Follow these simple rules:

1. If the statement is positive, use a negative question tag.

   • You are a pupil, aren't you?
   • She can swim, can't she?
   • They like football, don't they?

2. If the statement is negative, use a positive question tag.

   • He isn't tired, is he?
   • We don't have class today, do we?
   • She can't dance, can she?

3. Look at the auxiliary verb (helping verb) in the statement and use the same one in the tag.

   • You have finished, haven't you?
   • She is clever, isn't she?
   • They will come, won't they?

Try saying these tag questions aloud:

1. Jackline is from Shinyanga, isn't she?
2. Mbuke can speak Chinese and English, can't she?
3. Mr Mdolwa is not a doctor, is he?
4. We don't like cheese and bread, do we?
5. She can't sing our school song, can she?
6. You haven't done your homework, have you?

Question tags are very common in everyday speaking. They help us:

• Confirm information ("You are going to the market, aren't you?")
• Show interest ("That's your new book, isn't it?")
• Keep the conversation going

Notice in the textbook dialogue how the teacher uses question tags to check understanding and keep students involved:

Teacher: You found it interesting, didn't you? Pupils: Yes, we did!

Mother: You don't have a test tomorrow, do you? Zubeda: Yes, I do and I am prepared for it.

• Question tags are short questions added to statements
• Positive statement → negative tag
• Negative statement → positive tag
• Use the same auxiliary verb in both parts
• Say them with a rising or falling tone to sound natural

In Tanzania, you can use question tags when speaking with friends, family, or customers. For example, at a duka in town, you might say: "The sugar is 5,000 shillings a kilo, isn't it?" This helps you confirm the price before buying. Using question tags makes your English sound more natural and friendly when talking to others in everyday life.