Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Beauty Standards” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Beauty Standards

1. What does beauty mean to you?
2. How do you think beauty standards are created?
3. Do you think beauty standards are the same in every country?
4. How do social media affect beauty standards?
5. What role do celebrities play in setting beauty standards?

II. Personal Experiences with Beauty Standards

6. Have you ever felt pressure to look a certain way?
7. How do you feel about your own appearance?
8. Do you think beauty standards affect people’s self-esteem?
9. What do you do to feel beautiful?
10. Have you ever changed your appearance to fit beauty standards?

III. Media Representation of Beauty

11. How do movies and TV shows portray beauty?
12. Can you name a movie that challenges beauty standards?
13. Do you think advertising influences beauty standards?
14. What is the impact of Photoshop on beauty standards?
15. How can we promote diverse beauty in media?

IV. Cultural Differences in Beauty

16. What beauty standards are common in your culture?
17. How do traditional beauty standards differ from modern ones?
18. Are there beauty rituals in your culture?
19. How do global beauty trends affect local standards?
20. Can beauty standards create conflicts between cultures?

V. The Impact of Beauty Standards

21. How do beauty standards affect mental health?
22. Do you think beauty standards can lead to eating disorders?
23. How can we support people struggling with beauty standards?
24. What can schools do to teach about healthy beauty standards?
25. How can friends help each other with self-image issues?

VI. Changing Beauty Standards

26. Have beauty standards changed in your lifetime?
27. What trends do you think will change beauty standards in the future?
28. Can beauty standards be positive?
29. How can individuals challenge beauty standards?
30. What role do influencers play in changing beauty standards?

VII. Beauty and Identity

31. How do beauty standards affect personal identity?
32. Do you think beauty standards can influence career choices?
33. How can beauty standards affect relationships?
34. Do you think beauty standards can change over time?
35. How do you define beauty for yourself?

VIII. The Future of Beauty Standards

36. What do you think beauty will look like in 20 years?
37. How can technology change beauty standards?
38. Will beauty standards become more inclusive in the future?
39. How can we ensure that future beauty standards are healthy?
40. What role will youth play in changing beauty standards?

IX. Beauty Standards and Gender

41. How do beauty standards differ for men and women?
42. Do you think men face pressure to look good?
43. How can we support men in feeling confident about their appearance?
44. What stereotypes exist around beauty and gender?
45. How can we challenge gender stereotypes in beauty?

X. Beauty Standards and Aging

46. How do beauty standards change as people age?
47. What does aging gracefully mean to you?
48. How can society better support aging individuals?
49. Do you think older people are represented fairly in media?
50. How can we celebrate beauty at every age?

XI. Beauty Standards and Health

51. How do beauty standards affect physical health?
52. What is the relationship between beauty and fitness?
53. How can we promote healthy lifestyles instead of strict beauty standards?
54. Do you think beauty standards can lead to unhealthy habits?
55. How can we encourage body positivity in our communities?

XII. Personal Reflections on Beauty Standards

56. What is one beauty standard you disagree with?
57. How has your view of beauty changed over time?
58. What advice would you give someone struggling with beauty standards?
59. How can we create a more inclusive definition of beauty?
60. What do you hope future generations will learn about beauty?
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