When using « Qu’est-ce qu » is it always followed by an article?

Question

Accepted Answer

Hi Terry,
Qu'est-ce que is more formal than Qu'est-ce que c'est que. 
Hope this helps!

Answer

In asking "What is ...." kind of questions I can't think of an example where you wouldn't need either a definite or indefinite article in French.

-- Chris (not a native speaker).

Answer

Thanks.  I think what I’m actually confused about but didn’t state it well, is when to use ...que c’est? And when to use only ...que?  I.e. the difference between Qu’est-ce que...(le stylo)? and Qu’est-ce que c’est (le stylo)?  I keep getting them incorrect and i find the explanation in the  ‘explain this’ section to not be very clear/helpful.