Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Current Events” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Global Health
1. What is the latest news about the COVID-19 pandemic?
2. How are countries dealing with new variants of the virus?
3. What are some ways people are encouraged to stay healthy?
4. Can you name a recent health scare besides COVID-19?
5. How has the pandemic changed the way we travel?

II. Politics and Government
6. Who is the current president or prime minister in your country?
7. What is a significant political event that happened recently?
8. How do elections work in your country?
9. Can you name a woman who holds a powerful position in government today?
10. What are some important issues that governments are discussing right now?

III. Environmental Issues
11. What is climate change, and why is it important?
12. Can you name a recent natural disaster and its effects?
13. How are countries trying to reduce pollution?
14. What are some ways we can help protect the environment?
15. What is a controversial project that affects the environment in your country?

IV. Economy and Trade
16. What is the current state of the global economy?
17. How has the pandemic affected businesses in your country?
18. What is a trade agreement, and why are they important?
19. Can you name a product that your country exports?
20. What is cryptocurrency, and why is it in the news?

V. Technology and Innovation
21. What is a recent technological invention you’ve heard about?
22. How is artificial intelligence being used today?
23. What are some concerns about privacy and technology?
24. Can you name a company that is known for innovation?
25. How do you think technology will change our lives in the next 10 years?

VI. Education and Development
26. What changes have schools made because of the pandemic?
27. How important is education in your country?
28. What is a global education issue that concerns you?
29. How are online courses changing the way people learn?
30. What is being done to improve education in developing countries?

VII. Social Issues and Movements
31. What is a social issue that is being debated in your country?
32. Can you name a recent protest or movement and what it’s about?
33. How do social media platforms impact social movements?
34. What is gender equality, and why is it important?
35. How are young people making their voices heard on social issues?

VIII. Science and Space
36. What is a recent discovery in space exploration?
37. How does climate science affect our understanding of the world?
38. What is a scientific breakthrough that has happened this year?
39. Can you name a famous scientist alive today?
40. What are some challenges that astronauts face in space?

IX. Entertainment and Media
41. What is a popular movie or TV show right now?
42. How have streaming services changed the way we watch media?
43. Can you name a celebrity who is making headlines?
44. What is the impact of social media on entertainment?
45. How do award shows like the Oscars influence what we watch?

X. Sports and Events
46. What is a major sporting event happening this year?
47. How have sports leagues adapted to the pandemic?
48. Can you name a famous athlete who has been in the news recently?
49. What is the role of the Olympics in bringing countries together?
50. How do you think technology is changing sports?

XI. Human Rights and Freedoms
51. What is a recent human rights issue that has come to light?
52. How do countries differ in their approach to human rights?
53. What is freedom of speech, and why is it important?
54. Can you name an organization that works to protect human rights?
55. How can individuals stand up for their rights and freedoms?

XII. International Relations
56. What is a current conflict between countries that you know about?
57. How does the United Nations work to resolve international issues?
58. What is a recent example of international cooperation?
59. How do trade wars affect global relations?
60. What role do embassies play in international affairs?

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