Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Boredom” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Boredom
1. What does it mean to be bored?
2. Can you describe how you feel when you are bored?
3. Do you think boredom is a good or bad feeling?
4. How often do you feel bored in a week?
5. What usually causes you to feel bored?

II. Activities and Boredom
6. What do you do when you feel bored?
7. Can you name a hobby that you think is never boring?
8. Do you think having hobbies can prevent boredom?
9. Are there any activities you find more boring than others?
10. What is the most boring activity you have ever done?

III. Boredom at Work or School
11. Do you ever get bored at work or school?
12. How do you deal with boredom in a work or school setting?
13. Can boredom be a problem at work or school? Why?
14. Do you think breaks can help with boredom at work or school?
15. Have you ever had a job or class that was never boring?

IV. Boredom and Technology
16. Does technology help you to not feel bored?
17. What technology do you use when you are bored?
18. Can using technology too much make you bored?
19. Do you think people were more bored before technology?
20. What would you do if you were bored and had no technology?

V. Boredom and Friends
21. Do you ever feel bored when you are with friends?
22. How can friends help you when you are bored?
23. Can you be bored even if you are with a lot of people?
24. What games do you play with friends when you are bored?
25. Do you think it is okay to tell your friends that you are bored?

VI. Boredom and Creativity
26. Can boredom lead to creativity?
27. Have you ever created something because you were bored?
28. Do you think being bored can be good for your imagination?
29. What are some creative things to do when you are bored?
30. Do you think artists and writers need to feel bored sometimes?

VII. Boredom in Children
31. Why do you think children get bored?
32. What can parents do to help their children when they are bored?
33. Should children be allowed to feel bored?
34. How is boredom different for children and adults?
35. What games did you play as a child when you were bored?

VIII. Boredom and Mental Health
36. Can boredom affect your mental health?
37. Do you think being bored can make you feel sad or depressed?
38. What can you do to improve your mood when you are bored?
39. Is it important to find ways to avoid boredom?
40. How do you think boredom is related to stress?

IX. Boredom and Learning
41. Can boredom be a problem when trying to learn something new?
42. How can teachers make their lessons less boring?
43. Do you think interactive learning is less boring?
44. What subjects do you find most boring and why?
45. How do you stay focused when you are bored with a subject?

X. Boredom and Lifestyle
46. Do you think a busy life is a cure for boredom?
47. How does your daily routine help you avoid boredom?
48. Can a change in lifestyle reduce boredom?
49. Do you think people with more free time are more bored?
50. How important is it to balance relaxation and activity to avoid boredom?

XI. Boredom and Relationships
51. Can boredom affect relationships?
52. What can couples do to avoid feeling bored with each other?
53. Do you think it is normal to feel bored in a long relationship?
54. How can you tell if someone else is bored?
55. What can you do if your friend or partner seems bored?

XII. Overcoming Boredom
56. What is the best way to overcome boredom?
57. Do you think planning ahead can prevent boredom?
58. How can setting goals help with boredom?
59. What advice would you give to someone who is often bored?
60. Can too much excitement make you appreciate boredom more?