Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

1:1 Online English classes. Find out more

“Moral Dilemmas” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Everyday Decisions
1. Is it ever okay to tell a lie? Why or why not?
2. Should you always do what your parents tell you to do?
3. Is it wrong to keep money that you find on the street?
4. Should you give up your seat on the bus to someone who needs it more?
5. Is it okay to break a promise if it’s for a good reason?

II. Work and Ethics
6. Is it ever okay to take credit for someone else’s work?
7. Should you report a coworker if they are stealing from the company?
8. Is it wrong to call in sick to work when you are not really sick?
9. Should companies always try to make as much money as possible?
10. Is it okay to work for a company that harms the environment?

III. Technology and Privacy
11. Is it okay to read someone else’s emails or messages without their permission?
12. Should the government be able to watch what we do online?
13. Is it wrong to download music or movies without paying for them?
14. Should people be allowed to say whatever they want on the internet?
15. Is it okay to use someone else’s Wi-Fi without them knowing?

IV. Relationships and Honesty
16. Should you always tell your friend the truth, even if it might hurt them?
17. Is it okay to keep secrets from your family?
18. Should you stay friends with someone who has done something really bad?
19. Is it wrong to read your partner’s messages if you think they are hiding something?
20. Is it ever okay to end a friendship?

V. Society and Responsibility
21. Should rich people have to give money to help poor people?
22. Is it everyone’s responsibility to take care of the environment?
23. Should you always follow the law, even if you think it’s wrong?
24. Is it okay to protest against something you believe is wrong?
25. Should people be allowed to own guns?

VI. Education and Fairness
26. Is it wrong to cheat on a test if you know you won’t get caught?
27. Should students with better grades receive more rewards?
28. Is it fair for some schools to have more resources than others?
29. Should everyone have the right to go to college for free?
30. Is it okay for students to protest against school rules?

VII. Health and Ethics
31. Is it okay to skip the line for a medical treatment if you can pay more?
32. Should doctors always tell patients the truth about their health?
33. Is it wrong to use animals for medical research?
34. Should everyone have the right to refuse medical treatment?
35. Is it ethical to use technology to create designer babies?

VIII. Global Issues
36. Is it the responsibility of wealthy countries to help poorer countries?
37. Should we always help people in need, even if they are from another country?
38. Is it okay to buy products made by workers who are paid very little?
39. Should countries be allowed to close their borders to refugees?
40. Is it our duty to fight against global warming?

IX. Animal Rights
41. Is it wrong to keep animals in zoos?
42. Should people be allowed to eat meat?
43. Is it okay to wear clothes made from animal fur?
44. Should animals have the same rights as humans?
45. Is it ethical to test beauty products on animals?

X. Justice and Punishment
46. Is it ever okay to take the law into your own hands?
47. Should the punishment always fit the crime?
48. Is it okay for governments to use the death penalty?
49. Should people who have served their time in prison be treated like everyone else?
50. Is it right to forgive someone who has done something terrible?

XI. Media and Truth
51. Should news outlets be allowed to publish stories without checking if they are true?
52. Is it okay to spread rumors on social media?
53. Should advertisements be allowed to make false claims about products?
54. Is it the responsibility of celebrities to be good role models?
55. Should films and TV shows that show bad behavior be banned?

XII. Choices and Consequences
56. Is it more important to be happy or to do what’s right?
57. Should you always try to do what will make the most people happy?
58. Is it wrong to make a decision that benefits you but harms others?
59. Should you always consider the consequences of your actions before deciding what to do?
60. Is it ever okay to change your mind after making a moral decision?

🎉 Coming Soon ⏳

🧑‍💻 1 to 1 Online English Classes 👩🏻‍💻

Practice English through Zoom with me, Paul, or one of the teachers I have chosen for you. Suitable for all ages and levels.

Choose the teacher and time you want. 🧑🏻‍🏫👩‍🏫⌚️

You can learn:
– English writing skills (essays, emails, etc.) 
– English conversation practice 
– English pronunciation practice
– Textbook classes
Anything you want

Introductory prices:
60 minute class with native speaker (e.g. Paul): US$34.99 US$24.99
60 minute class with non-native speaker (e.g. Philippines, Indonesia): US$9.99 US$7.99

Interested? Please fill in the form and I will contact you soon!

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