Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Harry Potter” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Introduction to Harry Potter

1. What is the Harry Potter series about?
2. Who is the author of the Harry Potter series?
3. When was the first Harry Potter book published?
4. What are the main themes in the Harry Potter series?
5. How has the Harry Potter series influenced modern literature?

II. Characters in Harry Potter

6. Who are the main characters in the Harry Potter series?
7. How do the characters in Harry Potter develop over the series?
8. What are some of the magical creatures featured in Harry Potter?
9. Who is the antagonist in the Harry Potter series?
10. How do relationships between characters evolve in the series?

III. The Wizarding World

11. What is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?
12. What are the different houses at Hogwarts and their characteristics?
13. How is the wizarding world different from the non-magical world?
14. What are some notable magical locations in the Harry Potter series?
15. How does J.K. Rowling describe the magical world in the series?

IV. Magic and Spells

16. What role does magic play in the Harry Potter series?
17. What are some common spells used in the series?
18. How do witches and wizards in Harry Potter learn magic?
19. What are magical objects and their significance in the series?
20. How does the concept of magic evolve throughout the series?

V. Themes and Symbolism

21. What are the major themes in the Harry Potter series?
22. How does the series explore the theme of good vs. evil?
23. What symbols are prominent in Harry Potter?
24. How is the theme of friendship portrayed in the series?
25. What does the concept of love represent in Harry Potter?

VI. Cultural Impact

26. How has the Harry Potter series impacted popular culture?
27. What influence has the Harry Potter series had on fantasy and young adult literature?
28. How have the themes of Harry Potter remained relevant over time?
29. What are some adaptations of the Harry Potter series?
30. How has the Harry Potter series influenced other media, like games and movies?

VII. J.K. Rowling’s Influence

31. Who is J.K. Rowling, and what influenced her writing of Harry Potter?
32. How did Rowling’s life experiences shape the Harry Potter series?
33. What other works has J.K. Rowling written?
34. How is Rowling’s writing style characterized in Harry Potter?
35. What legacy has J.K. Rowling created with the Harry Potter series?

VIII. Film Adaptations

36. What are the major film adaptations of the Harry Potter series?
37. How do the Harry Potter movies compare to the books?
38. What challenges were faced in adapting the books into movies?
39. How have the films contributed to the story’s legacy?
40. What are some differences between the Harry Potter films and books?

IX. Literary Analysis

41. What makes Harry Potter a significant work in literature?
42. How does Harry Potter explore complex characters and relationships?
43. What literary techniques does Rowling use in Harry Potter?
44. How is the concept of heroism depicted in the series?
45. What is the role of mythology in Harry Potter?

X. The Fandom and Community

46. How has the Harry Potter series created a dedicated fan community?
47. What are some popular activities and events among Harry Potter fans?
48. How do fans express their appreciation for Harry Potter?
49. What role do fan theories play in the Harry Potter community?
50. How has fan fiction expanded the world of Harry Potter?

XI. Philosophy and Ethics

51. How does the Harry Potter series address philosophical questions?
52. What ethical dilemmas are presented in the series?
53. How are concepts of power and corruption explored in Harry Potter?
54. What moral lessons can be learned from the series?
55. How does Harry Potter explore the nature of evil?

XII. Legacy and Future

56. What is the enduring legacy of the Harry Potter series?
57. How has Harry Potter influenced future generations of writers and creators?
58. What future adaptations or explorations of the Harry Potter universe are anticipated?
59. How has the world of Harry Potter expanded beyond the original series?
60. What is the future of the Harry Potter franchise?