A closed-ended question is a form of question which normally can be answered with a simple "yes/no" (dichotomous question), a specific simple piece of information, or a selection from multiple choices (multiple-choice question), if one excludes such non-answer responses as dodging a question, refusing or declaring an inability to answer, etc..

Examples:

• Do you know your weight? -- Yes
• What is your weight? -- 167 lbs

An open-ended question is a form of question, opposite to the closed-ended one, which cannot be answered with a simple "yes/no" or a specific piece of information.

• What do you think about your weight?

What is the purpose of government? what is the most important purpose? why you chose that?