'Perhaps' as an answer in a 'yes/no question'?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Paragraph:
Out in the road Adam said, ‘Stupid old woman!’
‘Yes,’ Felix said. ‘Perhaps she was … and perhaps she wasn’t.’

Question:
Did Felix agree with Adam about Marta’s character?
Perhaps; he was not sure. / He only thought he might agree.

My question:
I don’t really know why if this is a ‘yes/no question’, I cannot write ‘yes/no’ in the answer. I know it is because of the context, but that’s not enough to tell to the students. Could you help me in that?
Is it just because Felix wasn’t completely sure?

Thanks in advance.

2

The context indicates that it cannot correctly be treated as a ‘closed’ (yes/no) question. It needs an expanded answer.

3

Hi,
Thanks a lot for your explanation. So, there are ‘yes/no questions’ that are not closed!
I never though about that before. Though it is very logical!

RtL

4

No, Yes/no questions are always ‘closed questions’ However, this is not a ‘yes/no’ question.

5

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. Then, if it is not a ‘yes/no’ question, would you tell me what it is?

RtL

6

An open question, requiring a more expanded answer than simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

7

Hi,
Thanks a lot for this one too! I have never heard about ‘open questions’ before. I will look at my grammar books immediately.

RtL