do
to perform an action; also helps form questions
What do you do after work?
Lesson 13 of 13 · A1–A2
Everyday conversation review
Choose a What question pattern and answer it using familiar words.
1. Grammar: What questions: choosing the right structure
Use What + be for names and descriptions; What + do/does + subject + base verb for routines; What + be + subject + verb-ing for now; and What + did + subject + base verb for the past. Use What + can/will + subject + base verb for abilities or future results. Keep the helping verb that belongs to your grammar pattern.
- What is it? → It is a jacket.
- What do you need? → I need bread.
- What does she wear? → She wears a coat.
- What are you doing? → I am reading.
- What did you buy? → I bought milk.
- What can you cook? → I can cook rice.
- What will you do if it rains? → I will stay home.
Model conversation
A: What do you usually buy at the shop?
B: I usually buy bread.
A: What did you buy yesterday?
B: I bought rice.
A: What are you going to buy tomorrow?
B: I am going to buy fruit.
2. Basic words and verbs
Say each word, read its meaning, and make a sentence using the example.
need
to require something
What do you need? I need milk.
wear
to have clothes on your body
What do you wear? I wear a shirt.
buy
to get something by paying
What did you buy? I bought bread.
cook
to prepare food with heat
What can you cook? I can cook rice.
bring
to take something with you
What will you bring? I will bring water.
usually
on most occasions
What do you usually eat?
now
at this moment
What are you doing now?
yesterday
the day before today
What did you do yesterday?
next week
the week after this one
What are you going to do next week?
3. Conversation: 15 questions
Answer with a complete sentence. Open an answer starter if you need help, then replace the dots with your own words. Take turns asking and answering.
What is your name?
Answer starter
My name is …
What is your city like?
Answer starter
My city is …
What time is it?
Answer starter
It is …
What do you usually eat for breakfast?
Answer starter
I usually eat …
What does a friend do after work or school?
Answer starter
My friend …
What do you need from the shop today?
Answer starter
I need …
What color is your favorite shirt?
Answer starter
It is …
What is in your bag?
Answer starter
There is / are …
What can you cook?
Answer starter
I can cook …
What are you wearing now?
Answer starter
I am wearing …
What is your teacher doing now?
Answer starter
My teacher is …
What are you going to do next week?
Answer starter
I am going to …
What did you do yesterday?
Answer starter
I … yesterday.
What do you do if you are tired?
Answer starter
If I am tired, I …
What will you do if it rains tomorrow?
Answer starter
If it rains tomorrow, I will …
4. Say it again
Choose three questions and answer again without the starters. Use at least three words from the word bank. Your partner can listen for the grammar pattern, then help you repeat the sentence.