Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Mountain Climbing” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Basics of Mountain Climbing
1. What is mountain climbing?
2. Why do people climb mountains?
3. Can anyone go mountain climbing, or do you need special training?
4. What is the highest mountain you know?
5. Is mountain climbing a popular activity in your country?

II. Preparing for a Climb
6. What kind of equipment do you need for mountain climbing?
7. How do you prepare physically for a mountain climb?
8. What kind of clothes should you wear when climbing a mountain?
9. Why is it important to check the weather before a climb?
10. Should you climb a mountain alone or with others?

III. Challenges and Difficulties
11. What are some dangers of mountain climbing?
12. How can altitude affect a climber?
13. What can climbers do to stay safe?
14. Have you ever heard of someone getting lost while mountain climbing?
15. How do climbers find their way on a mountain?

IV. Famous Mountains and Climbers
16. Can you name a famous mountain climber?
17. What is Mount Everest, and why is it famous?
18. Are there any famous mountains in your country?
19. What makes K2 different from Mount Everest?
20. Who was the first person to climb Mount Everest?

V. Environmental Impact
21. How does mountain climbing affect the environment?
22. What can climbers do to protect the mountains?
23. Why is it important to bring back trash when climbing?
24. Have you heard of any rules for climbers to protect nature?
25. Do you think mountain climbing tourism is good or bad for local communities?

VI. Personal Experiences
26. Have you ever climbed a mountain?
27. If you have climbed a mountain, what was it like?
28. Would you like to climb a mountain? Why or why not?
29. What do you think you would feel at the top of a mountain?
30. What mountain would you like to climb the most?

VII. Skills and Techniques
31. What are some basic climbing techniques?
32. How important is balance in mountain climbing?
33. What is rappelling, and when is it used in climbing?
34. Why do climbers need to be good at teamwork?
35. How do climbers practice their skills?

VIII. Mountain Climbing Gear
36. What is the most important piece of gear for a climber?
37. How do climbers use ropes?
38. What are carabiners, and what are they for?
39. Why are climbing shoes special?
40. How does a climber choose a backpack?

IX. Health and Safety
41. Why is it important to stay hydrated while climbing?
42. What are some signs of altitude sickness?
43. How can climbers prepare for emergencies?
44. What should be in a climber’s first aid kit?
45. Why do climbers need to acclimatize to high altitudes?

X. Mountain Climbing and Society
46. How has mountain climbing changed over the years?
47. Do you think mountain climbing is more popular now than in the past?
48. What role do mountain guides play in climbing?
49. How do movies and books about climbing influence people?
50. Can mountain climbing be a professional career?

XI. Training and Education
51. Where can people learn to climb mountains?
52. Are there schools for mountain climbing?
53. What age is best to start learning mountain climbing?
54. How long does it take to become an experienced climber?
55. Do you think mountain climbing is a good activity for kids?

XII. The Future of Mountain Climbing
56. How might technology change mountain climbing in the future?
57. Do you think it will become easier or harder to climb mountains in the future?
58. How can we make mountain climbing safer?
59. What new equipment would you like to see for climbers?
60. What do you think mountain climbing will be like in 50 years?