Direct questions are inquiries that seek specific information and are typically phrased to elicit a clear, straightforward answer. They often begin with words like "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," or "how." For example, asking, "What time does the meeting start?" is a direct question because it requests a specific piece of information. These questions are commonly used in conversations, interviews, and surveys to gather precise data. Unlike indirect questions, which may imply a request for information without directly asking, direct questions aim to clarify and obtain exact responses. This makes them effective for communication in various contexts, including education, business, and research.