www.Iteslj.org/questions
Conversation Questions for the ESL/EFL ClassroomA Project of The Internet TESL Journal
If this is your first time here, then read the Teacher's Guide to Using These Pages If you can think of a good question for any list, please send it to us.
Home Articles Lessons Techniques Questions Games Jokes Things for Teachers Links Activities for ESL Students
Accidents at Home
Adoption
Advertising
Age: Youth & Old Age
Airplanes
Animals & Pets
Annoying Things
Arguing
Art
Baseball
Basketball
Beach
Beauty and Physical Attractiveness
Behavior
Birthdays
Cars and Driving
Celebrities
Charity
Children
Cities
Classrooms
Clothes & Fashion
College
Colors (Also spelled "colours")
Comics
Community
Computers
Conflict
Corruption
Countries
Creativity
Crime
Culture
Dangers
Dating
Death & Dying
Diets
Disaster
Disaster Preparation
Discrimination
Dreams
Drugs
Earthquakes
Education
English Literature & Books
English Study
Entertainment (Radio, Games, Gambling, ...)
Environment & Pollution
Eye Contact
Fads and Trends
Family
Favorites (Also spelled "favourites")
Fears
Feelings
Food & Eating
Free Time and Hobbies
Friends
Fruits and Vegetables
Future
Gambling
Garage Sale
Gardening
Gender Roles
Generation Gap
Gestures
Getting to Know Each Other
Goals
Gossip and Rumors
Habits
Happiness
Have You Ever ...?
Health
Holidays:
Holidays
April Fool's Day
Christmas
Halloween
Saint Patrick's Day
Thanksgiving
Vacations / After a Vacation
Valentine's Day
Home
Hometowns
Honesty and Truthfulness
Immigration
Internet
Jobs, Occupations & Work
Languages
Likes & Dislikes
Love, Dating & Marriage
Manners
Marriage
Martial Arts
Meeting People
Memory
Money & Shopping
Motivation
Movies
Music
Names
News
Parenting
Personality
Police
Politics
Poverty
Restaurants & Eating Out
Retirement
School
Science and Technology
Self-employment
Silly Questions
Single Life
Social Problems
Sports
Standardized Exams
Stress
Supernatural, Ghosts & Superstitions
Teenagers
Telephones
Television
Tell me about...?
Terror
Time
Tipping
Traffic Accidents
Transportation
Trauma
Travel
Tsunami
Moving to the United States
Volunteer Work
War
Weather
What if ...?
Wishes
Would you ever ...?
Drills
Are You Good At ...?
Days
How do you...?
Months
Would you like to help?
If you can think of a good question for any list, please send it to us.
If you would like to suggest another topic, please send it and a set of questions to begin the topic.
Copyright © 1997-2008 by The Internet TESL Journal Pages from this site should not be put online elsewhere.Permission is not required to link directly to any page on our site as long as you do not trap the page inside a frame. Once we upload a page, the page remains online and the URL will not be changed.
1. Accidents at Home
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What is the most dangerous thing in your home? How can it be made less dangerous?
What is the most dangerous thing in your home for a child? How can it be made less dangerous?
What is the most dangerous thing in your home for an elderly person? How can it be made less dangerous?
What dangers can be found in the kitchen that can cause accidents?
What can be done to prevent kitchen accidents?
What can a parent do to childproof a kitchen?
What dangers can be found in bathrooms that can cause accidents?
What can be done to prevent bathroom accidents?
What can a parent do to childproof a bathroom?
What dangers can be found outside the home in the yard that can cause accidents?
What can be done to prevent yard accidents?
What can a parent do to childproof the yard?
What other dangers can be found in a home in bedrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and living areas?
What can be done throughout the house to prevent accidents?
What can a parent do to childproof the different rooms of the home?
Where at home would you put your first aid kit?
What would you have in it?
Where are these items found in a house, why could they be dangerous, to whom could they be dangerous, and what could someone do to lessen the danger they present?
hot pan/pot
hot curling iron
knife
window
iron
medicines
gasoline
pool
insecticides
natural gas
balcony
toilets
staircase
stove/oven
stool/ladder
yard tools
fireplace
cellar /attic
bathtub
bad dog
tall pieces of furniture
swing set / playground
very clean glass sliding door
electronic equipment
cleaning supplies
lake/retention pond
loose carpet on slippery tile floor
glass table or sharp edged table
hairdryer
bric-a-brac
What do you need to do if...
you cut your finger preparing food?
you fall down and can not move a limb?
your child drinks a poisonous liquid? (discuss syrup of ipecac)
the toilet is flooding the bathroom?
a pan on the stove is on fire?
a neighborneighbor's dog is growling at you?
our child falls off a chair and is bleeding?
2. Adoption
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What is adoption?
Do you know anyone who was adopted as a child?
Do you know anyone who has adopted a child?
What are some of the reasons people choose to adopt?
What is the difference between domestic and international adoption?
What are the views of adoption in your country?
How would someone interested in adopting a child go about doing so?
Where do children available for adoption come from?
What happens to children that are not adopted?
How do you go about adopting a child?
Would you want to adopt a boy or a girl? Why?
Do you think brothers and sisters should be separated in adoptions?
Are adoptions common in your country?
What are some organizations that help with adoptions?
Should you tell the child that he or she was adopted? If so at what age? Or when?
Should adopted children have the right to know their biological parents?
Should families with birth children also adopt?
Is the real parent the birth parent or the adoptive parent?
Should adoptions be between children and families of the same race and or culture?
How or should the adoptive parents maintain the adopted child's cultural identify?
In your country are the legal rights of an adoptive child different from that of a birth child?
What are the legal consequences of adopting a child from a different race or country?
Why don't more people adopt a child?
What makes a family, genetics or environment?
Do you support an open adoption policy where the birth parents can choose to be involved in the child's life?
Do you believe there is discrimination within the adoption organizations?
Do you think a person should be able to adopt a child of a different race?
Should a gay or lesbian couple be allowed to adopt a child?
Should there be an age restriction for the adoptive parents?
Should a single man or woman be able to adopt a child?
If you were to find out that you were adopted and not really from the country where you are a citizen, which nationality would you hope would be your true mother country? Why?
When is the right time for a child to be told that he/she was adopted?
Do you think it is preferable to adopt or to use artificial reproduction technology?
Would you agree to an open adoption or closed adoption? Why?
What is an open adoption?
Would you want to find your birth family? Why or why not?
3. Advertising
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What is the most shocking advertisment you have seen?
What is the funniest advertisement you have seen? Describe it.
What makes an ad memorable?
What are the different types of advertising? (Eg. TV)
What types of companies choose each type?
Do you buy products because of advertising?
Do you find advertising persuasive?
Why do you buy one product over another?
Should advertisers be allowed to advertise to children?
Should alcohol or tobacco companies be allowed to advertise? Why or why not?
What do you think of celebrity endorsements?
Which celebrities advertise which products?
Do favorite or annoying celebrities make you want or not want to buy a product?
Should there be advertisement-free zones?
Is there truth in advertising?
What kind of advertisements attract your attention?
Why is it necessary to advertise?
Do you think advertising should be allowed to interrupt TV or radio programmes? What are the alternatives?
What is the best way to advertise to children? Adults? Seniors? etc..
Do you think advertising is too expensive?
What are some effective adverts you have seen lately (on TV, newspaper, etc)?
What are some ineffective adverts you have seen lately?
Can you remember an advertising campaign that caught your attention?
What are the different methods of advertising?
What is the most popular way of advertising?
Do you think that the Internet and cable/satelite TV have become more important than national TV for advertising products?
What do you think is the best way of discovering the tastes and interests of teenage consumers?
Can TV advertising be a force for good?
How easy do you think it is to influence children with advertising?
Do you agree with anti-consumerism organisations that the child will have watched 350,000 commercials by the time she graduates from high school?
4. Age: Youth & Old Age
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Are young people generally more selfish than their parents and grandparents? Does age make you more aware of and caring for others?
Should adults try to teach young people lessons, such as the dangers of drinking too much, taking drugs or catch the AIDS virus, or should they leave them alone to find out about these things themselves? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches?
What do you think is the best age to be? Explain your opinion.
Most countries give young people rights as they reach a certain age. For example, British people can legally make love or fight for their country at the age of 16; they can drink, vote and drive a car when they are 18. Does China have similar laws? Do you think that any of the age limits need changing?
Some people think you should give something to society before you have the right to join it. Should young people have to do some form of military or community service by law?
Should people of between 50 and 55 be forced to retire from their jobs in order to make way for younger workers?
If people are still able to (and want to) work, should they have to retire when the reach a certain age? Explain your opinion.
In most countries the legal retirement age for men is five years older than for women, even though women live longer than men on average. Why do you think this is? Is this fair, or should it be changed?
Are there many things that the old can teach the young or are they hopelessly out of touch by the time they reach a certain age? What things were you taught by your older family members? How have they been useful to you in your life?
In most countries, compulsory education is targeted at five to sixteen year olds. Would it be better to offer it to pensioners who want to learn rather than young people who prefer not to be in school? Explain your opinion.
In Russia, China and many other countries, there is a tradition of choosing leaders who are quite advanced in years. Do you think that older people make better leaders? Explain your opinion.
One of Britain's best-ever leaders was William Pitt, who became Prime Minister when he was 24 and remained in power for 18 years. Could this ever happen in China? Why/why not?
Many elderly people have disabilities which limit their mobility. Do buses, shops and public buildings in your country provide easy access for the disabled or are your towns and cities designed mainly for the young and able-bodied? Why is this?
Should the elderly be expected to pay for residential care out of their own savings or should appropriate accommodation and nursing be provided by the tax payer? Explain your opinion.
Some people say that men age better than women, and remain attractive longer. Do you agree? Explain your opinion.
Some people say that men never grow up, they just get bigger. Do you agree? Explain your opinion.
Some people say that young women are usually two to three years more mature than young men. Do you agree? Explain your opinion.
In most countries women live an average of five to six years longer than men. Why do you think this is?
In some countries having children is considered a way of "investing in the future", and young people are expected to give money to their parents when they get a job, and then to care for them when they retire. What are the good points and what are the bad points about this system?
Many countries are facing the problem of an "aging population", i.e. there will soon be more old people than young people. What problems will this cause? What can be done to prepare for them?
What do you think is the ideal age for each of these stages of your life: (Explain your opinion.)
What age do you want to live to?
How do you feel about your parents growing older?
If your parents could no longer care for themselves, would you let them live with you or put them in a nursing home?
Are you afraid of getting old?
What is your ideal old age to live to?
Do you prefer to live in the retirement home or live with young people?
Should parents continue to finance their children after the children are 18?
Where do you wish to live when you are old?
Where do you see yourself when you are 70 years old?
5. Airplanes
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
How old were you when you went on your first flight? Where did you go?
Do you like to travel by airplane?
What was the longest flight you have ever taken?
What seat do you prefer: window, center or aisle?
What are three things you're supposed to do before the flight takes off?
What do you like to do during the flight? Does the plane provide anything to do to pass the time?
What are some movies you remember seeing on the plane?
What do you do when you experience turbulence?
Have you ever met anyone or established any relationships during a flight?
What should be done with obese people who practically take up two seats?
Can you sleep during the flight?
Have you ever seen a female pilot? Why do you think that most pilots are men?
Would you like to be a flight attendant? What are the benefits and /or downfalls?
Are most flight attendants female? Is being a flight attendant considered a good job in your country? What do you think are the qualifications?
Are planes really safer than cars? ( A British study shows that flying is 176 times safer than walking, 15 times safer than driving and 300 times safer than a motorbike.)
Would you rather have a younger, more beautiful/handsome flight attendant or an older, more experienced one?
What are the advantages of traveling by airplane? What are the disadvantages?
Do you know someone who is afraid of flying in an airplane?
What questions should you ask when buying airplane tickets?
What is a group rate?
What is a charter flight?
What arrangements should you make for pick-up at the airport?
What things can you see in an airport?
What questions do they ask you when you check-in at the airport?
What questions do they ask you when going through immigration and customs at the airport?
6. Animals & Pets
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Are there animal rights groups where you live?
What kind of animals do humans ride?
Are you afraid of snakes?
Are you frightened of spiders?
Are your pet(s) healthy?
Can you name some endangered species?
Can you ride a horse?
Do you consider yourself an animal lover?
Do you ever go bird watching?
Do you ever talk to your pet? If so, what do you say?
Do you have a cat?
Do you have a dog? If so, what's your dog's name?
Do you have any pets?
If not, would you like to have a pet?
Have you ever had a pet?
Do you know anyone who has a horse?
Do you know anyone who keeps their dog in their house?
Do you know someone who owns an unusual pet?
Do you love your pet?
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
Do you talk to your pet sometimes?
Do you think it is acceptable to test cosmetics on animals?
How do you feel about the use of animals for medical research?
Do you think it is okay to eat meat?
Is there any kind of meat you would not eat?
Do you think it is right to keep wild animals in a zoo?
Do you think it's okay to free animals that have been in captivity all their lives? Why or why not?
Do you think people should buy and wear fur coats?
Do you think that animals dream?
Do your pets have special behavior problems?
How do you deal with those problems?
Have you ever been bitten by a dog?
Have you ever been bitten by a dog? (... by a snake)
Have you ever been to a farm?
Have you ever been to a farm? What animals did you see there?
Have you ever been to a horse race?
Have you ever been to a zoo? What animals did you see there?
Have you ever eaten rabbit meat?
Have you ever gambled on a horse race?
Have you ever given your pet a bath?
Have you ever had a pet? / Have you ever had any pets?
Have you ever ridden a horse? How about a camel?
Have you ever seen a bullfight?
Have you ever seen a dog race?
Have you ever seen a dog that helps people, such as one to help a blind person?
If so, what did you notice about the dog?
How do you think that dog was trained?
Have you ever seen a "therapy dog?"
How long do you think a dog can live without food?
How many birds do you know that can't fly?
How many legs does a spider have? How about a squid?
How many national animal preserves do you have in your country?
Are there any animal preserves around here?
How many pets have you had?
How many pets have you raised and what are they?
How many zoos have you been to?
How much does it cost to keep your pet?
If you could be an animal, what would you (choose to) be? Why?
If you don't keep pets, please explain why?
Is is right to keep animals in a zoo?
Is it harmful for a dog to travel in cabin on a airline under the seat where your carry-on bags go?
Pets are considered to be a burden to most of the city dwellers. To what extent do you agree?
Some people think that people shouldn't wear animal furs. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Think of some people you know. Which animals do they resemble?
What animal do you think is the funniest?
What animal do you think is the strangest-looking?
What animal do you think makes the best pet? Why?
What animal would you like to be? (Which animal....?)
What animals are symbols of your country?
What animals are you afraid of? (...scared of?)
What animals do you think are cute?
What animal do you think is the cutest?
What animals do you think are scary?
What animals do you think are ugly?
What animals do you think is the most dangerous?
What are some popular pets?
What are the most popular pets in your country?
What are the pros and cons of keeping a pet?
(Why are there so many people who are willing to sacrifice their time and money to raise a pet?)
What can children learn by having a pet?
What are some things a child can learn by having a pet?
What do you think of animals being raised in captivity?
What is one of your favorite animals?
Why do you like it?
Do you have one for a pet?
What is the difference between a pet and a wild animal?
What is the largest animal you have ever seen?
What is the most unusual pet you have ever seen?
What is your favorite animal?
What is your favorite animal?
Why is it your favorite animal?
Would you like keep it as your pet, why or why not?
What joy does your pet bring you?
Are you the one who takes care of it every day?
How do you take care of it? If you don't take care of it, who does?
What kind of animal would you like to be?
Do bats make good pets?
What animals like to be petted?
What kind of dog do you have?
What kind of master would you like to have if you were a pet?
What kind of meats have you eaten?
What kind of pet would you like to have in the future?
What particular animals have become famous in your country for some special skill or accomplishment?
What wild animals can you see around here?
When was the last time you went to a zoo?
Where is the nearest zoo to your house?
How often do you visit that zoo?
When was the last time you went there?
How much does it cost to get in?
Why do people have pets? / Why do people keep pets?
Why do some people not like pets?
Would you recommend that others keep pets similar to yours?
Do you think animals have souls?
Should we feed our pets unhealthy but tasty treats?
What's more important, their health or their happiness?
In your opinion, why do some people like to have unusual pets?
Do you think dogs should be banned or muzzled?
Would you want to see aggressive dogs muzzled or banned?
In your country, what kind of dog laws are there? If dogs are man's best friend, as the saying goes, is banning dogs a friendly act?
What is a safari?
Would you go on a safari?
Have you ever hurt an animal?
Was it intentional or unintentional?
Do you know of any websites for people that want to keep animals as pets?
How about websites for people who are against animal rights?
Do you think keeping an animal as a pet is a violation of that animal's rights?
Do you know any animals that you think are being treated badly or unfairly?
If so, how do you think you can help?
What do you think would animals say about humans if they could make a documentary movie about humans?
What is a breed?
What breeds can you name?
What does AKC stand for?
What is a standard for a dog breed?
What is dog intellegence?
Which dog breed do you think is the most intellegent and which the dumbest?
What is the role of an Alpha Dog in a pack?
7. Annoying Things
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What annoys you about living where you live now?
What annoys you about taking trains to work?
What annoys you about driving a car?
What annoys you most about living at home with your family?
Do you think you have habits that annoy other people?
Does it annoy you when people kiss in public?
Do you get annoyed when someone cuts in front of you when you are waiting in line?
What are some new pet peeves you have as a result of recent technology (i.e. cell phone use)?
What annoying habits does your best friend have?
Does smoking bother you?
Do you get annoyed when other people display bad manners? Give some examples.
What is the most annoying thing for you?
What is the most annoying thing about your partner?
Do you annoy people with some of your habits?
What is something that your parents do that annoy you?
Can annoying someone be a good thing?
If something is annoying you, what do you usually do?
What are some things that annoy you that don't annoy your best friend?
How do you change annoying habits
What are some things that car drivers do that annoy you?
Can you think of some things children do that annoy adults around them?
What does pet peeve mean?
What is your pet peeve?
Does it annoy you when people don't use the right punctuation?
What kind of people annoy you?
Who is the most annoying person you know? Why?
How do you inform someone they are being annoying
Do you think other people find you annoying? Why?
Who is the most annoying celebrity? Why?
Which is more annoying, being caught in the rain without an umbrella, or finding out you don't have enough money to pay for something you really need?
Is there anything about your teacher that annoys you? What will you do about it?
8. Arguing
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Do you get along with argumentative people?
Are you passionate about your beliefs?
Do you ever try to impose your beliefs on others?
Do you at times enjoy "playing the devil's advocate" (debating for the fun of it)?
Do you get along argumentative people?
Are you passionate about your beliefs?
Would you describe yourself as an argumentative person?
What other adjectives would you associate with an argumentative person?
In your opinion is being argumentative a positive trait or a flaw?
Are you easily persuaded in an argument?
Do you ever try to impose your beliefs on others?
Do you at times enjoy "playing the devil's advocate" (debating for the fun of it)?
Have you ever taken part in a debate? Did you have to defend an opinion that wasn't your own? If so, was it easy? Did it make you re-evaluate your own views?
How do you feel when someone disagrees with everything you have to say?
Do have a "butinski"in your family? Do you tend to but in?
At work do you often voice your opinions on controversial issues? If so, what kind of reception do get?
Do you steer clear of some touchy topics or do you get a kick out of provoking others?
How do you feel when you have a hunch someone's not paying attention to what you have to say? Do you raise your voice? Do you get nasty?
How do you grab someone's attention when you're making a point? What can you do to lose it?
Are hand gestures useful in an argument?
Do you think it's disrespectful to argue with your elders?
Do you often feel patronized in an argument?
What do you say when someone is being condescending?
9. Countries
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What country would you like to visit?
What country would you like to live in and why?
What country would you like to work in?
What country has the most interesting customs?
What country would be fun to work in?
Would you like to work in a tropical country?
Would you like to work in Antartica?
Would you like to live where there is always snow?
Would you like to live where there is desert and hot weather?
What countries in Europe have you visited?
What countries would you not like to visit and why?
What country in Asia would be a great place to live?
Is your country the best place for you to live?
What is special about your country?
What festivals and feasts does your country have?
Would you like to go and live in another country?
What countries would you like to travel to for a vacation?
How would you travel to see your country?
How would you travel the world?
What countries would you travel to if you were to do a world trip?
10. Crime
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Are some parts of this city considered more dangerous than others? Which parts?
Are there any places you are afraid to visit because of the high crime rate? If so, where?
Are there problems with drugs where you live?
Are you apprehensive about walking outside after dark?
Do you always lock your house? How about your car?
Do you believe that public executions would deter crime? If so, how?
Do you drink and drive?
Do you know anyone who has been mugged?
Do you know someone who has been a victim of a violent crime?
Do you think abortion is a crime?
Do you think gun control is a good idea? Explain.
Do you think people who use illegal drugs should be put in jail?
Do you think police TV dramas are realistic?
Do you think policeman should be allowed to carry guns?
Do you think that capital punishment is a good idea? Why or why not?
Do you think that punishment for violent crimes should be the same for juveniles and adults? Why/why not?
Do you think that the death penalty would prevent crime in your country? Why (not)?
Do you think that the legalization of narcotics would decrease the crime rate?
Do you think there are any legal drugs that should be illegal?
Do you think there is a link between drugs and crime?
Do you think prostitution is a crime?
Do you think there will be more or less crime in the future?
Do you think your country is a safe place to live? Why or why not?
Do you walk alone at night in your home city?
Does prison help rehabilitate criminals? (Should it?)
Have you ever been the victim of a crime? How about others in your family?
Have you ever done anything illegal? If so, what did you do?
Have you ever had anything stolen?
Have you ever had something stolen from you?
Have you ever seen a crime?
Have you ever witnessed a crime?
Have you ever stolen anything?
How can you prevent things from being stolen?
How can you avoid having things stolen from you?
If a person steals a loaf of bread because he needs to feed his starving family, should he be punished?
Is child abuse a problem in your country?
Is drunk driving a crime where you live? If so, what is the punishment?
Is it ever O.K. to break the law? If so, when?
Is prison an effective punishment? (Why? or Why not?)
Is there a problem with organized crime and/or gangs where you live?
Is your hometown considered safe?
Under what situations would you think of committing a crime?
What are some things people can do to protect themselves from crime?
What are some things that are legal that you personally think should be illegal?
What crimes do you think will decrease in the future?
What crimes do you think will increase in the future?
What crimes have you heard about recently in the news?
What do you think is the worst crime a person could commit? Why?
What do you think of the death penalty?
What is a gang?
What gangs exist in this country and in your home country?
What are the characteristics of these gangs?
What is the punishment for murder in your country?
What is the punishment for stealing in your country?
What kinds of crime are most common in your country? What are the penalties for these crimes?
What kinds of crimes are increasing?
What kinds of crimes do you think can be prevented? How?
What makes some people become criminals? Is it poverty, upbringing, lack of education, unemployment or something else?
What weapons do police carry in this country? How about your home country?
What would you do if you heard a burglar in your house?
What's your opinion about the death penalty?
Why do you think crime is more prevalent in some societies than in others?
(Why is there more crime in some countries?)
Why do you think people steal things?
Do you think corporal punishment is necessary?
Who decides what is and isn't a crime?
Do you think that "corporate criminals" are sufficiently punished for their crimes?
Do you think that police dramas can teach people how serious certain actions can be?
Is a person born as a blank page or does he have some things predetermined like vulnerability to crime?
Should adultery be considered a crime?
11. Culture
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What are some things that define a culture? For example, music, language, ...
What do you think is interesting about your culture?
Do you know much about your own culture?
When people from other countries think about your culture, what do they usually think of?
In your culture is it polite to be straightforward and direct when you talk to someone?
To whom is it OK and to whom is it not OK?
What has surprised you when you've met people from other countries?
Have you looked at Internet pages from a different culture? If so, how were they different from those of your own culture?
What do you like about your culture?
What don't you like about your culture?
How do young people in your culture behave differently from older people?
How do young people in your culture behave differently from people in this culture?
Are there many people of different cultures in your country? Are you friends with any?
Have you ever felt confused by the actions of someone from another culture?
If so, tell me about it.
How are your language teachers who are not from your country different from your other teachers?
How are they the same?
Who in your culture do you admire most?
What your culture are you most proud about?
Why do you think culture is important?
If you could change one thing about your culture, what would it be?
Would you ever consider marrying or dating someone from another culture?
Would you ever consider living permanently in a country other than your home country? Why or why not?
What does it mean to be polite in your culture?
What is considered rude in your culture?
Is there anything in this culture that is considered rude that may not be considered rude in your culture?
If a group of people just came to your country from overseas, what advice would you give them?
What other cultures have you met people from?
What do you think is important when visiting another culture?
Do you think "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" is always good advice? Why or why not?
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt you had to "do as the Romans do"?
What culture besides your own do you admire and why?
If aliens visited your country, what might surprise them?
Do you pray before each meal?
How do you feel when you leave your home culture and enter into a completely new culture?
What is the best/most important thing your culture has given to the world?
What is the best/most important thing your culture/country has adopted from another culture?
If you could choose three aspects of your culture to put in a "time box" for the future, what would you put in it?
Customs
What customs do you practice?
What are your favorite customs?
What customs do you think should be revised?
What customs do you think should no longer be practice?
What customs (from elsewhere) do you think should be included in our culture?
12. Dangers
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Have you been in the midst of danger before?
What do you do when you feel someone might be following you?
Have you put your life in danger before for your loved ones?
Have you put your life in danger before for a stranger?
Have you tried doing anything dangerous that could risk your life?
Why are there still people who love to do dangerous sports?
Why are there people who still live in a dangerous society?
Do you think your neighborhood is dangerous?
Have you caused any danger to other people before?
What was the most dangerous thing that you have done?
Why are the rich facing a lot more danger than the poor or average people?
What time is the most dangerous time to go out?
Do you think there are dangers in your house?
What do you do when you see someone in danger?
What do you do when you see the back label of a product with a danger sign on it?
What do you do when you feel that something might happen to you?
If you are in danger, what should you do?
Is there an emergency number you can call on to when you are in danger?
Can we stay away from danger?
13. Dating
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Describe a perfect date.
Describe the appearance of the person you would like to date?
Describe the character of the person you would like to date?
Do you "go Dutch" when dating?
Do you know what it means to 'go Dutch'?
Is it usual for people in your country to 'go Dutch' if you go out together?
Do older girls/boys have a problem dating younger girls/boys?
Do younger girls/boys have a problem dating older girls/boys?
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Do you think some people know that they will fall in love with someone the first time they meet?
Do you know what a 'blind date' is?
Have you ever been on a blind date?
Did you ever arrange a blind date?
Do you drive or take the train when dating?
Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
Where did you meet your him/her?
What does he/she look like?
Do you think fairy tales influence our choice of a partner?
Have you ever had a crush on someone?
Have you ever hated loving someone?
Have your parents ever disapproved of any of your relationships?
How often would you like to go out on dates?
How old were you when you had your first boyfriend or girlfriend?
How old were you when you went on your first date?
Where did you go?
What did you do?
Who did you go with?
Is going out on dates important for you?
Is there a such thing as a perfect relationship for you?
If you could go out with anyone, who would it be?
If you are a man, and a woman asks you for a date, do you feel you should pay, or that the woman should pay?
What are some popular places to go on a date?
What characteristics do you look for in a girlfriend or boyfriend?
What do you consider cheating in a dating relationship?
What do you like to talk about when on a date?
What do you look for in a girlfriend or a boyfriend?
What do you think most people talk about when dating?
What kind of clothes do you wear on a date?
What qualities are important to you in a boyfriend or girlfriend?
What was the most boring date you've ever been on?
What was the most interesting date you've ever been on?
What would you consider "the perfect date" for you?
Where is a good pace to go on a date in this town?
Where would you like to go on a date?
Would you mind if your boyfriend/girlfriend went out to party without you?
Would you prefer to go out with a quiet or a talkative person?
At what age do you think that dating should begin?
Do you think there is any age when a person is too old to date?
Does your first love still hold a special place in your heart? Do you believe that he or she will always have a special place in your heart?
What is your definition of love?
Would you wait on a person you were dating for a long time if they joined the army?
How about if they went to prison?
What do you think about dating a friend's ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend?
Are there any superstitions on making someone fall in love with you?
Have you heard of any successful "love potions?"
Can you control your partner by playing games?
When should you introduce your boyfriend/girlfriend to your parents? (when you begin dating, after you have been together for a while, only when the relationship is serious) Why?
Do you like to have boy friend or girl friend in your school or in your classes?
Do you think it is right to continue seeing a person if he has not introduced you to his family yet?
How long does it take for dating to become a relationship?
Is it important to be punctual in your first date? Why?
Would you dress up for a first date? What clothes would you wear?
What kind of place do you think is the ideal for a first date? Why do you think so?
Do you think that age difference is important when dating?
Would you date someone much older or younger than you? Why or why not?
Would your parents have a problem if you married someone much older or younger than you? Would it make a difference if that person were rich?
Do you like to flirt? If so, what do you usually do? Where? With whom? Why?
Do you ever set your friends up on blind dates? If so, have you had much success?
Do you think blind dates are a good way to meet someone special? Why or why not?
What is an intimate relationship for you?
How do you know you are in a relationship?
Do you have any expectations for your partner?
14. Art
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Are you a good painter?
Can you draw pictures well?
Do you believe what art critics say?
Do you consider yourself a good artist?
Do you enjoy your art class at school?
Do you like modern art?
Do you like paintings?
Do you like sketching?
Do you like to visit art museums?
Do you like wood carving?
Do you prefer using water colors or oil paint?
Do you think it is proper to call nude paintings art?
Do you think music and dancing are forms of art?
Do you think of cartoons and comics as art?
Do you visit museums when you go to another city?
Have you ever been to any famous art museums?
Have you ever visited an art museum?
What art form do you like best?
What art museums have you visited?
Which did you like the best? Why?
Which did you like the least? Why?
What famous painters do you know? What are they famous for?
What is art?
What is the longest time that you have spend on a painting?
What is your favorite art web site?
What would life be like without art?
When was the last time you went to an art museum?
Who are some famous artists in your country?
Who is a famous potter in your country?
Who is the most famous artist in your country? What kind of art does he do?
Who is your favorite painter?
Do you enjoy taking photographs?
What things do you like to photograph?
Do you consider photography an art form?
Why do artist like to draw women's figures?
Why do you enjoy art?
Why is art important?
Why do people become professional artists?
Have you ever participated in any art competitions?
Have you ever been jealous of someone else's artwork?
Do you find Picasso's work astonishing or weird?
Do you have a favorite painting?
If so, what is it?
Why do you like it?
Do other people ever compliment your artwork?
Do you have a sketchbook?
If so, how often do you use it?
What kind of sketches do you make?
Do you feel proud after finishing a work of art?
Do you think graffiti is art?
Do you agree with this statement? Graffitti is a form of art; a form of expressing one's mind.
Do you like to doodle?
What kinds of doodles do you make?
Where and when do you doodle?
Have you ever gone to an exhibition?
Do you know any art galleries? Are there any in the place where you live?
Were you interested in art when you were young?
In your opinion, is design an important part of culture?
Can you tell me the name of a fashion designer you know?
Is design a great importance in your daily life?
15. Baseball
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Have you ever played baseball?
Do you know the rules of baseball?
Do you like baseball?
Are you interested in baseball?
How many players are on a baseball team?
What position do you think is the most difficult?
Who is your favorite baseball player? Why do you like him?
Does baseball look like a fun game to you?
What qualities do you think of baseball player needs to be good?
Do they have professional baseball teams in your country?
How much does it cost to watch a professional baseball game?
Would you rather watch baseball at a stadium or on television?
What is your favorite baseball team? Why?
Do you follow professional baseball?
Are there any baseball players from your country playing in the USA?
Do you think baseball will ever be a worldwide sport like soccer?
What are the differences between baseball in America and baseball in your country?
How much does it cost to attend a pro game in your country?
What kinds of food are sold at baseball stadiums in your country?
Does your country have a minor league?
Do you think young players aspire to be a pro in their home country or make it to the American Major Leagues?
Are there recreational baseball teams in your country?
Do children have easy access to baseball in your country?
Do people play softball in your country?
Are there women's baseball teams in your country?
Do you consider baseball to be a slow game?
Do you think the playoffs are more exciting than the regular season?
16. Basketball
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Are you interested in basketball?
How many players are on a basketball team?
What are the positions on a basketball team?
How long is a basketball game?
Who is your favorite basketball player?
Why are basketball player usually tall?
Can short people be good basketball players?
Have you ever played basketball? How was it?
Do you follow professional basketball?
Have you ever been to a professional basketball game?
Are there any basketball players from your country in the NBA?
17. Beach
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
When was the last time you went to the beach? Where did you go?
What do people do at the beach?
Can you swim? When did you learn to swim? Who taught you to swim?
Have you ever been night-swimming?
Are there any problems with jellyfish, sharks or stonefish at your local beach?
Have you ever played sports on the beach? Which sports? How are they different from non-beach versions of the sport?
Have you ever collected seashells?
Can you describe a shell that you have collected?
What did you do with the shells that you collected?
What sort of animals live at the beach?
Have you ever been fishing on the beach?
What did you catch?
What did you use as bait?
What is the "tide"?
Why is there a tide?
What is a "rip tide"?
Have you ever been on a sail boat or a row boat?
Have you ever used a surf board or body board?
Do you like to sunbake?
Do you think sunblock is important?
Have you ever been to a famous beach?
What do you wear to the beach?
How do you keep your wallet safe while you are swimming?
Is erosion a problem at your local beach?
Is pollution a problem at your local beach?
Should people be able to own a beach or part of a beach?
Why is beachfront land so expensive? Why do so many people want to live there?
Do you prefer a calm sea or do you prefer big waves?
Should dogs be allowed on the beach?
Should dogs have to wear leashes at the beach?
Should cars be allowed on the beach?
What do you think of people who swim in the nude?
Is there a nude beach near where you live?
Have you ever gone to a nude beach?
What do you think of topless swimming?
18. Beauty and Physical Attractiveness
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
There is a related set of questions at http://iteslj.org/questions/clothes.html
Who do you think is the most beautiful person in your country?
Who do you think is the most beautiful person alive today?
Who was the most beautiful person in history?
Who is the most attractive in your family?
Does beauty affect one's success in life?
Is it better to be physically attractive or intelligent?
Is it better to be physically attractive or wealthy?
Is beauty related to power?
Can you think of anyone who is in a position of power that is not physically attractive?
Do people spend too much time and money on beauty?
How much time should be spent on making yourself look better each day?
Who would you say is beautiful that others maybe wouldn't?
Do you think people should have cosmetic surgery to enhance their looks?
If so what is the minimum age when someone should have plastic surgery?
How popular is plastic surgery in your country?
What is the most popular feature for cosmetic alteration?
Do you think self-esteem affects beauty?
Do you think beauty affects self-esteem?
How important is beauty in your daily life?
Have you ever noticed anyone ever feeling pressured to be more beautiful?
What do you think of the proverb, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder?"
Do you have any proverbs or idioms from your country that relate to beauty?
What do you think "beauty is skin deep" means?
What are some beauty tips that you could share?
Do you think people with many tattoos can be beautiful?
How many tattoos is too many?
Would you ever get a tattoo?
Do you have a tattoo?
Do you think people with many piercings can be beautiful?
What kind of body piercing, if any, do you feel are acceptable?
What kind of piercing, if any, do you feel are unacceptable?
What personality trait is the most important for inner beauty?
How do you define beauty, using your own words?
Would you ever date someone who was not conventionally attractive?
What makes one person more attractive than another?
Do you think people from different countries than you see attractive the same way?
Is there someone famous that is considered beautiful, that you think is not?
Are beauty pageants good or bad?
Should children be entered into beauty pageants?
Do you think one gender or group worries more about beauty than another?
Would you want your children to be beautiful or talented?
What are some of the negatives about being beautiful?
What are some examples of social pressures to improve on natural beauty?
For example, lipstick, haircutting, shaving, ...
What do you think about plastic surgery?
Would you ever have plastic surgery?
If so, what would you change?
19. Behavior
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What is good behavior?
What is bad behavior?
What should you do with a child who has very bad behavior?
Should some parent give medicine to their children to calm them down?
What is the right behavior to use in a restaurant? At school? At a party?
Would you teach your child to "hit back" at school if somebody hits them?
Can bad behavior lead to crime?
How should we punish children who commit crimes?
Should parents be held responsible for their children's behavior?
Can you think of a behavior that is 'good' behavior in one culture and a 'bad' behavior in another culture?
Can we teach our children good behavior?
How can we teach our children good behavior?
How do children acquire good behavior?
What would you do if your child behaves badly in public?
What would you do if you saw somebody else's child behaving badly in public?
Would you spank your child for bad behavior?
What would you do if you saw somebody spanking their child for bad behavior?
What behavior is not acceptable among friends?
How should movie stars behave in public?
Should you always be on your best behavior?
Is it OK to show negative types of behavior when you are angry?
What behaviors make you feel good?
What behaviors make you feel angry?
What behaviors are expected from children towards their parents?
What behaviors are expected from university and college students?
Is it acceptable for parents to spank their children?
Should corporal punishment be illegal?
20. Birthdays
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
How are birthdays celebrated in your country?
What are some birthday traditions you know of from other countries?
How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
What is your best birthday memory?
What is your worst birthday memory?
Have you ever had a surprise birthday party for yourself or someone else?
What is the best birthday gift you have ever received?
What is the worst birthday gift you have ever received?
What are some things you like to do for your birthday?
When is your birthday?
21. Cars and Driving
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
How old were you when you first learned to drive?
Was there anything difficult about learning to drive?
Can you drive a car?
Can you drive a manual shift car?
Do you have a car?
If so, what kind of car do you have?
Is it a standard (manual shift) or automatic shift?
Which do you like best, a standard or automatic shift car?
What are the advantages of owning a car?
What are the disadvantages of owning a car?
Are you a good driver?
Have you ever been in a car accident?
Have you ever been pulled over by the police?
What happened?
Have you ever driven a car in a foreign country?
If yes, which side of the road did they drive on?
Were the road signs different?
Are the drivers in your area where you live good drivers?
Do you know anything about repairing or maintaining a car?
What do you know how to do?
Where did you learn how to do this?
Do you enjoy repairing cars?
What are some things you do to maintain your car?
Do you prefer driving or riding public transportation?
What kind of car do you prefer?
Do you like drive at night?
Do you think cars should be banned from city centers?
What side of the road do you drive in your country?
Is drunk driving a problem in your country?
What kind of laws does your country have about drunk driving?
What is the penalty for drunk driving in your country?
Have you ever been (or) do you know anyone who has been in an accident related to drunk driving?
Is jaywalking legal in your country?
Do people often jaywalk in your country?
Who taught you to drive?
How long did it take you to learn to drive?
What is the longest trip you have ever taken by car?
Have you ever broken down and been stranded on the side of the road? Who helped you?
How do American drivers compare to drivers in your country?
What are the speed limits in your country?
On what occasions do you honk your car horn?
Is it acceptable to honk in your country
Are men better drivers than women?
Are women better drivers than men?
At what age can you get a licence in your country?
Do you think the age for driving should be raised or lowered?
Do you think driving lessons should be provided by high schools?
22. Celebrities
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Have you ever seen a celebrity in person? What did you do?
Which celebrity would you like to meet? What would you do if you could spend a day with this person?
Do you think famous people have the right to have a private life?
Do you think it's moral to sell your private life to the media?
Do you approve of people who become famous as a consequence of appearing again and again in the media and not because of having an artistic career?
What do you think of the papparazzi?
Why do you think there is such a high demand for gossip magazines and gossip TV programs?
What are the pros and cons of being a celebrity?
What do you think of fans and fan-clubs ?
Did you have any heroes when you were a teenager?
Why do you think adolescents need to have heroes?
Do you think being a celebrity automatically means the person is intelligent?
Do you think that there are times when the common man has an edge over a celebrity?
If you could influence people like a celebrity does, how would you use it for the benefit of the planet?
Which celebrity do you most admire and why ?
Would you like to be famous ? Why or why not ?
Do you think there is a relationship between beauty and celebrity ?
Can you name some famous people?
Do you know someone famous?
Would you like to be famous? Why?
Are famous people happy?
23. Charity
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Do you give money to registered charities? (e.g. Red Cross, World Wildlife Fund, Green Peace)
Can you name some other registered charities?
Do you think having large charity organizations is a good idea? Why or why not?
What are some of the good points?
What are some of the bad points?
Do you think that locally run charity organizations are more effective?
Are there any charities in (your town/city)?
How about in (your country)?
What are they?
Do you give money to beggars or homeless people? Why or why not?
If you give money to beggars or homeless people, about how much do you give?
How do you know if a beggar is a real beggar?
Do you think beggars should work in gangs or on their own? Would you offer a beggar any job you had to be done at home?Would you offer a beggar a job to help yo around you house?
Would you rather give money to beggars or buskers? (Buskers are people who entertain you on the street for money, e.g. musicians)
Would you rather give money to beggars who have a disability, older beggars, beggars with babies or child beggars? Why?
Do you think it's acceptable for children to work late at night selling flowers and singing?
Do you think these children need to be out doing this, or are they just earning extra money?
What do you think will happen to these children in the future? Do they have a future?
Do you think there should be more help for beggars, homeless and poor people in (your town/city)? How about in (your country)?
Do you think (your town/city) should make a place for beggars and homeless people to go, like a homeless shelter?
Do you think it would reduce the amount of beggars and homeless people on the street?
Do you think it would encourage people to be lazy?
What are some reasons that these people would not want to use such a shelter?
If (your town/city) was to have a homeless shelter, who should run this place?
Who should pay for this place?
Should anybody be allowed to go to this place?
Do you think the government should give money to homeless people?
How about jobless people?
If you think the government should give money, about how much money do you think should be given?
24. Children
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Were there many children in your family?
How many children do you have. How many would you like to have.
Do you enjoy being around children?
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
What are the positive or negative things about being a child?
Do you think that children are different today from the time when you were child? Or from 50 years ago? 100 years ago?
What is most annoying or amazing thing about children?
What is the most important thing that we need to teach children?
Do you think that children are naturally good? Why or why not?
What were some important experiences that you had when you were child which shaped you as a person?
Why do you think children commit violent crimes?
Do you think children are more violent today than they used to be? Why?
What was your favorite game when you were a child?
Do we have to answer children's questions even if they are unappropriate ones?
25. Cities
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Why do you like living in the city?
What are some of the advantages of living in a city?
What are some of the disadvantages of living in a city?
Do you know the neighbors who live near you?
What's your favorite city? Why?
What city do you live in?
What part of this city do you like the best?
Can you describe the city?
What aspects of life in the city would you complain about?
What do you think should be done to improve living condition in cities?
What are some differences between living in the city and living in the country?
What size city is best to live in? Why?
What are the names of two big cities in Europe?
What are the names of two small cities in Europe?
Would you prefer to live in a really old historical city, or a really new modern city?
If you had grown up in a different city, how would your life have been different?
Did you grow up in the city or in the country?
Would you enjoy designing a new city ?
26. Classrooms
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What do you like about your classroom?
Do you think the teacher should assign seats to students?
What kind of classroom setting is the best for you?
What are five things you like about your classroom?
What are five things you don't like about your classroom?
What are five things you would like to change in your classroom?
Do you enjoy changing classrooms for different classes?
What is the ideal seating plan or arrangement in a classroom?
Is there any air-conditioning in your classroom?
Is your classroom a nice place to study?
Do you like the location of your desk in your classroom?
Do you think that smart students always sit down in front?
27. Clothes & Fashion
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
About how much money do you spend on clothes a year?
Do you like shopping for new clothes?
Do you often buy new clothes?
Do you prefer to go shopping or just browse? Why?
Do you think men should be allowed to wear skirts?
What piece of clothing do you spend your money on the most? Why?
Do you read fashion magazines?
Do you sometimes wear a hat?
Do you think it is important to wear fashionable clothes?
(Do you think it is important to be in fashion?)
Do you wear jewelry?
If so, what kind of jewelry do you wear?
How often do you wear jewelry?
Do you wear the same color clothes now that you wore ten years ago?
Do you wear the same size clothes this year as you wore last year?
Do you think people feel different when they wear different clothes?
Have you ever made your own clothes?
If so, what did you make?
Do you often make your own clothes?
How many pairs of gloves do you have?
What are some of the strangest fashions you have seen?
What colors do you think look good on you?
What colors do you think look good on your mother?
What did you wear yesterday?
What do you think of body piercing?
Do you have pierced ears?
Do you know anyone with a pierced nose?
Would you ever pierce your tongue?
What do you think of people who dye their hair green?
What do you think of women who wear high heel shoes?
Do you think high heel shoes are bad for a person's health?
What fashions that you see today do you think will be out of fashion within two years?
What is your shoe size?
What kind of clothes are in fashion now?
What kind of clothes do you usually wear?
What's the most expensive piece of clothing you have ever bought?
What's your favorite color for shoes?
When was the last time you got dressed up?
Why?
How often do you get dressed up?
Do you like to get dressed up?
Where are some good stores to buy clothes in this area?
Where do you usually buy clothes?
Would you like to be a fashion model?
Questions on Styles, Clothing and Fashion-based Stereotypes
What would you think of a women who cut off all her hair and went around bald as a fashion statement?
What do you think of a man who is bald for fashion's sake?
What do you think of women who wear short mini-skirts?
Do you think that the clothes we wear reflect what is inside us ?
What do you think of people who always and only wear black?
What do you think of people with tattoos?
Do you have a tattoo?
Do you know someone with a tattoo?
What do you think of people with body piercing?
Do you have pierced ears?
Would you pierce other parts of your body?
What would you think of a high school student who always wore very conservative clothes?
What type of clothing do you wear when you are angry and you want to express yourself?
What colors do you choose to wear when you are happy?
Would you dress the same as you do in your country if you went to America for a visit?
Do you dress the same when you are depressed as you do when you are very happy?
In what ways do you dress differently?
If you went out with a group of high school friends, would you dress differently then if you went out with your grandmother and her friends?
In what ways does your Grandmother dress differently then you?
When you get old do you think you will dress like your grandmother or grandfather?
Would you ever wear dreadlocks?
What do you think of the people who wear them?
Have you ever worn your hair braided in small braids.
Did anyone look at you differently because of it?
Would you ever wear contacts to change your eye color?
What is the difference in the people who choose to wear contacts and the people who choose to were glasses?
What do you think about women who don't wear earrings?
What do you think about men who wear earrings?
What do you think of women who do?
Is it possible for women to wear too much make-up?
When is a person wearing to much make-up?
What do you think of men who wear make-up?
Is it possible to be beautiful without wearing any make-up, earrings or other accessories?
Do fashionable clothes really change the way a person looks?
What differences have you noticed in the fashions here and in your country?
What do you think of men who where tights?
What do you think about secondhand clothes?
Why do you think people buy secondhand clothes?
Have you ever been to a store that sells secondhand clothes?
Have you ever bought secondhand clothes?
Would you buy secondhand clothes?
When and where did you buy an article of clothing you're wearing right now? Why did you choose it?
What would you think if the mother of the groom wore black at a wedding?
What would you think if a bride wore red?
Should a bride's dress be long or do you think it could be the length of a regular skirt?
What items of clothing do you consider provocative?
(It would be interesting to see if foreigners perceive their own clothing to be provocative or not, but to get them to admit that, the question should be phrased - would it be so in American or Canada, etc.)
What do you think of men wearing high heels?
What do you think of women wearing high heels?
Why is it acceptable for women to wear men's clothing, but not for men to dress in women's clothing?
Is there a stigma attached to people who buy no-name (no brand) clothing?
Are some people more fashion conscious than others? What types/groups of people?
Have you ever bought imitation brand clothing?
What traditional costumes do people from your country wear?
When do you wear them?
Are they comfortable?
In your country do children have to wear school uniform? Do you think it is a good idea or not?
What would you do or feel if you were refused entry to somewhere because of what you are wearing?
Do you think dress codes should be adhered to if requested on an invitation?
What would you wear to meet royalty or the President of your country?
Would you go to a fancy dress party? Why or why not?
How much do you spend getting ready to go to school/college/work; out with friends; to a party? Do the times vary much?
28. College
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What is the name of your college or university?
How many students go to your college?
Is your college coed?
How many subject are you taking this semester?
Who is your favorite teacher?
How did you decide which college to attend?
What are three big differences between your college life so far and your high school days?
In the West, one of the most valued parts of college life is independence. Are you more independent from your parents now than you were in high school?
Talk about relations between upperclassmen and freshmen. What kinds of things do freshmen have to do for initiation?
What other things do upperclassmen do to freshmen? Were you a victim of "hazing" by upperclassmen?
What is your major? Why did you choose your major? Do you have any regrets?
What is the most difficult class you have taken so far?
Have you ever pulled an all-nighter? What was the situation?
Have you participated in a University Festival? Talk about your experience. Do you think this style of festival is held in Western countries? Why or why not?
Are you a member of any student groups? Which ones? What do you do? Are you satisfied with what's happening with your group(s)?
Are there some professors that you can learn from more easily than others? What are the qualities that make you want to study for a certain professor?
What are the top three changes you would like to see happen at your university?
What do you think of student government? Are you now or have you ever been part of it? Do you think it's worthwhile? Does participation in student government bring any benefits to the participants? What?
What are the top three things you hope to get out of (get as a result of) your university days?
29. Colors
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom. Note that "colors" is also correctly spelled "colors."
What's your favorite color?
Has your favorite color changed as you've grown older?
Do you have a color that you hate?
If so, what is it?
Why do you hate it?
Do you think colors affect your mood?
How does red make you feel?
How does green make you feel?
How does blue make you feel?
How does purple make you feel?
How does black make you feel?
How does white make you feel?
How does yellow make you feel?
How does brown make you feel?
How does grey make you feel?
What do you think of orange?
Do you think different cultures have different meanings for colors?
What do the different colors mean in your culture?
Do you associate any colors with specific items, numbers, or letters not usually associated with color?
Can you think of different idioms or expressions involving color?
What's a "black and white" matter.
What does it mean to "see red"?
What does it mean to "feel blue"?
What does it mean to "be yellow"?
What's a "black tie affair"?
What does it mean to be "blacklisted"?
What does it mean to be "the black sheep in the family"?
How many colors are in the rainbow? What are they?
What colors are on your national flag?
What's the best color for a car?
What's the best color for a house?
What do you think is the best color for lens in sunglasses?
What's the color for passion?
What's the color for hatred?
What's the color for happiness?
What's the color for sadness?
What's the color for anger?
What's the color for death?
What's the color for jealousy?
What is the color of envy ?
What's the color for cowardice?
What color is money in your country?
Do you know anyone who is color blind?
What colors do most color blind people not see?
Do you think animals can see color?
What does black-sheep of the family mean?
Do you dream in color?
How would you compare the feeling you get watching a movie in black and white to watching it in color?
What color clothes do you like to wear?
What colors do you think look good on you?
What color shoes do you like to wear?
What do you think is the strangest color for a car?
How about a house?
How about clothing?
How about hair color?
Do you know anyone who has dyed their hair a strange color? (... an unnatural hair color such as blue or multiple shades?)
Have you ever seen a pet dog or cat with dyed fur?
Do you think different colors have different meanings? If so, what do different colors mean?
Do the color blind dream in color?
Do you think people who are color blind can dream in color?
What color ink do you like using the most?
What is the meaning of writing with black ink?
What is the meaning of writing with green ink?
What is the meaning of writing with red ink?
What is the meaning of writing with blue ink?
What color of paper you like most if you want to write a letter to your friends or loved ones?
What is the color of the bedspread on your bed?
What is your least favorite color?
What color toothbrush do you have?
Does everyone in your family use a different color toothbrush?
What color towels do you use?
What color are the curtains in your bedroom?
What does it mean when someone says he's feeling blue?
What does it means when someone says they are green with envy?
w\What does it means when someone says "you look green at the gills"?
What does it mean when someone says "I was so mad I was seeing red"?
What does it mean when someone says "he was black as an ace of spades"?
What is pink eye?
We are not sure what this means, but it was submitted.
What does it mean when you see the color of a rainbow in your eyes?
What would you think of life without colors?
What do you think life would be like without colors?
How would life change?
What things wouldn't change?
Are color blind people completely blind to all colors?
Do you think a person's favorite color will always be his/her favorite color?
Do favorite colors change throughout life?
Have you ever tried to invent a new color?
Try it right now: try to think of a color that doesn't exist, one you'd like to see.
What does it look like?
(Note: It is physically impossible to conceive of a color that isn't a shade of a color that already exists, but students will enjoy trying for a few minutes and the impossibility of it makes for good conversation.)
30. Comic Books
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Do you like comics?
Do you like American comic books?
Do you like comics from other countries?
Do you like fantasy comics?
Do you like funny comics?
Do you like realistic comics?
What do you like about comics?
What comics do you like?
What comics do you love?
What comics do you hate?
Do you play any video games based on comic books?
Have you read any anime?
Have you read any Japanese manga?
Have you read any comics in English?
How are comics different from one country to another?
How are comic books different in this country from those in your country?
How have comics changed over time?
How many comics do you read a week?
How much time do you spend reading comics?
How often do you read comics?
How often do you read comics in English?
Should comics have a rating system like the movies (G, PG, R)?
What comics have you read in English?
What can you learn from comics?
What is more important to you, the story or the pictures?
What is the best comic book you've ever read?
What type of comic appeals to girls?
What types appeal to boys?
What types appeal to adults?
What was the last comic book you read?
Can you remember the first comic book you read?
Where do you usually read comic books?
Who do you think reads comic books?
Do you think boys read more comic books than girls?
Why do you think more ___ (boys) read comics than ___ (girls)?
Do you think people in this country read more comic books than in your country?
Who has better comics DC or Marvel? (Or ask about two other comic book publishers.)
Why are comics so popular?
Why do people like to read comics?
Why do you think Hollywood makes so many movies from comic books?
Why don't more people read comic books?
Are comic books better than (regular) books?
At what age is a person too old to read comics?
Do violent comics make people think more about violence?
Cost
About how much do you spend on comics in a month?
How much do you spend on comic books?
How much should a comic book cost?
Is collecting comics a good investment?
Who is the worst comic book character?
When you read comics, who is more interesting the hero or the villain?
Who is your favorite villain?
Who would your arch enemy be?
Super-heroes
Who would win a fight Batman or Superman?
Which super-hero is most like you?
What qualities do you need to be a super-hero?
Who is the the most popular super-hero in your country?
What super-hero should have a movie made about him/her?
Who is the most popular comic book hero in your country?
What real life person could be a super-hero?
If you could make your own super-hero what would his or her name be?
What would his superpower be?
Do we need more super-heroes?
If you could have one superpower what would it be?
What is the best superpower to have?
What are some complaints that some parents have about comic books?
Why do people like to read comic books?
31. Community
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What do you like about your community?
What do you think should be changed in your community?
How can you help your community?
How many of your neighbors do you know?
Are there old people living in your community? Tell me about them.
Are there little children in your community? Tell me about them.
What do the people in your community do for recreation?
What do you think is the most important thing about community?
Does your community have special days to get together?
Does your community have meetings?
Is there a neighborhood watch program in your community?
Would you like to raise your children in a community like yours? If yes, tell me why. If no, tell me why?
Is your community afraid of strangers?
Does your community welcome strangers?
Have you ever helped a neighbor?
32. Computers
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
Are you computer literate?
Are you connected to the Internet?
Do you access the Internet with your computer?
Can you access the Internet from your home?
What is your favorite "news" site?
What Internet sites do you visit regularly?
Can your mother and father use a computer?
Do you have a computer?
Do you have a computer at work and at home?
Do you have a laptop or a desktop computer? Do you have both?
Do you use your computer when you do homework for school?
Have you ever studied English using your computer?
How many times have you upgraded your computer?
How powerful is your computer?
What company made your computer?
What kind of computer do you have?
What size is your computer screen?
What do you think is the best size to have?
Where do you use your computer?
Where in your room is your computer?
Why did you buy your computer?
Do you have a digital camera?
Do you send photos by e-mail?
What kind of pictures do you take with your digital camera?
Do you have a scanner?
What kind of scanner do you have?
Do you have a web page?
What's the URL?
When did you start it?
How much time did it take to make?
How much time do you spend keeping it updated?
Do you know any computer programming languages?
How many computer programming languages do you know?
Which languages do you know?
Which language do you use the most often?
Do you read computer magazines?
Which computer magazines do you read?
Do you use a computer?
Are you good at using a computer?
Are you still using your first computer?
Did you learn to use a computer in high school?
Do you know how to type well?
How often do you use a computer?
What are some of your favorite computer games?
What do you use a computer for?
What operating system do you use?
What software do you use the most often?
When did you first start using a computer?
Who taught you to use a computer?
Do you use chat-rooms? If so, what chat-rooms do you use and who do you talk to?
Do you use e-mail?
Do you use e-mail every day?
Do you write e-mail in English?
Have you ever sent an e-mail to your teacher?
How many e-mails do you get a day?
How many e-mails do you send a day?
How many times a day do you access your e-mail?
What's your e-mail address?
How many e-mail addresses do you have?
Do you want a more powerful computer? If so, what computer do you want?
Does your family have a computer?
How fast can you type?
Have you ever taken a course at school where you used a computer?
Have you tried Mac-OS, Windows and Linux?
How do you study English with your computer?
How does e-mail work?
How many people in your family can use a computer?
How much did your first computer cost? How much did you last computer cost?
How much does it cost by buy a computer?
What's the least expensive?
What's the most expensive?
How much does your Internet service provider cost?
Which ISP do you use?
If you could buy a new computer, what would you like to buy?
If you had lots of money, what kind of computer system would you like to buy?
What is the difference between software and hardware?
Which do you like better, a laptop computer or a desktop computer?
What is your favorite website?
Do you ever visit English websites while web-surfing?
Do you think our lives have been improved by computer technology? Think of a few examples of how computers have an educational or an entertainment value. Could you do without them?
What is multimedia?
What are the components and the element of multimedia?
When did you first get a computer?
What kind of computer was it?
About how much did it cost?
Do you still have it?
Do you still use it?
Do you remember the first time you used a computer or the Internet?
What did you think about it?
How long have there been personal computers in your country?
When did the average person start using a computer?
Can your parents operate a computer? / Can you children use a computer?
Do you think a computer can bring us happiness?
Do you have a computer?
Do you know any computer languages like C or C++?
What is configuration of your PC?
How often do you perform a backup? What kind of backup method do you use? What kind of backup media do you use?
What are some good things about having a computer?
What are some bad things about having a computer?
Does having a computer make life more complicated or less complicated?
What computer games have you played?
Which are your favorites?
Which do you think are not so interesting?
What are chat rooms and instant messaging? Why can these be dangerous for you and your kids?
33. Conflict
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What is conflict?
When you see the word "conflict", what do you think of?
What causes conflict?
Is conflict inevitable?
Is conflict always negative?
How can conflicts be resolved?
What would you consider to be a constructive approach to conflict?
What would you consider to be a destructive approach to conflict?
Does there have to be a winner and a loser of a conflict?
What happens to people who are involved in conflicts?
What conflicts are going on around the world?
What conflicts exist in your life?
How do you deal with conflicts?
Can violent conflicts be solved with violence?
How can the world be peaceful when other countries are not trying to bring peace?
Can conflicts at work place affect the efficiency of one's work?
34. Corruption
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What would you do if your boss tells you that at Christmas it is usual to receive small presents from local companies?
Would you accept a free ticket for a football match, a free drink by virtue of your position?
What would you do if you receive a complaint from a citizen of an attempted bribery from a police officer ?
Do you think corrupt police officers are natural-born criminals?
Do you know a corruption case?
Do you think discipline is fair within the police?
How are you going to prevent corruption and misconduct in the group that you command ?
Is corruption within the police a result of low pay?
Have you ever heard of a drug-related corruption case?
Do you think police unions play a good role in the prevention of corruption?
Is corruption ever justifiable?
Have you ever received a bribe?
Have you ever bribed someone?
Do you know someone who has been bribed?
Is bribery a big problem in the country where you live?
Will you accept a dinner invitation from an important businessman of your city? (He has good connections in the council and you nephew is unemployed.)
35. Countries
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What country would you like to visit?
What country would you like to live in and why?
What country would you like to work in?
What country has the most interesting customs?
What country would be fun to work in?
Would you like to work in a tropical country?
Would you like to work in Antartica?
Would you like to live where there is always snow?
Would you like to live where there is desert and hot weather?
What countries in Europe have you visited?
What countries would you not like to visit and why?
What country in Asia would be a great place to live?
Is your country the best place for you to live?
What is special about your country?
What festivals and feasts does your country have?
Would you like to go and live in another country?
What countries would you like to travel to for a vacation?
How would you travel to see your country?
How would you travel the world?
What countries would you travel to if you were to do a world trip?
36. Creativity
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
What is creativity?
Do you consider yourself a creative person? Why?
What is something creative that you have done?
Is creativity a good thing? Why or why not?
What are some ways that a person can be creative?
Is taking a risk part of creativity?
Do you often question the way things work?
Do you like to improve things?
What are some creative ways to entertain children?
Can you think of a device that would make people's life easier?
