If you or a loved one is working on speech and language recovery, you may notice that answering “why” questions can be challenging. These questions require more than just recall—they involve reasoning, cause-and-effect thinking, and word retrieval.
For people with aphasia, this can be difficult due to challenges with processing language, forming sentences, or finding the right words. However, with structured practice and patience, answering “why” questions can become easier.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- Why “why” questions matter in speech therapy
- Why they are difficult for people with aphasia
- How to practice answering them effectively
- 50 examples of “why” questions with simple explanations
Why Are “Why” Questions Important in Speech Therapy?
For people with aphasia, cognitive impairments, or speech difficulties, practicing “why” questions can help you in a number of ways. These include:
1. Language Processing
Understanding and answering “why” questions strengthens listening comprehension and word retrieval.
2. Expressive Language Skills
People with aphasia often struggle to form sentences. Answering “why” questions requires structured responses, which can improve sentence-building skills.
3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
“Why” questions encourage deeper thinking about causes, consequences, and logical relationships—skills that can be affected by brain injuries.
4. Functional Communication
Answering “why” questions is useful in daily life. Being able to explain why you need help, why you feel a certain way, or why an action is necessary improves independence and confidence.
Why Do People with Aphasia Struggle with “Why” Questions?
Answering “why” questions requires several cognitive and language abilities working together, including:
- Understanding the question – Processing spoken or written language can be challenging.
- Finding the right words – Aphasia often affects word retrieval, making it hard to form responses.
- Organizing thoughts – Structuring an answer in a logical way can take extra effort.
- Cognitive processing speed – Many people with aphasia need extra time to formulate responses.
Because of these challenges, it’s important to use structured, supportive techniques when practicing “why” questions.
How to Practice “Why” Questions in Speech Therapy
Here are some effective strategies for working on “why” questions in speech therapy or at home:
1. Start with Yes/No Questions
Before jumping into open-ended “why” questions, try yes/no cause-and-effect questions to build comprehension.
Example: “Do we wear coats because it’s cold?”
2. Use Visual Cues
Pictures, gestures, and written choices can support comprehension and reduce frustration when answering questions.
3. Provide Multiple-Choice Answers
If finding the right words is difficult, offering three choices can help.
Example: “Why do we drink water?
- A) Because it tastes good
- B) Because our body needs it
- C) Because we like the color blue
4. Model Answers
If a person with aphasia is struggling, say the answer out loud and have them repeat it.
5. Encourage Full Sentences
Instead of one-word answers, encourage responses in full sentences.For example, instead of “Because hungry,” try “We eat because we are hungry.”
50 “Why” Questions for Speech Therapy (With Simple Explanations)
Here are 50 structured “why” questions, organized by theme, with clear and simple answers to help with comprehension and expression.
Daily Life & Routines
- Why do we brush our teeth? → To keep them clean and healthy.
- Why do we drink water? → Because our bodies need it to stay hydrated.
- Why do we wear glasses? → To help us see better.
- Why do we take medicine? → To help us feel better.
- Why do we use a calendar? → To remember important dates.
- Why do we eat food? → To give us energy.
- Why do we wear seatbelts? → To keep us safe in the car.
- Why do we set alarms? → To remind us to wake up or do something important.
- Why do we lock the door at night? → To keep our home safe.
- Why do we go to therapy? → To help us improve communication and recovery.
Health & Safety
- Why do doctors check our blood pressure? → To make sure our heart is healthy.
- Why do we wash our hands? → To remove germs and avoid getting sick.
- Why do we take deep breaths when stressed? → To help us relax.
- Why do we stretch our muscles? → To keep them flexible and prevent pain.
- Why do we use a walker or cane? → To help with balance and safety.
- Why do we eat fruits and vegetables? → To stay healthy.
- Why do we get flu shots? → To protect ourselves from getting sick.
- Why do we need to rest when we feel tired? → So our body can recover.
- Why do we go to the hospital for emergencies? → To get fast medical help.
- Why do we need to drink enough water? → So our body stays healthy and strong.
Everyday Thinking & Problem Solving
- Why do we write grocery lists? → To remember what we need to buy.
- Why do we check the weather forecast? → To know how to dress for the day.
- Why do we follow instructions? → So we can complete tasks correctly.
- Why do we read signs on the road? → To stay safe while driving or walking.
- Why do we ask for help? → Because sometimes we need support.
- Why do we use a phone? → To talk to others and get information.
- Why do we use a remote control? → To change the TV without getting up.
- Why do we put food in the refrigerator? → To keep it fresh.
- Why do we turn off the stove after cooking? → To prevent fires.
- Why do we use keys? → To open doors.
Social & Emotional Questions
- Why do we say “thank you”? → To show appreciation.
- Why do we shake hands? → As a polite greeting.
- Why do we feel happy when we see loved ones? → Because we care about them.
- Why do we feel frustrated when things are hard? → Because we want to do well.
- Why do we laugh? → Because something is funny.
- Why do we celebrate birthdays? → To enjoy special moments with friends and family.
- Why do we send cards to people? → To show we care.
- Why do we give hugs? → To comfort or show love.
- Why do we feel nervous before a big event? → Because it is important to us.
- Why do we visit friends? → To spend time together.
Work & Daily Responsibilities
- Why do we set reminders? → To help us remember tasks.
- Why do we pay bills? → To keep services like electricity and water running.
- Why do we need to be on time? → So we don’t miss important events.
- Why do we take breaks during the day? → To rest and regain energy.
- Why do we read instructions? → So we know what to do.
Practicing questions like these can be a great starting point for improving both language comprehension and expression skills. Regularly practicing targeted speech therapy exercises, such as asking “why” questions, can promote neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to adaptively rewire itself.
By consistently practicing language and cognitive processing skills, individuals may be able to activate neuroplasticity to pursue recovery. Talk with your speech therapist about personalized recommendations on how to optimize neuroplasticity to improve communication.
Whether you’re recovering from a stroke, brain injury, or living with a neurological condition, our free eBook, “15 Effective Speech Therapy Exercises for Home,” is your step-by-step guide to real progress – Download our FREE eBook “15 Effective Speech Therapy Exercises for Home [pdf]”!
