Initiating a discussion requires being able to say something interesting for others, using the right language to express the ideas. Using grammar accurately, students are able to speak clearly and the others understand them. An important communication skill for academic study in English is asking and answering questions. To be able to participate effectively in key academic activities such as seminars and discussions, it is necessary to use a range of question forms accurately.

Questioning is a skill needed for effective spoken interaction and is a powerful means of controlling communication. Questions can be about information – for reason, for detail; they maybe about clarification – checking understanding, confirming; they can be tactical – to disturb, to show the strengths or weaknesses of arguments.