If you could have more friends, would you? What's the worst thing you've ever eaten? I love that shirt/jacket/dress/shoes. What are the best ones? If you could be an animal, what would it be and why? Is there something youd want to do as a family? What do you love the most about your mom and dad? What do you wear when youre feeling your very best, and why? What's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you? 32. What did you want to be when you were a kid? If you could host a talk show, who would you have on first? 110. 232. What do you love most about your job? What's the best prank you've ever played on someone?
What is the best restaurant youve been to? Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? What's the most important thing I should know about you? Talking about risks seems to generate some good conversation. 243. Problems are actually a good topic for discussion since they could help others relate to each other and even present solutions too. What is your favorite guilty pleasure TV show? Whats the weirdest dream youve ever had? Whats a yearbook-style superlative youd give to your high school self? I like your shirt, where did you get that? They just love shopping! 15. 43. What would they say about you? What is the best pickup line youve ever used? What subject do you wish you never had to take? What did you think was the most challenging part of being a kid? It has been another year of life for your or your loved one and that is certainly reason, 2022 FTD Companies Inc. All rights reserved. You could use questions like: Whether or not the students are a motivated bunch, motivation is a good topic to discuss in order to inspire your students. You may feel like you know everything about your significant other, but its easy to get in a routine and have similar conversations every day. What do you do when you feel demotivated? Join 225,000 subscribers who start their day with tips for self-care & sustainable living , Thank you! 118. Why or why not? What do you think are the best traits for a person to have? You know, a discussion like the ones they regularly have in their own language! Where is a good place to get food around here? 30. A good set of questions is: We all have dreams, sometimes on a nightly basis, and talking about them is a great discussion topic for classes asthey inspire students to be creative and even whimsical. What's the hardest thing you've ever done? If you could be any age, what age would you choose? What is the silliest thing someone has ever said to you? Jump to the comments below and share your favorite topics! What is the silliest thing youve posted online? What do you think the world will be like 20 years in the future? Describe the most captivating painting or artwork youve ever seen. Have you talked to so-and-so lately? How long can you go without checking your phone? Would you switch roles with your parent if you had the chance? 224. What always calms you down when you're really stressed out and upset? 44. Are you a cat person or a dog person? 191. 9. 231. Whats the best compliment youve ever received? Just choose the questions that are the right level of simplicity or complexity for your students based on your knowledge of their skills. Heard? When you read, your mind is filled with new images, feelings, ideas and thoughts. And, unlike younger students, theyve typically already achieved a high level ofproficiency in their native language. It assures that you have a few conversation starters in your back pocket. What's the strangest dream you've had recently? What's the most controversial opinion you have? can take anywhere. What's one form of self-expression you've been too hesitant to explore? What weird conspiracy theory do you believe? What's the weirdest thing in your fridge right now? This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you Students can also take quizzes based on the videos and their flashcard learning. Whats something not many people know about you? What are your goals when it comes to work? What do you hate the most about dating? FluentU is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A few questions that are suitable are: Like television, talking about movies is a topic that has something to be said by everybody. Great questions include: This one is a personal favorite for many. 48. Who did you vote for in past elections? How did you become close with your best friend? Its also best to avoid topics that could offend students like death, sex, politics and religionbut thats certainly something that varies from classroom to classroom. 7 Awesome ESL Resources for Finding and Teaching with Videos Like a Rockstar, 10 Best, Shockingly Good Apps for ESL Teachers, How to Teach English Through Short Films and Documentaries, ESL Listening Jackpot: 7 Audio File Resources Youll Thank Your Lucky Stars For. Plus, men might surprise you by caring to chime in on beauty, looks and grooming. When you die, what do you want to be reincarnated as? What would you do if you were home alone and the power went out? See, striking up a conversation wasnt so hard, was it? Luckily, they come to the classroom with a unique advantage. What is something you have accomplished as an adult that your younger self would be proud of? How much of your dreams do you remember? 229. What projects are you working on right now that bring you joy? What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning? If youre at a gathering with acquaintances, it can be hard to settle on a topic that everyone can relate and contribute to. What is the one food you could eat for the rest of your life? games and interactive exercises definitely work, This is also an ideal topic for beginners, How to Use Art Activities to Illustrate ESL Vocabulary. What is the strangest gift you have ever received? If you have trouble relating to a teen in your life, try one of these conversation starters to get them talking about what excites them most. As people get older, their perceived value of time increases, so its a practical topic that everyone has something to say about. Whats one for your current self? 244. 195. 11. Some example questions are: Beauty is one of those topics thats conventionally more geared toward women than it is tomen. Whats one thing your younger self would tell you? Tell me about the most life-changing piece of advice you've ever heard. 31. Privacy Policy, 225 Conversation Starters for Any Situation. What is your very favorite letter of the alphabet? Below are a set of conversation starters and topics that you can use whether you've met someone for the first time or you want to spark a deeper talk. 189. What is something you've failed at recently? Which song would you make you dance at this very moment? Would you want to live on a boat, a mountain or an island? Why is that person your favorite teacher? If you want to make sure to keep the conversation flowing at your get together, you can also create a conversation jar! 67. 107. 80. 156. Who's your favorite cartoon character? Would you ever get a tattoo? 46. What fun plans do you have for the weekend? TV will enable you to showcase native English forms and provide some great context before diving into discussion questions. 59. 70. What does a perfect day with the family look like? What is your favorite toy to play with?
18. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? How competitive are you when it comes to games? If you weren't here, what would you be doing? We have this list of conversation starters broken down by the situation, including a first meeting, career networking, deeper conversations, funny conversations with kids and first dates. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? 29. 113. What's your favorite thing you've bought recently? Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
What do you love most about yourself? After youve asked What do you do? where should the conversation go from there? 240. What do you think makes someone a great manager? If we were to raise children, what are the most important things you would want them to learn? It also lets students see clips from other FluentU videos that use the word for additional context and an addictive watching experience. When do you feel most authentically yourself?
What's your favorite city you've visited? 8. 97. Do you have any recurring dreams? If you could move anywhere, where would you go? 218. What is your favorite guilty pleasure TV show? What are you most grateful for in this season of life? Do you enjoy networking? These topics can allbe used for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners! Is there anyone at school youd like to know better? This is also an ideal topic for beginners because the vocabulary is usually pretty simple. What are your plans for next summer? 86. 49. 187. If you could spend an entire day with a family member, who would it be and why? Why do some people sleep well whileother people do not sleep well? What is your favorite quote right now? If you had $100, what would you spend it on? Well, may not if theyre brokebut even if they are, its a good, relatable topic that gets conversations going. Do you think your priorities have changed since you were younger? 222.
If you could only pack one thing for a trip (besides clothing) what would it be? 111. Who has been your career role model? 170.
Whats your Enneagram number and how does it influence your self-care practices? Do you have a favorite Disney character? What things do you consider to be relationship deal breakers? Start off on the right foot with these first date conversation starters. ESL speaking activities work even better when they speak about their own personal recollections, thoughts and ideas on these topics too! Have you done anything exciting lately? How long have you been at your current job? What's the weirdest thing you've seen on Facebook recently? 212. What do you think my best personality trait is? If you had a robot for the entire day, what would you ask it to do? 20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Try one of these conversation starters to find similar interests! 22. If you had the opportunity to invent a new ice cream flavor, what would it be? 58. What would your rock band group be called? What are examples of memorable dreams you have had? Whats one thing youd tell yourself at my age? If you could invite one famous person to dinner, who would it be? Whats one thing your loved ones would be surprised to learn about you? Most people in most countries do a good amount of cooking. 213. If we could live in another country for a year (no strings attached), where would we go? 5. What movie are you really excited to see? How would your life be different if social media didn't exist? What piece of technology could you live without? If youre new to the area, theyll also help you learn more about all the best spots to visit. Have you had a good conversation lately? 91. 2022 Enux Education Limited. What is the most rewarding part of your career? 125. 8. 52. Do you think you're an introvert or an extrovert? 21. What television programs are popular in your country?
56. A teenager? What would you do if I gave you $20/$2,000/$2,000,000? What is the restaurant experience like in your country? Problems dont matter. What was your first experience with sex like? 154. 158. What do you think everyone in the family will be doing 10 years from now? How do you know the friends you're here with? 60.
What's your favorite movie that you could watch over and over again? 89. Books also empower and educate people, so your adult students may believe in the value of books.
This video dictionary includes definitions, example sentences and a pronunciation guide. What was your favorite subject in school? What was your first experience with sex like? 128. What was the last thing that made you smile? Do you have any brothers or sisters? What tasks make you feel like your best self? 92. 73. If you made a bucket list for us, what would you add to it? If you could return to school, what would you study? Shopping is becoming more and more prevalent and brings out some zest in some people. Do you consider artificial beauty (cosmetic surgery) to still be beauty? 38. These conversation starters are family-friendly and are sure to engage everyone from children to grandparents. How long have you been doing these hobbies, and how did you get started?
Mindful conversation topics are perfect for deepening relationships and fostering meaningful discussionswhether with strangers, family members, romantic partners, or friends old and new. What did you think you would be doing at this age when you were a kid? Where do you want to be ten years from now? What do you love most about our house? If so, what was it? 103. 139. Have you ever really kept a New Years resolution? 44. You could ask questions like: Food is possibly the most universal topic of them all and everyone loves to discuss what they eat. Whats the nicest thing a family member has ever done for you? 145. What is one thing that always makes you laugh? A few good examples are: Life discussions go on in all languages and English is no exception. 129. 14. Favorite teacher? The year 2020 has been a year like no other, and this, Updated May 5, 2020 While we are pleased that Personal Creations remains open for business, our personalization and fulfillment facility in Illinois has just, Birthdays are the best kind of celebration. If you had more free time, what would you do? 116. This website and app teaches English with authentic videos, including clips from TV shows, news segments and commercials. 40. 31. 13. , ABOUT | ADVERTISE | CAREERS | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS. 71. Why/why not? 41. 215. 5. Do you give back or volunteer with any organizations? Was it a pain for you to get here tonight? Where do you see yourself living when you retire? How do you feel that you best offer love and support to your friends? What's your favorite place to hang out around here? 108. Why? 74. 76. What is the best way to watch television: On a television set, computer, tablet or phone? 87. 57. The irony of it is that even though more and more programming is viewed on computers and tablets, television is still a hot topic classes love to discuss. If you never had to eat one vegetable, which would it be? Which celebrity couple do you wish would get back together? Why do you think popular kids are popular? What is something youve always wanted to do, but are scared to? However, anyone can appreciate beauty in all its forms, and anyone can recognize the importance of the concept of beauty in our cultures, societies and behaviors. What's your favorite thing to eat here? If so, which ones? Some questions to ask are: Now comes a topic that more men may favor, but its still good for classes since female spectators are on the rise. 221. How about you? If you had your own TV show, what would it be like? 179. 2.
What's the best thing you've had so far? Your least favorite? 122, What is the worst piece of advice you've ever gotten? 70. 137. 200. 114. What's the best thing you've ever bought off Amazon? 49. 148.
When you begin a discussion with someone, you want it to be interesting, insightful, and entertaining, and that means saying something or asking a question more than, "So, this weather, huh?". If you were on death row, what would your last meal be? 94. Have you ever been stalked on social media? What is your opinion on premonitions? 37. How? Whats the most fun project youve ever worked on? 83. 80. What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you recently? Whats one thing youd tell yourself at my age? If you could be any animal, which would it be? They have life experience. 171. How long have you been at your current job? All the videos on FluentU come with interactive subtitles that let students look up words while they watch. Unless youre teaching in a place where arranged marriages are the thing to do, talking about first dates gets everybody interested. 208. Which celebrity would play you in a movie about your life? What do you think is the most annoying habit? What things are you good/bad at learning? 193. What is your funniest memory of our dates? If you had a chance to eat dessert for breakfast every day, what dessert would you choose? What is a common first date like in your country? What have you been loving on TV lately? And in addition to written recipes, there are tons of recipe videos on the web if you want to work on listening comprehension as well. Whats a favorite memory you have of us together? 16. 34. Why/why not? What was the last problem you solved and how did you do it? 68. What's the weirdest thing you loved as a child? 167. 132. Whats one thing youve won and how did you win it? Dinner parties and gatherings can be a little awkward, especially if you dont know everyone in the room. If you were to remove one social media app from your phone, which would it be and why? 205. How do you keep yourself organized every day? All Rights Reserved. What is your favorite way to start up a conversation? If you didn't have the job you have now, what would you be? How do you feel best supported in hard times? Of course, what you say to someone depends on where you are. 12. If you could change one thing about this industry, what would it be? How do you track your work goals and accomplishments? What is the most memorable lesson you learned from your parents? Tired of talking about the weather, latest sports game, or what youre up to at work? Great questions on this could be: Even though nobody likes to talk about problems, per se, everybody still talks about their problems to other people! 76. 14. What are the top three things on your bucket list? Tell me about one thing on your bucket list. 144. If you could have any animal as a pet, which would you choose and why? What was the first computer you ever had like? How are the movies in your country? What were you doing before you came here? Depending on their skill levels, you can feel free to make the questions a bit easier or more challenging. Have you ever slept in a strange place that was not a bed? What was the first job you ever had? Which scent do you find the most soothing? 93. Who do you miss the most from your past? FluentU has lots of videos about food and cuisine, as well as several captioned recipe videos. What is one thing that made you laugh this week? 36. What do you love most about our relationship? If you could change one thing about school, what would it be? 234. Did you hear about (insert latest news topic)? What are the top three things on your bucket list? Is crime a big problem in your city/country? A few good questions to be asked could be: Games are fun and everybody enjoys fun, no? Hotel English: Prepare ESL Students to Work in Reception, Management, Housekeeping and More! 146. What is the compliment you receive most often? How do you feel when you reach your goals? What's the best thing about your job? Do you like documentaries? Spice it up with these meaningful questions. What are the advantages/disadvantages of taking risks? What good/bad experiences have you had with love? 99.
28. What work is common in your city/area/country? To create a conversation jar: These conversations starters are good for people young and old! If your pet could talk, what would their voice sound like? What was your worst foot in mouth moment? What was the biggest punishment youve ever received? What would make you (if parent) most upset? What is a significant event that has changed you? One key goal almost every adult ESL student shares isgaining the ability to speak English with others. What is something you wish you could do everyday? Would you rather be invisible or have X-ray vision? What bad habits do you wish you could stop? 19. If you were to perform a duet with a famous musician, who would it be and why? Our brains are built to absorb, filter and store information. Whether youre trying to meet a new friend or special someone, these conversation starters are a great way to break the ice! If you could have a fictional superhero for a best friend, who would it be? What time do you usually go to sleep? 24.
What are you the most passionate about? Have you kept any memorabilia from your childhood? 249. 33. A greatly universal topic that could have students discussing quite a few things, which could all relate to real life too! A conversation jar can help you get beyond small talk and start a fun, unusual conversation! What do you dislike most about your job? 82. If you could be famous, would you want to? What's your best tip for a good morning routine? What do you think people need to know about each other before they get married? 17. How can you tell when someone is lying? What's the next exciting event you have coming up? What is the best meal youve ever had, and whats the best meal youve ever cooked for yourself? 83. Who in your life has had the most influence on you? What is your opinion on professional sports? If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Having no plan is a plan to fail.. 134. What do you wish youd known before having kids? Tell me about your childhood best friend. 24. I mean, if youre spending about a third of your waking hours at work, you may have lots to say. What would you do if you noticed a crime being committed? If you could have them play any song right now, what would it be? 75. This song is so overplayed, Id rather hear X. What do you think has been the best movie of the year so far? Get real with these deep conversation starters. Are they real?
172. What made you choose this as your career? 105. 225. Do you remember the first novel you ever read? A few good questions could be: Recipes can be a fun way to introduce students to assorted cooking vocabulary and phrases. Which is your favorite? Sharing goals is also a good thing to help get themdone. Time is money. Do you agree or disagree? What would you tell your children about beauty? If your students enjoy learning from TV and other native content, you can try a media-focused resource like. Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? 84. 246. What is the most difficult thing youve ever done? What's the worst thing you've ever worn? What is your favorite celebrity scandal right now?
163. Why? What are some of your favorite memories about your parents? Do you like calling or texting better? Why? What is your favorite thing about your personality? A few fine examples of questions are: So thats thelist of discussion topics you could use with your ESL classes. How did you know when you fell in love? Where is your favorite place to shop? My age? What is one thing you should never say at a wedding? If someone gave you 20 dollars, what would you buy with it? What is the funniest gift you have ever given? Why/why not? Whether you're at a party talking to someone you've just met or spending time with friends you haven't seen in a while, coming up with a good conversation starter that isn't just boring small talk can be a struggle. Tell me three fun facts about yourself. Why not encourage them with these kid-friendly conversation starters? 69. What is something that's really popular right now that will be ridiculous in five years? 136. Some example questions are: Everybody loves music and most people feel very strong emotions towards itespecially when it comes to the music that they love (or hate) most. Do you prefer polaroid or digital cameras? 217.
58. 66. 228.
Where do you need support that youre not getting it? 79. If you could get all your family members to donate to a charity, what would it be and why? 119. What's your favorite thing to do on your day off work? Some simple questions to ask could be: Listening to music with English lyrics can be fun activity to keep students engaged, and also start conversations. What superpower do you wish you could have? What's your favorite project you've worked on so far? The captioned music videos included with FluentU were chosen for their usefulness in learning English, and include everything form childrens songs to recent chart-toppers like Willow by Taylor Swift. 50. What types of music come from your country? And for more everyday inspiration, subscribe to The Daily Gooda 30-second newsletter delivered to your inbox each morning with tips for self-care and sustainable living. Download: Do you prefer cold weather or hot weather? If your life was a movie, which celebrity would play you? The food looks great. 95. Who is the most important person in your life right now?
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Ask the students these questions yourselves to get conversations started, or pass them out on worksheets for students to ask each other.
In your city, where is a good place to go shopping? 239. Kayti Christian (she/her) is a Senior Editor at The Good Trade. 91. Where do you feel most centered and happy? Solutions do. Do you agree or disagree. What do you look for and need in your friendships? Sure, games and interactive exercises definitely workso, you can always do some fun activitieswith them. 1. How is the law enforcement in your city/country? What goals have you set and achieved in the past? How often do you watch movies in English? Download and print the conversation starters below. If there were a movie about your life, what kind of movie would it be? What food would you like to learn how to cook? How has our relationship changed since we started dating? Do you think arguing is part of a relationship? What was his/her name? 120. If tomorrow was your last day to live, what would you do? 101. What was the last assignment you did really well on? If you won the lottery, what would be your first big splurge? Where would you rather be right now? This makes ita good topic to discuss to get some opinions and various views within a group of students.