What do we call a question where the asker does not know the answer in advance?

• A. Genuine question
• B. Display question
• C. Grammar translation
• D. Enhanced input

Answer: (A)

When the purpose of a question is to discover what the learner knows or thinks, without the teacher knowing the answer in advance, it’s called a genuine (or referential) question. The aim is to elicit an authentic response, encourage thinking, and reveal learners’ understanding, since the answer isn’t predetermined. This stands in contrast to display questions, where the teacher already has the expected answer and uses the question to show what they know or to confirm a specific point. The other options don’t describe this questioning purpose—grammar translation is a teaching method, and enhanced input isn’t a type of question.