​Four types of questions

Display means showing what you know. Students provide a piece of information. The teacher usually already knows the answer. Useful in EMI for checking recall, terminology, definitions, and key concepts. Keep the language simple, allow wait time, and accept short or supported answers.

A referential question asks for information the teacher does not already know or cannot predict exactly. Useful when students connect content to experience, opinion, data, examples, or applications. Needs careful framing because open questions can increase linguistic load.

A convergent question guides students towards one expected answer, or a small set of acceptable answers. Very useful for checking understanding quickly. Good for CCQs, factual checks, diagrams, procedures, calculations, and yes/no or either/or responses.

A divergent question allows several possible answers, interpretations, examples, solutions, or justifications. Useful for deeper thinking, application, evaluation, and problem-solving. Best after preparation time, pair rehearsal, sentence stems, or a written note stage.