realism. For example, “Can you send everything today?” may be too demanding, even if you add “please.” Instead, you can write: “Could you please share the list of requirements? I would appreciate your guidance on the expected timeline for the response.” This respects the reader’s schedule while still asking for what you need.

Finally, formal questions are written with standard spelling and punctuation. A question mark matters. It signals the sentence is a question, which helps readers respond correctly. Clean punctuation also supports credibility. In formal writing, small errors can distract the reader from your purpose.

Mini-summary: Formal, polite questions use respectful wording, avoid blame, focus on one detail, and follow correct spelling and punctuation.

• What is one sign that a question sounds accusatory?
  Show Answer

  It contains blame words (“always,” “never,” “your fault,” insults) or assumes bad intentions instead of asking for clarification.

• Why is asking one main detail per question helpful?
  Show Answer

  It makes the question easier to answer and reduces the chance the reader will miss or ignore part of the request.

• Write one polite question starter you can reuse.
  Show Answer

  Examples: “Could you please…?” “May I ask…?” “Would you be able to…?”

Checkpoint 2: Types of Interrogative Sentences for Inquiries

Mini-goal: Use the right question type (yes/no vs. wh-question) for the information you need.

In inquiry letters, you often use two main types of interrogative sentences: yes/no questions and wh-questions. A yes/no question checks whether something is true or allowed. It is useful when you need confirmation. For example: “Is online submission allowed?” “Are walk-in applicants accepted?” These questions help the reader reply quickly with a direct answer.

A wh-question asks for information that cannot be answered with yes or no. It is useful when you need details. For example: “What documents are required?” “When is the deadline?” “Where should the requirements be submitted?” “How can I schedule an appointment?” These questions are often the most important questions in an inquiry letter because they help you take the correct steps.

However, wh-questions can become too broad. “Why is this happening?” can sound emotional or accusatory if the topic is sensitive. In formal inquiries, it is safer to narrow the scope. Instead of “Why did you do this?” try “Could you clarify the reason for the schedule change posted on (date)?” This version keeps the question respectful and specific.

Also, consider combining question types carefully. You may use a yes/no question to confirm a rule and then a wh-question to ask the next steps. Example: “Is late submission allowed? If yes, what steps should I follow to submit properly?” This sequence helps the reader understand your situation and respond with action-based guidance.

Mini-summary: Use yes/no questions for confirmation and wh-questions for details. Keep wh-questions specific to avoid sounding vague or accusatory.

• Which question type is best for asking about a deadline: yes/no or wh-question?
  Show Answer

  A wh-question (“When is the deadline?”) because it asks for a specific detail.

• Why might “Why is this happening?” be risky in a formal inquiry?
  Show Answer

  It can sound accusatory or emotional. A more specific request for clarification is safer and more professional.

• Write one yes/no question and one wh-question about the same topic.
  Show Answer

  Example: “Is online submission allowed?” and “How can I submit the requirements online?”

Checkpoint 3: Question Structure That Sounds Professional

Mini-goal: Use correct word order and punctuation for formal interrogative sentences.

In English, many questions follow a helpful pattern: auxiliary/modal + subject + main verb + details. When you follow this structure, your questions sound natural and correct. For example: “Could you confirm the deadline?” “Would you be able to share the requirements?” “May I request clarification regarding the policy?” In each sentence, a modal starts the question, then the subject (you/I), then the main verb (confirm/share/request), then the details (deadline/requirements/policy).

Yes/no questions without modals often begin with “is/are/was/were” or “do/does/did.” Examples: “Is the orientation required?” “Are there any fees?” “Does the office accept online submissions?” These question starters signal the sentence is a question right away. That makes the reader’s job easier.

Wh-questions usually start with the wh-word, then the structure continues: “What documents are required?” “When is the deadline?” “Where should the form be submitted?” “How can I contact the office?” Notice how the verb helps the question feel complete. Avoid leaving out key parts, such as the auxiliary verb, because it can create grammar errors and confusion.

Also watch punctuation. Use a question mark at the end of every interrogative sentence. Avoid using multiple question marks or exclamation marks. In formal writing, “???” can look impatient. Choose one clear question mark. If you are asking several questions, you may number them or separate them with line breaks, if your teacher allows it. The goal is readability, not decoration.

Mini-summary: Professional questions follow clear structure (auxiliary/modal first), include complete wording, and use correct punctuation for formal clarity.

• What is the common structure for polite modal questions?
  Show Answer

  Modal + subject + main verb + details (for example, “Could you confirm the deadline?”).

• Why should you avoid “???” in a formal inquiry letter?
  Show Answer

  It can look impatient or rude, which may harm your tone and credibility.

• Fix the structure: “You could send the schedule?” (Make it a clear inquiry question.)
  Show Answer

  Possible fix: “Could you send the schedule?” or “Could you please share the schedule?”

Checkpoint 4: Turning Direct Questions into Polite Inquiries

Mini-goal: Rewrite harsh or unclear questions into polite, specific inquiry questions.

Many everyday questions sound too direct for formal letters. That is normal in speech and casual messages, but in official writing, directness can feel like pressure. The key skill today is tone repair: turning a direct question into a respectful inquiry without changing the meaning.

Here is a simple three-step method you can reuse:

1. Remove blame words (always, never, your fault, etc.).
2. Add a modal or polite phrase (could, would, may; “May I ask…”).
3. Make the topic specific (name the policy, schedule, requirement, date, or program).

Example: “Why did you change the schedule again?” becomes “Could you clarify the reason for the schedule change posted this week?” Notice the meaning stays similar, but the new sentence feels respectful and focused. Another example: “When will you answer?” becomes “May I follow up regarding my previous inquiry? I would appreciate any update when convenient.” This avoids sounding impatient.

Also, avoid loaded “why” questions when the issue is sensitive. If you need reasons, request clarification with a neutral tone. Replace “Why did you do this?” with “Could you clarify the reason for…” This form asks for explanation without accusing. It helps the reader stay cooperative.

Finally, make sure your question is answerable. “Why is the system unfair?” is not easy to answer and may start an argument. A better question asks for a rule, process, or official reason: “Could you clarify the policy on late submission and the steps for requesting consideration?” That question invites useful information.

Mini-summary: Tone repair turns direct questions into polite inquiries by removing blame, adding modals, and naming a specific topic the reader can answer.

• What are the three steps of tone repair?
  Show Answer

  Remove blame words, add a modal/polite phrase, and make the topic specific.

• Why are very broad “why” questions often risky in formal letters?
  Show Answer

  They can sound accusatory or emotional, and they may not lead to a clear, useful response.

• Revise this: “Why are you ignoring us?”
  Show Answer

  Sample: “May I follow up regarding our inquiry? We would appreciate any update on the status when convenient.”

Checkpoint 5: Making Questions Clear, Focused, and Answerable

Mini-goal: Check scope and clarity so each question gets a useful answer.

Even polite questions can fail if they are unclear. Clarity depends on specific nouns, focused scope, and one-question-one-detail. Let’s break this down.

Use specific nouns. Replace “this,” “that,” “things,” “stuff,” “it,” with the exact name. Instead of “Could you clarify this?” write “Could you clarify the updated scholarship requirements?” Instead of “Where do I submit it?” write “Where should I submit the completed application form?”

Keep the scope focused. A question like “What are all the rules?” is too broad. It may overwhelm the reader and lead to a short, unhelpful answer. Narrow it: “What are the requirements for Grade 8 applicants?” or “What are the steps for submitting the form?”

Ask one detail per question. A common learner habit is to place three questions in one sentence: “What do I need and when is the deadline and where do I pass it?” This is hard to answer. Split it into three questions. When you split, the reader can respond clearly. Your letter also looks organized and professional.

Finally, check whether each question is truly answerable by the recipient. If your question is about a rule, ask the office that owns the rule. If your question is about a schedule, ask the coordinator who manages the schedule. Good questions are not only well written; they are directed to the correct audience.

Mini-summary: Clear inquiry questions name specific topics, keep scope narrow, ask one detail at a time, and match the recipient’s authority.

• Which is clearer: “Where do I submit it?” or “Where should I submit the completed form?” Why?
  Show Answer

  The second is clearer because it identifies what “it” is and sounds more formal and precise.

• What should you do if one sentence contains three questions?
  Show Answer

  Split it into separate questions so the reader can answer each one clearly.

• Rewrite a broad question (“What are all the rules?”) into a focused one.
  Show Answer

  Example: “What are the requirements for Grade 8 applicants for the scholarship program?”

Checkpoint 6: Creating Your Inquiry Question Set

Mini-goal: Produce a polished set of inquiry questions you can use in your letter draft.

Now you will create a complete set of inquiry questions on one topic. Choose a realistic topic you might write about later: a scholarship, a school club, a school policy, a community program, or a service. Then write eight questions that a recipient can answer. Use both yes/no and wh-question types. Use modals where appropriate.

To guide you, use this balanced plan:

• 2 yes/no questions (confirmation: allowed/required/available)
• 4 wh-questions (what/when/where/how for details)
• 2 polite follow-up or clarification questions (reason for changes, next steps, timeline)

After writing, apply a quality check. For each question, ask: (1) Is it polite? (2) Is it specific? (3) Is it answerable? (4) Does it match the recipient’s role? Revise any question that fails one of these checks. This practice will make Day 7 and Day 8 drafting much easier because you will already have strong questions prepared.

Mini-summary: A strong inquiry set mixes question types, uses polite structure, and passes a quality check for politeness, specificity, and answerability.

• Why is it helpful to include both yes/no and wh-questions?
  Show Answer

  Yes/no questions confirm rules quickly, while wh-questions gather the details you need to act correctly.

• What are the four quality-check questions you should ask about each inquiry question?
  Show Answer

  Is it polite? Is it specific? Is it answerable? Does it match the recipient’s role?

• Write one follow-up question that is polite and does not sound impatient.
  Show Answer

  Example: “May I follow up regarding this inquiry? I would appreciate any update when convenient.”

💡 Example in Action

These worked examples show how to shape interrogative sentences for formal inquiries.

1. Example 1: Split a triple-question sentence
   Original: “What do I need and when is the deadline and where do I submit it?”
   Task: Rewrite as three polite questions.
   Show Answer

   “Could you please share the list of requirements?” “When is the submission deadline?” “Where should I submit the completed requirements?”

2. Example 2: Fix an accusatory question
   Original: “Why are you always changing the rules?”
   Task: Rewrite as a polite inquiry.
   Show Answer

   “Could you clarify the reason for the recent changes in the guidelines?”

3. Example 3: Make a vague question specific
   Original: “Could you clarify this?”
   Task: Specify a topic.
   Show Answer

   “Could you clarify the updated schedule for the program orientation?”

4. Example 4: Use a yes/no question for confirmation
   Task: Ask if online submission is allowed.
   Show Answer

   “Is online submission allowed for the application requirements?”

5. Example 5: Add a polite follow-up question
   Task: Follow up without sounding impatient.
   Show Answer

   “May I follow up regarding this inquiry? I would appreciate any update when convenient.”

📝 Try It Out

Write your answers in your notebook. Make your questions polite, specific, and answerable.

1. Write two yes/no questions about a topic you choose (program, club, scholarship, policy, service).
   Show Answer

   Your questions should confirm rules or availability (for example, “Is online submission allowed?” “Are there any fees?”).

2. Write four wh-questions about the same topic (what/when/where/how).
   Show Answer

   Your questions should ask for details (requirements, deadline, location, process).

3. Rewrite this to remove blame: “Why are you ignoring my message?”
   Show Answer

   Sample: “May I follow up regarding my inquiry? I would appreciate any update when convenient.”

4. Fix the structure: “You could confirm the deadline?” (Rewrite as a proper inquiry question.)
   Show Answer

   “Could you confirm the deadline?”

5. Replace vague words: “Where do I submit it?” (Name the specific item.)
   Show Answer

   Example: “Where should I submit the completed application form?”

6. Split this into two questions: “Can I join and what requirements do I need?”
   Show Answer

   “Is it possible to join the program at this time?” and “What requirements are needed for registration?”

7. Write one question using “May I request…” and one using “Would you be able to…”
   Show Answer

   Examples: “May I request the list of requirements?” “Would you be able to share the application process?”

8. Create two polite clarification questions about changes or updates.
   Show Answer

   Example: “Could you clarify the reason for the updated guidelines posted this week?” “Could you confirm which version of the schedule should be followed?”

9. Build your final set: write eight polished inquiry questions using the balanced plan (2 yes/no, 4 wh, 2 follow-up/clarification).
   Show Answer

   Your set should be polite, specific, and answerable. Use correct punctuation and avoid combining too many details in one question.

10. Quality check: Choose two of your questions and revise them to be more specific (add topic names, dates, or program titles).
    Show Answer

    Tip: replace “this/that/it” with the exact noun and remove broad words like “all” or “everything.”

✅ Check Yourself

Answer the items, then check. Mix of multiple-choice and short response.

1. Multiple-choice: Which is a yes/no question?
   a) “When is the deadline?”
   b) “What documents are required?”
   c) “Is online submission allowed?”
   d) “How can I apply?”
   Show Answer

   c)

2. Multiple-choice: Which is the best revision of “Why are you always changing the rules?”
   a) “Stop changing the rules!”
   b) “You never explain anything. Why?”
   c) “Could you clarify the reason for the recent changes in the guidelines?”
   d) “This is your fault.”
   Show Answer

   c)

3. Short answer: What is one advantage of asking one detail per question?
   Show Answer

   It makes the question easier to answer and reduces the chance the reader will miss part of the request.

4. Multiple-choice: Which is a wh-question?
   a) “Is there a fee?”
   b) “Are applicants accepted?”
   c) “Where should I submit the form?”
   d) “Is this required?”
   Show Answer

   c)

5. Short answer: Give one example of a polite question starter for formal inquiries.
   Show Answer

   Examples: “Could you please…?” “May I ask…?” “Would you be able to…?”

6. Multiple-choice: Which question is too vague?
   a) “Could you clarify the updated schedule for the orientation?”
   b) “Could you clarify this?”
   c) “What steps should I follow to submit the requirements?”
   d) “Where is the submission office located?”
   Show Answer

   b)

7. Short answer: Write a polite follow-up question that does not sound impatient.
   Show Answer

   Example: “May I follow up regarding this inquiry? I would appreciate any update when convenient.”

8. Multiple-choice: Which punctuation should end an interrogative sentence?
   a) .
   b) !
   c) ?
   d) ;
   Show Answer

   c)

9. Short answer: Rewrite “Where do I submit it?” using a specific noun.
   Show Answer

   Example: “Where should I submit the completed application form?”

10. Multiple-choice: Which structure is correct for a polite modal question?
    a) “You could confirm the deadline?”
    b) “Could you confirm the deadline?”
    c) “Confirm you the deadline?”
    d) “Deadline confirm could you?”
    Show Answer

    b)

11. Short answer: Why should you avoid “???” in formal writing?
    Show Answer

    It can look impatient or rude and may harm your professional tone.

12. Multiple-choice: Which question is most answerable?
    a) “Why is everything unfair?”
    b) “What are all the rules?”
    c) “What documents are required for Grade 8 applicants?”
    d) “What is wrong with this system?”
    Show Answer

    c)

13. Short answer: Name two question types used in inquiry letters.
    Show Answer

    Yes/no questions and wh-questions.

14. Multiple-choice: Which is the best “tone repair” for a harsh question?
    a) Add more exclamation marks
    b) Add blame words
    c) Remove blame, add a modal, and make the topic specific
    d) Make the question longer and more emotional
    Show Answer

    c)

15. Short answer: Write one question that asks for recommended steps using “should.”
    Show Answer

    Example: “What steps should I follow to complete the application correctly?”

🚀 Go Further

Optional extensions for deeper practice.

1. Create a “question ladder”: start with a yes/no question, then add a wh-question, then add a follow-up clarification question.
   Show Answer

   Teacher guidance: Learners should see how questions can move from confirmation → details → next steps without sounding demanding.

2. Write five “why” questions and convert them into safer “clarification” questions without blame.
   Show Answer

   Teacher guidance: Teach “Could you clarify the reason for…” as a strong, reusable pattern for sensitive topics.

3. Build a “clarity upgrade list”: replace 10 vague words/phrases with specific alternatives.
   Show Answer

   Teacher guidance: Focus on replacing “this/that/it/things” with specific nouns and time markers (program name, date).

4. Convert a complaint paragraph into an inquiry paragraph using only questions and neutral statements.
   Show Answer

   Teacher guidance: Emphasize calm tone, factual observations, and answerable questions.

5. Peer-check: Exchange question sets and rate each question for politeness, specificity, and answerability (1–5).
   Show Answer

   Teacher guidance: Remind learners feedback should be specific, such as “Add the program name,” “Split into two questions,” or “Remove blame words.”

🔗 My Reflection

Notebook task: Write 8–10 sentences.

• Which kind of question is easier for you: yes/no questions or wh-questions? Why?
• Write one question you revised today. What made your revision more polite or clear?
• Describe one situation where a polite question could prevent misunderstanding.
• Write your final set of eight inquiry questions and underline the modals you used.

Lesson Sections

• 🎯 Learning Goals
• 🧩 Key Ideas & Terms
• 🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge
• 📖 Explore the Lesson
• 💡 Example in Action
• 📝 Try It Out
• ✅ Check Yourself
• 🚀 Go Further
• 🔗 My Reflection