Teacher Discussion Forums

I am currently teaching a First Certificate class and the book I am using has a small section on indirect questions with the usual: you don´t need the auxiliary do/does/did and they are formed like a statement (eg not in the typical question order).

I am confused however on when one should put a question mark at the end, and when there should be a full stop. I have done some research, and for the most part, the sources say that you shouldn´t use a question mark, but those references almost always have sentences that are reported speach, or beginning with ¨I wonder¨ or ¨I asked¨.

My book has the following references, but does not explain why there is a question mark after some. (Other sources say that use may vary, in other words, you can put whatever you like):

Could you tell me what time it is?
Would you mind telling me where he works?

We´d like to know when you first started singing.
Could you tell us if/whether you are married.

I am looking for a rule, that will be acceptable to the First Certificate exams. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Sarah

I don't see why your last example doesn't have a question mark, unless you've mistyped it or it's a misprint in the book.

If it's a direct question, use a question mark. Indirect questions like I wonder if... are actually statements, if you think about it 'cos it's a fact that you are wondering something, hence no question mark.

Thank you for your reply. Yes it makes sense, one is a fact the other a question, that´s what I thought but it isn´t a typo on my part, but possibly a misprint which makes things confusing. Maybe I should contact the book´s publisher to see if they have any more information on why there is a question mark there, as it is not detailed in the grammar section.

Thanks,

Sarah