Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Aeroplanes” ESL Discussion Questions

I. General Knowledge about Aeroplanes

1. What is an aeroplane?
2. Can you name different types of aeroplanes?
3. How do aeroplanes fly?
4. Have you ever flown in an aeroplane?
5. What do you think pilots need to know to fly an aeroplane?

II. Personal Experiences with Aeroplanes

6. When did you take your first aeroplane flight?
7. Where did you go on your last aeroplane trip?
8. What do you like to do during an aeroplane flight?
9. Do you prefer window or aisle seats on an aeroplane?
10. How do you feel about travelling by aeroplane?

III. Aeroplane Travel

11. How do you prepare for an aeroplane trip?
12. What items do you take in your carry-on bag?
13. How early do you arrive at the airport before a flight?
14. What is the longest aeroplane trip you have taken?
15. Have you ever had a layover? What did you do?

IV. Services on Aeroplanes

16. What in-flight services do you expect on an aeroplane?
17. Have you ever talked to someone new on an aeroplane?
18. What kind of food have you eaten on an aeroplane?
19. Do you use the entertainment system on aeroplanes?
20. What is the best thing about flying on an aeroplane?

V. Aeroplane Safety

21. What safety features do you know about aeroplanes?
22. Have you ever listened to the entire safety demonstration?
23. How do you feel during takeoff and landing?
24. What would you do in an emergency situation on an aeroplane?
25. Do you pay attention to where the emergency exits are?

VI. Aeroplane Designs and Features

26. What are the biggest aeroplanes you know?
27. Can you describe what a cockpit looks like?
28. Why do you think aeroplanes have wings?
29. Have you ever seen a double-decker aeroplane?
30. What makes a jet plane different from other aeroplanes?

VII. Aeroplane Companies

31. Can you name any aeroplane manufacturers?
32. Which airlines have you flown with?
33. Do you have a favorite airline? Why or why not?
34. How do airlines make sure aeroplanes are safe?
35. What do you think makes a good airline?

VIII. Environmental Impact of Aeroplanes

36. How do aeroplanes affect the environment?
37. Have you heard of electric aeroplanes?
38. What can airlines do to be more eco-friendly?
39. Do you think aeroplane travel will change in the future?
40. Would you choose a slower travel option if it was better for the environment?

IX. Working in Aviation

41. Would you like to work as a pilot or flight attendant?
42. What do you think are the challenges of working on an aeroplane?
43. How do people become pilots?
44. What other jobs do you think there are at an airport?
45. How do flight attendants train for their job?

X. Future of Aeroplane Travel

46. What changes do you expect in aeroplane travel in the future?
47. How might aeroplane seats change to improve comfort?
48. Do you think space travel on aeroplanes will be possible?
49. What technology could make aeroplanes better?
50. Would you like to fly on a supersonic plane?

XI. History of Aeroplanes

51. Do you know who built the first successful aeroplane?
52. How have aeroplanes changed since they were first invented?
53. Can you think of any famous historic flights?
54. What was air travel like 50 years ago?
55. How did aeroplanes change the world?

XII. The Science of Flight

56. What is the role of air traffic controllers?
57. How do aeroplanes stay in communication with the ground?
58. What do you know about the physics of flight?
59. Why do aeroplanes have to fly at high altitudes?
60. How do weather conditions affect aeroplane flights?