English Conversation Topic 16 Talking about children in English

Conversation Starters
 

Using the English questions below, start an English discussion about children and raising children. If you don't have a conversation partner, try to come up with your own answers using complete English sentences.

1. Are you an only child or do you have brothers or sisters? 2. Do you have children of your own? How old are they now?
3. Do you enjoy being with children?
4. Do you know any children who get into trouble often?
5. What are the best things about being a child?
6. What are the hardest things about being a child?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Use the English questions below to discuss bigger issues related to raising children.

1. What do you think is the most important thing to keep in mind when raising children? 2. How can we teach children to be good?
3. Do you think children are naturally good or naturally naughty? Explain!
4. What were some childhood experiences that helped make you the way you are today?
5. What would you do differently if you could re-live your childhood?

English Conversation Topic 15 Talking about charities in English

Conversation Starters
 

Poor people sometimes need help. One way to offer our help is through groups or organizations. Using the English questions below, start an English discussion about ways to help poor people through charitable groups.

1. Do you know any famous charities (groups that help other, less fortunate people)? 2. Have you ever given money to a charity such as the Red Cross, the World Wildlife Fund, or Green Peace?
3. Do you know any other registered charities?
4. What problems do such charities deal with?
5. Is there a "homeless shelter" (a place for homeless people to sleep and get food) in your hometown?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Use the English questions below to discuss the bigger issue of giving money to beggars.

1. Do you give money to beggars or homeless people? Why or why not? 2. If you give money to beggars or homeless people, about how much do you give?
3. How do you know if a beggar is a real beggar?
4. Do you think it's acceptable for children to work late at night selling flowers and singing?

English Conversation Topic 14 Talking about celebrities in English

Conversation Starters
 

Celebrities seem to lead a "charmed" life. They are rich, famous and so popular. Discuss celebrities in English, starting with the questions below.

1. Have you ever seen or met a famous person? What did you do or say? 2. Who are some of the most famous people in the world right now?
3. Are there any famous people you would like to meet? Who?
4. What are the advantages (good points) and disadvantages (bad points) of being a celebrity?
5. Do you think people who are rich and famous are better than the average person?

 

Discussion Questions
 

Discuss your opinions about celebrities using the questions below or think of your own English questions.

1. If you could spend one whole day with a famous person, who would you spend the day with? 2. Do you think famous people are happy? Explain your answer.
3. Would you be happier or more unhappy if you were famous?
4. How would your life change if you suddenly became famous?

English Conversation Topic 13 Talking about books in English

Conversation Starters 

Books play a big part in our education, not only in English. Have a conversation about books starting with the questions below.

1. How often do you read books?
2. Do you like to go to bookstores? Why or why not?
3. What kinds of books do you like to read?
4. What was an interesting book that you have read recently?
5. Have you ever read a whole book in English?

Discussion Questions 

Use the English questions below to have deeper discussions about books.

1. Can you imagine what life would be like without books?
2. If you wrote a book, what would you write about?
3. If you could only have one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
4. Do you think the Internet will make books disappear?
5. Why do some people not enjoy reading?

English Conversation Topic 12 Talking about birthdays in English

Conversation Starters 

In many countries, a person's birthday is one of the biggest days of the year. Discuss birthdays in English, starting with the questions below.

1. In which month is your birthday? 

2. How do you celebrate your birthday?

3. Are birthday cakes a tradition in your country?

4.Generally, how are birthdays celebrated in your country?

5. Have you ever been to a "surprise party"? Do you think such parties are interesting?

Discussion Questions 

Discuss your opinions about birthdays using the questions below or think of your own English questions.

1. What is the best birthday present you have ever received? Why?

2. Do you think we should celebrate birthdays with a party? Why or why not?

3. Do you think your date of birth can affect your personality?

English Conversation Topic 11 Talking about beaches in English

Conversation Starters
 
Going to the beach is lots of fun! There are so many things to do there. Use the questions below to have conversations in English about going to the beach.

1. Do you live near the sea? Where is the nearest beach to your home? 2. What kind of things do people do at the beach?
3. Have you ever been to a beach?
4. How often do you go to the beach?
5. What do people wear to the beach?
6. What beach activity do you enjoy the most, swimming, sunbathing, boating, surfing, playing sports or collecting seashells?

Discussion Questions

For further practice in English, talk about more serious topics concerning problems related to beaches. Use the discussion questions below or think of your own questions.

1. What can we do about dangers at the beach, such as jellyfish, sharks or strong undercurrents?
2. Why do you think sunblock (or "sunscreen") is important? What are the dangers in not using sunblock?
3. What can be done about pollution at the beach?
4. So many people like to visit beaches, so that beaches become too crowded. Do you think people should have to pay an entrance fee to go to the beach in the future?
5. Have you ever gone to a nude beach, where nobody wears any clothes at all? If not, would you be interested in going to one?

English Conversation Topic 10 Talking about basketball in English

Conversation Starters
 
The quality of international basketball has improved dramatically in recent years with professional players from around the world going to North America to compete. Use the questions below to start conversations about basketball in English.

1. Are you interested in basketball?
2. Why do you think basketball is popular in the world?
3. Do you have a favorite basketball player?
4. Have you ever played basketball? Did you enjoy it?
5. What does NBA stand for? (What does each letter mean?)

Discussion Questions
 
You can have deeper conversations about basketball with these questions. If you don't know much about basketball, then talk about its popularity.

1. Can short people be good basketball players? Why or why not?
2. Do you think we should make a basketball league for short people only?
3. Are there any basketball players from your country in the NBA?
4. What skills are needed to play basketball well?
5. What are some strategies teams use to be more successful?