Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Money” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Basic Understanding of Money
1. What is money?
2. Why do we need money?
3. What are some ways you can earn money?
4. How do you save money?
5. Can you name different types of money from around the world?

II. Using Money
6. Where do you keep your money safe?
7. How do you use money to buy something?
8. What is a budget?
9. Why is it important to not spend too much money?
10. How do you pay for things in a store?

III. Money and Banks
11. What is a bank?
12. How do you open a bank account?
13. What is interest in terms of money?
14. Can you explain what a credit card is?
15. What is the difference between a debit card and a credit card?

IV. Money Management
16. How do you plan for big purchases?
17. What is a good way to track your spending?
18. Why should you compare prices before buying?
19. What is the purpose of a receipt?
20. How can you reduce your expenses?

V. Currency
21. What is currency?
22. Why do different countries have different currencies?
23. What is the currency in your country?
24. Have you ever used foreign money?
25. What is exchange rate?

VI. Digital Money
26. What is online banking?
27. Can you explain what digital currency is?
28. Have you ever made a payment on the internet?
29. What are mobile payment services?
30. How do you stay safe with money online?

VII. Jobs and Earning
31. How do people earn money from jobs?
32. What is a salary?
33. Why do some jobs pay more than others?
34. What is minimum wage?
35. How can you increase your income?

VIII. Saving and Investing
36. What is the difference between saving and investing?
37. What is a savings account?
38. Can you name a type of investment?
39. Why is it risky to invest money?
40. What is a pension?

IX. Loans and Debt
41. What is a loan?
42. Why do people take loans?
43. What is debt?
44. How can being in debt be a problem?
45. What are ways to avoid debt?

X. Money in Society
46. How does money help a community?
47. What are taxes?
48. Why do governments need money?
49. How does money affect the economy?
50. What is charity?

XI. Historical and Cultural Views on Money
51. Has money always been the same?
52. Can you think of something that was used as money in the past?
53. How do different cultures view money?
54. What role does money play in your family?
55. How does money influence happiness?

XII. Money and Ethics
56. Why is it important to earn money honestly?
57. What is financial fraud?
58. How should you handle finding money?
59. What is money laundering?
60. How can we use money to do good?