Questions are very often a request for information. A question really says, "Direct your attention to this matter and give me information on it". So when you ask, "What is your name?" you are really saying, "Direct your attention to your name and give me the relevant information".
It is essential to specify in the message itself, right after the code, exactly the area in which you want the information. You do need to indicate what information you want.

The use of the code 1/2 does not mean that you cannot use ordinary language to frame your question as well. The pre-code simply indicates the nature of what is coming.

1/2 Please let me have information on the Cook Islands. What is the best time of year to go there? How do I get there? Is it expensive? What are the hotels like?

In certain cases it might be enough to use the code alone.

1/2 flight time from London to Johannesburg.

1/2 training in de Bono thinking methods in Singapore.

There may be a whole list of things about which you want information