1. By Function:
* Open Questions: These questions encourage detailed and thoughtful responses. They often start with "what," "why," "how," or "tell me about."
* Example: "What are your thoughts on the new policy?"
* Closed Questions: These questions elicit a simple "yes" or "no" answer, or a limited choice. They often start with "are," "is," "do," or "did."
* Example: "Do you like the new policy?"
* Leading Questions: These questions suggest a preferred answer or are biased in some way.
* Example: "Don't you think the new policy is a good idea?"
2. By Level of Complexity:
* Factual Questions: These questions seek objective information and have a definitive answer.
* Example: "What is the capital of France?"
* Interpretive Questions: These questions require analysis and interpretation of information.
* Example: "Why did the French Revolution happen?"
* Evaluative Questions: These questions require judgment and opinion.
* Example: "Do you think the French Revolution was a good thing?"
3. By Purpose:
* Informative Questions: These questions are used to gather information.
* Example: "What is your favorite color?"
* Clarifying Questions: These questions are used to ensure understanding.
* Example: "Can you explain that again?"
* Rhetorical Questions: These questions are not meant to be answered, but rather to make a point.
* Example: "Is the sky blue?"
It's important to note that these categories can overlap, and a single question can fall into multiple categories. Understanding the different types of questions can help you communicate more effectively and ask questions that elicit the desired response.