English Conversation Topic 61 Talking about marijuana in English

Conversation Starters
Marijuana is a drug, illegal (against the law) in most countries of the world. Smoking marijuana can make you feel "high" – it can make you feel happier. Discuss the use of marijuana with your partner, starting with the questions below.

1. What are some reasons that people start using drugs such as marijuana? 2. Why do you think marijuana is illegal?
3. Have you ever tried marijuana or would you like to try it?
4. Do you know anyone who smokes marijuana sometimes?
5. Are there any benefits to smoking marijuana?

 
Discussion Questions Here are more challenging English questions about marijuana. Try to keep the conversation going. If you don't have a conversation partner, think of your own answers using complete English sentences.

1. What are some of the dangers of using marijuana? 2. What are some of the most dangerous drugs?
3. Do you think that marijuana should be legal for medical uses with a prescription from a doctor?
4. Is there any difference between "soft" drugs such as marijuana and "hard" drugs like crack, heroin or cocaine?
5. What would you do if someone in your family were addicted to drugs?

English Conversation Topic 60 Talking about love and marriage in English

Conversation Starters
This is probably the most popular topic to talk about, so take your time. Start with the questions below and then ask follow-up questions for great English conversations.

1. Do you believe in "love at first sight"? 2. At what age do people usually get married in your country?
3. At what age do you plan to get married? (Or at what age did you get married?)
4. Do you want a spouse (husband or wife) who is exactly the same age as you, or a bit younger or older? Why?
5. What qualities are important in a spouse?
6. Do you think it's possible to find love on the Internet?
7. What kind of wedding do you want? (Describe it in detail.)
8. Would you consider marrying someone from another country? What about someone with a different religion?
9. Do you know anyone who has gotten divorced? Do you know why they got divorced?

 
Discussion Questions Here are more challenging English questions about the difficulties of love and marriage. Try to keep the conversation going. If you don't have a conversation partner, think of your own answers using complete English sentences.

1. In your opinion, how long should a couple know each other before they get married? 2. In your opinion, is it helpful for a couple to live together before they get married?
3. Can you give any advice on how to get along with your in-laws? (Your spouse's parents.)
4. What are some reasons that divorce has increased over the years? (Try to think of several reasons.)
5. Do you think marriage changes people? In what ways?
6. What do you think of men who have more than one wife?
7. Should women be allowed to have more than one husband?
8. If you had to marry either a poor man you really loved, or a rich man you did not love, which would you choose?
9. If you had to live with someone who truly loves you but who you don't love, or to love someone who doesn't love you, which would you choose?
10. Would you marry someone ten years older than you? How about ten years younger than you?

English Conversation Topic 59 Talking about laughing in English

Conversation Starters
Laughing is a funny topic! Enjoy having English conversations starting with some of the sentences below.

1. How many times do you laugh in an ordinary day? 2. Do you usually laugh quietly or do you laugh out loud?
3. What kind of things make you laugh? People arguing loudly? Someone slipping on a banana peel and falling? Plays on words (also called 'puns')? Cartoons? Funny movies?
4. Have you or anyone you know ever laughed out of control at something quite serious?
5. What kind of jokes do people in your country often laugh at?

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer conversations about laughing and laughter learning using the open-ended questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, think of your own answers in English, using complete sentences.

1. There's a saying in English that "laughter is the best medicine". Do you agree or disagree? 2. In English we say that people ‘roar’ or ‘howl' with laughter, or ‘burst into’ or ‘break into’ laughter. What are the differences between these?
3. What do you think might be the deeper purpose of laughter? Explain.

English Conversation Topic 58 Talking about languages in English

Conversation Starters
As a language learner, this topic will be very interesting! Talk about languages in English using the questions below to get started.

1. How many languages are spoken in your country? 2. Are there some parts of your country where people speak a language different from the main language?
3. How many languages can you speak well?
4. Are there any words in your language that come from other languages?
5. What languages do people speak in the following countries: Mexico, Australia, Austria, Canada, Brazil, Switzerland?

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer conversations about languages and language learning using the open-ended questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, think of your own answers in English, using complete sentences.

1. Do you know anyone who is very good at learning languages? Why do you think he or she is good at it? 2. What are the reasons that English is the "international language" today?
3. What were some international languages in the past?
4. Do you think another language will replace English as the international language in the future? Why or why not?

English Conversation Topic 57 Talking about honesty in English

Conversation Starters
Nobody likes to be lied to, so honesty is always best, right? Let's discuss the topic of honesty in English. Use the questions below to start your conversation.

1. Have you ever lied before? 2. Would you ever tell a "white lie"? (A lie told to make someone feel better.)
3. In your opinion, why is honesty important?
4. When have you been lied to? How did you feel then?
5. Is there anyone you know who is completely honest all of the time?

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer conversations about honesty using the open-ended questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, think of your own answers in English, using complete sentences.

1. Is there any way we can know for sure when somebody is lying to us? 2. If honesty is so important, why is it sometimes difficult to be honest?
3. When is it all right to just tell a "half truth"?
4. Do you think a good worker should be fired if it is discovered he lied during his job interview? Why or why not?

English Conversation Topic 56 Talking about homes in English

Conversation Starters
We sometime say in English that "home is where the heart is". Talk from your heart about the topic of homes, using the questions below as a starting point. If you do not have a conversation partner, try to answer each question yourself, using complete English sentences.

1. What kind of home do you live in? 2. Do you like your current home? Why or why not?
3. How long have you lived in your current home?
4. How many different homes have you lived in so far in your life?
5. Which has been your favorite place to live? Which home did you like the least?
6. Is your current home in a convenient location? Why or why not?
7. Do you have a favorite room in your home? If yes, which room and why?

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer conversations about homes using the open-ended questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, think of your own answers in English, using complete sentences.

1. If you had a choice, would you rather have a home in the country or in the city? How would those two homes be different? 2. Someone once said, "Any place I lay my hat is home". Do you feel this way? Can you easily go to a new house or do you prefer to always live in one place?
3. What would be your "dream home"? Try to describe it in detail.
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages to living in an apartment rather than a detached house.
5. Can you imagine an "environmentally friendly" house? What would it be like?

English Conversation Topic 55 Talking about holidays in English

Conversation Starters
Let's talk about a fun topic – holidays! Start interesting English conversations using the holiday-related questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, try to answer each question yourself, using complete English sentences.

1. What is the biggest holiday of the year in your country? 2. Do you have a favorite holiday? What is it?
3. Does your country have an autumn "harvest festival" of some kind?
4. Does your country have any holidays related to lovers, like Valentine's Day?
5. Does your country have any funny holidays like April Fool's Day?
6. Are there any special foods connected with holidays in your country?
7. Are holidays approved by the government in your country or are they based on traditions?
8. Who do you like to spend holidays with? What do you do together?

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer conversations about holidays using the open-ended questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, think of your own answers in English, using complete sentences.

1. What is the main purpose of holidays? (Try to think of general reasons as well as specific reasons.) 2. What are your favorite things to do during holidays and why do you enjoy doing them?
3. Are there any special things we can do for poor people, or for those who are less fortunate than us, during the holidays?
4. Can you describe some gift-giving rituals in your country? Who gives gifts to whom? Why?

English Conversation Topic 54 Talking about health in English

Conversation Starters
Health is one of the most important things we have. If we have our health, we can do anything. Start some interesting English conversations using the questions below.

1. Do you think you are a healthy person? 2. How often do you get sick in a typical year?
3. Do you usually eat healthy food? Describe it!
4. Do you know anyone who is often sick? Why do you think they are sick?
5. How often do you get headaches or stomachaches?
6. Do you exercise regularly? What kind of exercise do you do? Or what kind do you like?
7. Do you ever take vitamin pills? Why or why not?
8. Do you know anyone who is very overweight? Do you consider that person to be healthy?

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer conversations about being healthy using the open-ended questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, think of your own answers in English, using complete sentences.

1. What are some general tips that we can all follow to keep healthy? 2. How much should we exercise in order to stay healthy? Be specific.
3. How much does stress affect our health? What can we do about stress in order to stay healthy?
4. How important is sleep for our health? Why?
5. Generally speaking, how could health care be improved in your country?

English Conversation Topic 53 Talking about happiness in English

Conversation Starters
Here's a happy topic to talk about – happiness! Start your English conversation with the basic questions below. You can ask follow-up questions if they fit your partner's answer. If you don't have a conversation partner, think about how you would answer each question with complete English sentences.

1. Generally speaking, are you a happy person? 2. What things or events make you happiest?
3. Who is the happiest person you know? Do you know why they're so happy?
4. Were you happier as a child than as an adult? Why or why not?
5. Do you think we can control our own happiness?

 
Discussion Questions
Now try to have longer conversations about being happiness using the open-ended questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, think of your own answers in English, using complete sentences.

1. Why are some people unhappy? (Try to think of various reasons.) 2. Do you think that happiness is within us or does happiness depend more on other people and external conditions?
3. People say that money can't buy happiness. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

English Conversation Topic 52 Talking about bad habits in English

Conversation Starters
We all have habits, good or bad. Think about your own habits and the habits of people you know, then use the following questions to start an English conversation on the topic of habits.

1. Do you have any bad habits? 2. Do you know anyone who bites his or her nails?
3. Do you know anyone who has a very annoying habit? What is it?
4. What are some good habits to have?
5. Do you have healthy eating habits? Explain.
6. Do you have good study habits? Give examples.

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer conversations about being bad habits using the open-ended questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, think of your own answers in English, using complete sentences.

1. Is there anyone whose work or study habits you admire? Why? 2. How can people break bad habits? Try to give very practical (useful) advice.
3. How do we learn our habits? Can we help children develop better habits?
4. Describe a very unusual habit you have observed in someone? How did they develop such a strange habit?

English Conversation Topic 51 Talking about good manners in English

Conversation Starters
Good manners help people live together without conflict. Start interesting English conversations about manners and being polite, starting with the basic questions below.

1. What are some examples of good manners? 2. What are some examples of bad manners?
3. What are good table manners in your country?
4. What are some good manners related to using a cell phone?
5. What should you say after you sneeze? Or if you bump into somebody? Or if you are late?

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer conversations about being polite using the open-ended questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, think of your own answers in English, using complete sentences.

1. Can you think of good manners that might be bad in another country? 2. Do you think manners are different for city people and country people? If so, explain how.
3. Do you think people need better manners when they drive? Why or why not?
4. In your opinion, do people have better manners now than they did 50 years ago? What about 100 or 200 years ago?
5. How can we successfully teach good manners to our children?
6. What advice about manners would you give to a foreigner visiting your country?

English Conversation Topic 50 Talking about goals in English

Conversation Starters
Achieving goals can make the difference between success and failure. Use the English questions below to start conversations on goals and goal-setting.

1. Do you usually have clear goals that you want to achieve? 2. What is your biggest goal for the near future?
3. What do you hope to achieve in the next ten years?
4. Have you ever tried writing down your goals? (Some people say writing down your goals will help make you successful!)
5. Do you have any big "life goals"? What are they?

 
Discussion Questions
Now try to have longer conversations about goals using the open-ended questions below. If you do not have a conversation partner, think of your own answers in English, using complete sentences.

1. What are some disadvantages of setting specific goals? Try to think of several reasons. 2. What is your biggest goal in life? Why is that your biggest goal?
3. What are the different goals that women and men might have?

English Conversation Topic 49 Talking about globalization in English

Conversation Starters
Some people say the world is becoming a kind of "global village". Talk about this idea of globalization in English, starting with the questions below.

1. What products do you use that were not made in your country? 2. What movies, songs or books do you enjoy that were not produced in your country?
3. Can you think of other ways that globalization has affected your life?
4. Generally speaking, do you think globalization has improved people's lives?
5. What has your country contributed to globalization?

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer English conversations using these "open-ended" questions about globalization. It's not an easy topic, but do your best! If you do not have a conversation partner, try to think of your own answers using complete sentences.

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization? 2. What do you think globalization will look like fifty years from now?
3. Do you think globalization will make us all the same in the future? Why or why not?
4. Which countries might like or hate globalization the most?
5. How important is the Internet in influencing globalization?

English Conversation Topic 48 Talking about getting a job in English

Conversation Starters
It's not always easy to get a good job, but we have to make an effort to get the best job for us. Talk about getting a job in English using the sentences below to get started. 

1. At what age do people usually start working in your country? 2. When do people usually retire (finish their whole career) in your country?
3. How do people start looking for a job in your country? (What do they do first?)
4. What kind of work do you like to do?
5. What kind of people do you like to work with?
6. What is the typical work week in your country? (How many hours per week?)
7. Do you like to do overtime work (for extra pay, of course!) and other extra projects?
8. Is it easy right now to find a job? Why or why not?
9. What are the most "prestigious" (giving people respect) jobs in your country?

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer English conversations using these "open-ended" questions about jobs and work. If you do not have a conversation partner, try to think of your own answers using complete sentences.

1. What can we do to be more "employable"? (How can we be more attractive to employers?) 2. Do you think women should work after getting married? Why or why not?
3. What do you think of a job with lots of meetings? Are meetings useful or a waste of time? What makes a "good" meeting?
4. How do you feel about working on evenings or weekends? Should this be against the law? Defend your answer!
5. How important is it to have a good boss? What makes a good boss?
6. What would be your "ideal" job? (The very best job you could imagine.)
7. For you, what would be the worst job you could imagine?

English Conversation Topic 47 Talking about gestures in English

Conversation Starters
We communicate many things with hand gestures (movements of our hands) and by other "body language". You can have some interesting English conversations about gestures, starting with these questions. 

1. In English-speaking countries, what is the gesture for "okay"? How about "good"? Or "bad"? 2. Are there any gestures in your country that are not common around the world?
3. What are some insulting gestures in your country?
4. Are there any special gestures used in the world of sport?
5. Are there any special gestures used among lovers?
6. Are there special gestures for people of different ages? Do young people use different gestures than their parents or grandparents?

 
Discussion Questions Now try to have longer English conversations using these "open-ended" questions about gestures. If you do not have a conversation partner, try to think of your own answers using complete sentences.

1. Do you believe we can "read a person like a book" by understanding their "body language"? 2. Some people say that 80% of all of our communication is from "body language". Do you think that's accurate?
3. At what times is "body language" most important? When is it least important?

English Conversation Topic 46 Talking about gardening in English

Conversation Starters
 

Many people enjoy having their own garden, if they have the space for it. Talk about gardening and having your own garden in English, using these questions to get you started.

1. Does your home have enough space for gardening? 2. Do people in your hometown like to have their own garden?
3. If you don't have space for a garden, would you like to have one?
4. What kind of things do you (or would you) grow in your garden?
5. Would you rather grow flowers or vegetables in your garden? Why?
6. What kind of tools do we need for a garden?

 
Discussion Questions Here are questions to help you have longer English conversations. Remember to ask follow-up questions!

1. Do you think it's possible for city people to have a small "garden" on the balcony of their apartments? 2. If the world runs out of food, do you think individual gardens could provide enough food for people to eat?
3. If you had a big garden, do you think you could make enough money to live by selling everything you grow? Why or why not?

English Conversation Topic 45 Talking about gambling in English

Conversation Starters  
Use the questions below to start conversations about gambling in English. Try to ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.

1. Do you like to gamble sometimes? 2. Why do you think some people like to gamble?
3. Is gambling legal or illegal where you live?
4. What are some places in the world where people can legally gamble?
5. What are the most common forms of gambling?
6. Have you ever bet on a horse race?
7. Have you ever bought a lottery ticket?

 
Discussion Questions
 
Here are some more challenging questions that can lead to longer conversations and more English practice for you.

1. Some people gamble too much – they are addicted to gambling – and lose a lot of money. Why do you think they can't stop? 2. Who suffers the most from a gambling addiction, the gambler or his or her family?
3. Do you think people who run casinos (places for gambling) are criminals? Why or why not?

English Conversation Topic 44 Talking about fruits and veggies in English

Conversation Starters
 
This topic is both delicious and healthy. Talk about fruits and vegetables in English using the questions below to begin.

1. How often do you eat fruit? 2. Do you like to eat fruit? Which fruit is your favorite?
3. Do you like eating vegetables? If yes, which do you like most? If not, which do you dislike most?
4. Why are fruits and vegetables good for our health?
5. How often should we eat fruits and vegetables?
6. Can you get good fresh fruits and vegetables in your local market?
7. Are there any special fruits or vegetables near where you live?

 
Discussion Questions
 
Here are a few challenging English questions to get you to think more and speak more. Have some great conversations!

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a vegetarian (someone who does not eat any meat)? Think of as many things as you can. 2. Can you explain the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"?
3. What problems can people face if they do not eat enough fruits or vegetables?

English Conversation Topic 43 Talking about friends in English

Conversation Starters
 

Have interesting English conversations about friends and friendship using the questions below as a starting point.

1. What do you like to do with your friends? 2. What are some things you like most about your friends?
3. Do you have any childhood friendships that are still strong today?
4. Do you have any long distance friends? How do you keep in touch?
5. Do you make friends easily?
6. Have you made a friend on the Internet? How did you meet that friend?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Now have longer conversations with these open-ended questions about friends. Listen carefully to your partner's answers then use those answers to come up with good follow-up questions.

1. Can you give any suggestions for making new friends when you start a new job or move to a new neighborhood? 2. How are your friendships different now than they were when you were a child?
3. Do you have any suggestions for keeping good friends?
4. Why do some friendships fall apart? (Think of various possible reasons.)
5. An English proverb says, "A friend in need is a friend indeed." Do you agree or disagree? Explain
6. What qualities are most important in a friend? Do you have all of these qualities?

English Conversation Topic 41 Talking about food in English

Conversation Starters This topic – food – so delicious that there are lots of questions to choose from. Take your time and "cook" a good English conversation. Start with these basic questions but don't "eat" too much!

1. What are the most common foods in your country? 2. Does your hometown have different foods than the rest of the country?
3. What is the biggest meal of the day in your country?
4. Are you a good cook? What's your best dish?
5. Do you usually eat meals with your family?
6. How often do you "eat out" (in restaurants, out of your home)?
7. Do you sometimes eat fast food? Why or why not?
8. What foods do you like best - fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, bread or rice?
9. Are there any foods that you hate? If so, what?
10. What is your favorite food? Why?
11. What are some popular snacks in your country?

Discussion Questions
 
Talk about some of the more challenging issues related to food using these open-ended English questions.

1. Are there any foods that you wouldn't eat as a child that you eat now? 2. Which countries do you think have the best food? What about the worst food?
3. Have you ever eaten dog meat or horse meat? Would you like to try them?
4. What are some unhealthy foods that we should avoid? Why do people eat them even though they are unhealthy?
5. Restaurants waste a tremendous amount of food. Do you think we should have tougher laws to prevent so much waste? Why or why not?
6. Would you say that food defines a culture? If so, give examples!
7. With growing world population, food prices are going up. How can we deal with this problem?

English Conversation Topic 40 Talking about fears in English

Conversation Starters
 

There are many scary things in our world, but you don't have to be afraid to talk about fears. In fact, by talking about fears in English, you might help to reduce some of your fears! Get started here with these questions.

1. What things are many people afraid of? 2. What are you most afraid of?
3. What were you afraid of as a child?
4. Which of the following things are you afraid of – insects, the dark, death, being embarrassed, your boyfriend or girlfriend or husband or wife saying good-bye, losing your job, getting sick, experiencing a disaster, or having your English teacher get angry at you?
5. Many people are afraid of going to the dentist. Why?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Here are some more "open-ended" questions to help you have deeper, more interesting English conversations. Try to keep your conversation going for as long as possible. Good luck!

1. What is the most frightening (scary) experience you have ever had? 2. Have you ever overcome a big fear? How did you do it? If you haven't, how might someone overcome a big fear?
3. Surveys have shown that more people are afraid of speaking in public than they are afraid of death. Do you believe that? Why or why not?
4. Horror movies try to scare people. Why do people enjoy such movies?
5. Are there any parts of the city where you live which you are afraid to visit after dark? Why?

English Conversation Topic 39 Talking about fashion in English

Conversation Starters
 

Being fashionable seems to be on the rise, with more and more people paying attention to their clothing, to brand names, and to style in general. Discuss fashion here using the English questions below.

1. Do you ever wear a hat? Why or why not? 2. How important is fashion to you? Do you always know the latest fashions?
3. Do you like to wear jewelry? If so, what kind? If not, why not?
4. How many pairs of gloves do you own?
5. Do you ever wear earrings?
6. What do you think of men who wear earrings?
7. Have you ever been to a second-hand clothing store? Would you ever consider wearing second-hand clothes?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Here are some more "open-ended" questions to help you have deeper, more interesting English conversations. Try to keep your conversation going for as long as possible. Good luck!

1. Why do some people choose to wear contact lenses instead of glasses? 2. Do you read fashion magazines?
3. Would you like to be a fashion model? Why or why not?
4. Why do some people dye their hair green or blue or red? (Think of various reasons.)
5. Why are clothing brands so popular? Do you think branding is a good thing or not? Please explain!

English Conversation Topic 38 Talking about fascinating facts, Part 2

Here are more interesting facts for you and your partner to talk about in English. As in part 1, there is a follow-up question for each one, but do NOT ask the follow-up until AFTER your partner has tried to guess the answer to the first question!

1. Who blinks more, men and women, and by how much?

2. What is the only food that does not spoil?

3. What color would Coca-Cola be if coloring weren’t added to it?

4. How many English words could you write with an average lead pencil?

5. Which food are more people are allergic to [it makes people sick] than any other food?

6. What do camels (big animals with humped backs that live in the desert) have to protect themselves from blowing sand?

7. You're born with 300 bones in your body. By the time you become an adult, how many do you have?

8. What is the longest recorded flight of a chicken?

9. Which bird as an eye that is bigger than its brain?

10. What are the only birds who can see the color blue?

English Conversation Topic 37 Talking about fascinating facts in English

Here are some interesting facts for you and your partner to talk about in English. There is a follow-up question for each one, but do NOT ask the follow-up until AFTER your partner has tried to guess the answer to the first question!

1. Which of your body parts contains 25% of all of your bones?

2. Which 5-letter English word is pronounced the same when the last four letters are removed?

3. Which living creature can live for several weeks after its head is cut off?

4. Which English word has the most definitions?

5. What is the only mammal that cannot jump?

6. Which English word is the longest to have all of the letters in alphabetical order?

7. There is a famous capital city whose name is used for at least one other city in every continent on Earth. Which city is it?

8. If we don't count "y" as a vowel, what is the longest English word without a vowel?

Answer for q.37 and 38

Here are some interesting facts for you and your partner to talk about in English. There is a follow-up question for each one, but do NOT ask the follow-up until AFTER your partner has tried to guess the answer to the first question!

1. Which of your body parts contains 25% of all of your bones? (Answer: "your feet". Follow-up question: Why do you think your feet need so many bones?)

2. Which 5-letter English word is pronounced the same when the last four letters are removed? (Answer: "queue". Follow-up question: Can you use this word in a sentence? How do people in North American say "queue up"?)

3. Which living creature can live for several weeks after its head is cut off? (Answer: "a cockroach". Follow-up question: Why do you think cockroaches can do this? Why can't humans do this?)

4. Which English word has the most definitions? (Answer: "set". Follow-up question: What are some two-word expressions using "set" that you know?)

5. What is the only mammal that cannot jump? (Answer: "elephants". Follow-up question: Could you imagine the forest if elephants COULD jump? Wow!)

6. Which English word is the longest to have all of the letters in alphabetical order? (Answer: "almost". Follow-up question: Did you expect a longer word?)

7. There is a famous capital city whose name is used for at least one other city in every continent on Earth. Which city is it? (Answer: "Rome". Follow-up question. Why do you think Rome is such a popular name?)

8. If we don't count "y" as a vowel, what is the longest English word without a vowel? (Answer: "rhythm". Follow-up question: What other words do you know that only contain "y" but no other vowels?)

 Here are more interesting facts for you and your partner to talk about in English. As in part 1, there is a follow-up question for each one, but do NOT ask the follow-up until AFTER your partner has tried to guess the answer to the first question!

1. Who blinks more, men and women, and by how much? (Answer: Women blink almost twice as much as men. Follow-up question: Why do you think men blink less? Try to think of several possibilities.)

2. What is the only food that does not spoil? (Answer: Honey, which was found in the tombs of Egyptian pharoahs [kings] and was found to be edible [able to be eaten]. Follow-up question: What foods spoil very quickly? How can you prevent foods from spoiling?)

3. What color would Coca-Cola be if coloring weren’t added to it? (Answer: green. Follow-up question: Why do you think the makers of Coca Cola added coloring?)

4. How many English words could you write with an average lead pencil? (Answer: 50,000 English words. Follow-up question: Why do we spend money for pens when pencils can serve us for such a long time?)

5. Which food are more people are allergic to [it makes people sick] than any other food? (Answer: milk [from a cow]. Follow-up question: Do you think milk is healthy, or does it have too much fat and other bad things?)

6. What do camels (big animals with humped backs that live in the desert) have to protect themselves from blowing sand? (Answer: three eyelids. Follow-up question: Why do camels have three eyelids but not other animals?)

7. You're born with 300 bones in your body. By the time you become an adult, how many do you have? (Answer: 206. Follow-up question: What do you think happens to the other 94 bones? I have no idea, but try to guess!)

8. What is the longest recorded flight of a chicken? (Answer: 13 seconds. Follow-up: Do you think this "flying chicken" was actually flying or was it maybe thrown into the air by somebody?)

9. Which bird as an eye that is bigger than its brain? (Answer: the ostrich [a big, round bird with a long neck and long legs]. Follow-up question: Do you think the big eye is useful, or are ostriches just very stupid?)

10. What are the only birds who can see the color blue? (Answer: owls. Follow-up question: Do you think it's useful for owls to see blue? Why or why not?)

English Conversation Topic 36 Talking about families in English

Conversation Starters

 
Talk about all kinds of family issues using these English conversation starters. If you think of any other questions, don't hesitate to ask those, too. The main thing is to practice speaking English, so go to it!

1. Do you have a large family or a small family? 2. Do you have a big "extended family" (including aunts, uncles and cousins)?
3. Do you resemble (look like) one of your parents or grandparents?
4. What do your parents do?
5. How many children does the average family have in your country?
6. How well do you get along with your brothers and sisters?
7. Does your family ever push you to do things or act in a certain way?
8. Who makes the big decisions in your family?
9. What are some rules you have in your family?
10. What are some activities that your family does together?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Now talk about more serious questions about families. As always, be sure to ask follow-up questions as the conversation moves forward. If you don't have a conversation partner, think about how you might answer using complete sentences.

1. Where do you think the best place to raise a family is? Why? 2. Are the roles of men and women in the family changing? How?
3. What are some common problems that families have? How can these problems be solved?
4. In very serious cases, would you consider going to a family counselor for help?

English Conversation Topic 35 Talking about the environment in English

Conversation Starters

 
The environment – everything around us – is very important. It is our home, after all! If we don't take care of it, nobody will take care of it. Using the questions below, you can start many English conversations will all kinds of people.

1. Do you ever worry about the environment? 2. Have you read or heard any news stories recently about the environment?
3. What are the biggest environmental problems in your country?
4. What are the biggest environmental problems in the world?
5. Is there a problem with clean water in your country? If so, why is there a problem?
6. Is there a problem with clean air in your country? If so, what are the reasons for that?

Discussion Questions
  You can now try to think of some ways to help the environment! Use the questions below to start English conversations on the topic of how to help our environment.

1. What can governments do to save our environment? 2. What can individuals do to help the environment?
3. If you were the new Minister of the Environment in your country's government, what would be your first decision?
4. Imagine it's 60 years in the future. What will young people be saying about how we treated the environment?

English Conversation Topic 34 Talking about entertainment in English

Conversation Starters

 
Here's a fun topic – entertainment! Jump into a conversation starting with the questions below and have fun!

1. What is your favorite form of entertainment? 2. What do you think of these forms of entertainment: music, comedy, live theater, TV, sports, traveling, going to bars (pubs), having parties at home, gambling and reading.
3. What kinds of TV programs are most popular in your country?
4. What is your favorite kind of TV program or movie? (love stories, adventure stories, mysteries, comedies, documentaries, game shows, horror)
5. Do you have a favorite singer or movie star?

Discussion Questions
  Now try to think a bit more seriously about entertainment. Use the questions below to have deeper English conversations.

1. Why are movies such popular entertainment? Try to give specific reasons. ("Because they're interesting" is not good enough!) 2. In your opinion, which kinds of TV programs are a waste of time? (love stories, adventure stories, mysteries, comedies, documentaries, game shows, horror) Explain your answer!
3. Describe some popular games in your country. Why are they popular?
4. Who is the funniest comedian in your country. Can you describe his or her style? Why is he or she funny?
5. Who is the most famous singer in your country. Can you describe one of his or her songs?

English Conversation Topic 33 Talking about education in English

Conversation Starters
 

Education is one of my favorite topics because I'm a teacher! I hope you can have many interesting and useful English conversations starting with the questions below. If you don't have a partner, think about how you would answer these questions using complete sentences.

1. At what age do children start to go to school in your country? 2. Is education mandatory (children MUST go to school) in your country? If so, until what age?
3. Are most schools coeducational (boys and girls study together) in your country?
4. What did you like to study most in your school days? Why?
5. Did you have to do a lot of homework when you were a student?
6. What makes a "good student"?
7. What makes a "good teacher"?
8. Do you think your education was helpful to you? Why or why not?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Now have deeper discussion using the questions below. Maybe you can even solve some of the world's education problems. Good luck!

1. How do you think education could be improved in your country? 2. Do you think education should be free? Why or why not?
3. In your opinion, what is the most important aspect of education?
4. Why do some children have trouble doing schoolwork? How can we help them?
5. Do you think teachers get paid enough? How much should they be paid?
6. Do you think language education could be improved? If no, why not? If yes, how could it be improved?
7. Which do you think is more valuable, the experience we get on the job or in society or the theoretical knowledge we learn in schools?

English Conversation Topic 32 Talking about economics in English

Conversation Starters
 

Everyone loves money (well, most people do) but not everyone likes to talk about money. In this topic, you can practice talking about the study of money, economics, in English. Start with these questions.

1. Do you think economics is a good subject to study? 2. Do you like money? Do you like studying about money?
3. How important is economics in our daily lives?
4. How often do you read about economics in newspapers or magazines?
5. What do you think of the world economy?

 

Discussion Questions
 

If you're interested, you can try more advanced English conversation on the topic of economics, using the questions below to get started.

1. What are the biggest economic problems in your country? How might those problems be solved? 2. What are the biggest economic problems in the world? What are some possible solutions?
3. How is economics different in socialist and capitalist countries?
4. Do you believe economic growth can continue indefinitely, without stopping? Why or why not?

English Conversation Topic 31 Talking about earthquakes in English

Conversation Starters
 

Use the questions below to start a conversation in English on the topic of "earthquakes". You can ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going, or use the Discussion Questions in Part 2 below.

1. Are there sometimes earthquakes where you live? 2. Have you ever experienced an earthquake? If so, how did you feel?
3. If you've never experienced an earthquake, how do you think you might react to one?
4. What areas of the world have lots of earthquakes?
5. What are the most frightening things that happen during an earthquake?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Now speak even more in English by using these questions for deeper discussions about earthquakes.

1. What happens when there's an earthquake? 2. What preparations can you make before an earthquake hits?
3. Where is the best place to go during an earthquake?
4. Do you think it will ever be possible to know an earthquake is coming in advance?

English Conversation Topic 30 Talking about dying in English

Conversation Starters
 

The topic of death is a difficult one to talk about but it's important. Find a conversation partner and ask the following questions to start talking in English.

1. Do you ever think about death? 2. Are you afraid of death?
3. Do you believe there is a "life after death"? If so, what kind?
4. What are the leading causes of death in the world? How about in your country?
5. What traditions are related to death in your country?
6. Instead of "death" in English we can say somebody "passed away". More informally, we could say someone has "kicked the bucket" or "bit the bullet" or "gone to meet his maker" or many other things. How about in your language?

 

Discussion Questions
 

The questions below about death and dying can be used by more advanced speakers of English. Try to keep the conversation going by asking follow-up questions.

1. For you, is there anything worth dying for? What is it and why would you die for it? 2. Would you like to know the date of your own death? Why or why not?
3. How do you think our world would be different if we never died?
4. Should we allow "physician assisted suicide" (dying with the help of a doctor) or should death always be natural no matter how painful.
5. If you knew that today was your last day alive, what would you do?
6. If you could choose how you were going to die, what way would you choose? Why?

English Conversation Topic 29 Talking about driving in English

Conversation Starters
 

Cars are very convenient, very expensive, and very cool! People love to get behind the wheel (the steering wheel) and hit the open road. Talk about driving in English by using the conversation starters below. If you don't have a partner, imagine what your answers to these questions would be, using complete English sentences.

1. Do you know how to drive a car? 2. Do you enjoy driving or would you rather let others drive?
3. When can young people learn to drive in your country?
4. Have you ever owned a car? What kind?
5. Do you think that you're a good driver?
6. What is the longest trip you've ever taken by car?
7. Do you know how to change a tire on your car?
8. What is the speed limit in your country?
9. Are there any strange or unique traffic laws in your country?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Here are some more challenging questions. Try to build your English speaking ability by giving longer answers to these questions.Take your time in answering and you will have great English conversations!

1. If you could afford any car in the world, what would you want to own? 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a car?
3. What are some things you must be careful about when driving a car in another country?
4. Should there be an age limit beyond which people should not be able to drive? (For example, the age of 70?)
5. Do you think there be stronger penalties for people who drink (alcohol) and then drive?

English Conversation Topic 28 Talking about dreams in English

Conversation Starters
 

The topic of dreams can lead to some fascinating English conversations! As usual, start with the questions below.

1. Do you usually remember your dreams? Describe one or two. 2. What was the best dream you have ever had?
3. What was the worst dream you have ever had?
4. Do you have any dream that is recurring? (That comes back often.) What might it mean?
5. Do you usually dream in color or only in black and white?
6. Have you ever dreamt in English? What were you dreaming about?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Now come the tougher discussion questions about dreams and dreaming! Take your time in answering and you will have great English conversations!

1. Do you think dreams have very special, hidden meanings, or are they just random memories? 2. Do you believe dreams can help us predict the future? Why or why not?
3. In your opinion, is it possible to control our dreams? Can we decide in advance what we will dream about?

English Conversation Topic 27 Talking about divorce in English

Conversation Starters
 

Here's another serious conversation topic. You can get a lot of speaking practice by asking good follow-up questions, so don't worry if you don't answer all of these questions!

1. Do you know anyone who has gotten divorced? 2. Is divorce increasing in your country?
3. Why do you think there is more divorce in some countries than in others?
4. What are the main causes of divorce, in your opinion?
5. Do you think unhappy couples who are parents should stay together "for the children"?
6. What do you think the effect of divorce is on children?
7. Would you date someone who has already been married and divorced?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Now come the tougher discussion questions! Take your time in answering and you will have great English conversations!

1. What can married couples do to try to avoid a divorce? 2. Do you think marriage counseling can help unhappy couples stay together? Why or why not?
3. Would you ever consider getting a divorce or would you stay married "til death do you part"?
4. How should a couple's belongings be divided after a divorce? Should it be 50-50, or should the wife get more?
5. Do you think divorce would be less common if couples lived together before marriage?

English Conversation Topic 26 Talking about dieting in English

Conversation Starters
 

In today's world, with so much fast food available, many people's diets have become very unhealthy. (In English, "diet" can be used in two ways. First, "people's diets" can refer to the typical things that people eat every day. Second, to go "on a diet" is concerned with a specific purpose, most often losing weight. Both meanings of diet are used in these questions so read carefully!)

1. What is the usual diet in your country? Do people eat a lot of meat? Do they like sweet foods? 2. Have you ever been "on a diet"?
3. What are some reasons for going on a diet?
4. Do you think being on a diet can be dangerous?
5. Have you heard of any strange diets? What were they?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Now have deeper conversations using the open-ended questions below. Listen carefully to your conversation partner's 

answers, then ask appropriate follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.

1. What do you think is a well-balanced diet? (What is included in a balanced diet?) 2. Many people lose weight on a diet very quickly, but then gain all of the weight back after the "go off" of the diet. Why do you think this happens?
3. How important is protein in a balanced diet? Why?
4. What kind of diet could you recommend to a person over 40? How would it be different from a diet for younger people?