A tag question is simply a question offered quickly and nonchalantly at the end of a statement or observation. It encourages review of the previous communication. When using tag questions, you make a statement, then leave it up to the person you are talking with to think about what you have asked.
Tag questions in particular give teachers and parents a tool to help a young person review what has been said or done.The tag prompts an opportunity to have the young person reflect—without requiring an accounting to the adult.
Here are some examples of tag questions:
So you think that will help the situation, do you?
You meant that you can go to your friend’s house when you finished your homework, didn’t you?
That’s quite an achievement, isn’t it?
You didn’t really mean that, did you?
Do you really think that will get you what you want? No reply needed!
