Yes/no questions and data collection
A clear starting point, worked steps and space to practise.
Start here
A yes/no question has two possible answers. Recording each answer helps us compare them.
One person should give one answer. The two counts should add to the number of people asked.
1 Work through these steps
- Ask one clear yes/no question.
- Ask each person once.
- Record each answer in the matching group.
- Count both groups and check the total.
2 Follow a worked example
Five children answer “Did you walk to school today?” Three say yes. How many say no?
Reduce diagram
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- There are 5 answers altogether.
- 3 are yes.
- 5 − 3 = 2, so 2 answers are no.
3 Try it yourself
Show each step on paper or open Working out. Then check the answer.
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Four children are asked a yes/no question. One says no. How many say yes?
Check answer 1
Answer: 3 children
4 − 1 = 3 yes answers.
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Working out
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Check your understanding
Explain the worked example in your own words. Say why the method works, not just what the answer is.
Skills and explanation links
Key ideas taught here
- A yes/no question has two possible answers. Recording each answer helps us compare them.
- One person should give one answer. The two counts should add to the number of people asked.
Method and checking
For parents and teachers
- Ask your child to explain the method aloud before writing the answer.
- Use a real-life context at home, such as shopping, cooking, sport scores, maps or timetables.
- Praise clear working and checking, not only speed.
- Use counters, blocks, drawings and everyday objects before moving to written symbols.
Practise choosing a method from the information in the question. The examples here are Pi Leo Academy learning activities. Official NAPLAN testing takes place in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9; a topic appearing in these notes does not mean it is tested in NAPLAN.
These notes provide guided examples and practice; they do not certify completion of every curriculum requirement.