Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“New York” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Introduction to New York City
1. What are the five boroughs of New York City?
2. Which famous statue welcomes visitors to New York Harbor?
3. Can you name the most populous borough in New York?
4. What languages are commonly spoken in New York City?
5. What is the nickname of New York City?

II. Iconic Landmarks
6. Why is Times Square famous around the world?
7. What can you see in Central Park?
8. How tall is the Empire State Building?
9. Why do people visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum?
10. What is special about the Brooklyn Bridge?

III. Culture and Entertainment
11. Where can you watch a Broadway show?
12. What types of music are popular in New York?
13. Can you name a famous museum in New York City?
14. What is a popular cultural festival in New York?
15. How does New York celebrate New Year’s Eve?

IV. Daily Life
16. What is the most common way to commute in New York?
17. What is a typical breakfast for New Yorkers?
18. How do New York children typically get to school?
19. What is considered a fast-paced lifestyle in New York?
20. Where do New Yorkers go for a weekend getaway?

V. Economy and Business
21. What is Wall Street known for?
22. How important is the fashion industry in New York?
23. What role does tourism play in New York’s economy?
24. How do small businesses thrive in New York?
25. What are the famous shopping streets in New York?

VI. Food and Dining
26. What is a classic New York-style pizza?
27. Where can you find the best bagels in New York?
28. How has immigration influenced New York cuisine?
29. What is a ‘food truck’ and why are they popular in New York?
30. What dining etiquette should you follow in New York restaurants?

VII. Sports and Recreation
31. Can you name any New York sports teams?
32. Where do New Yorkers go to jog or exercise outdoors?
33. What are some annual sports events held in New York?
34. How do the city’s parks contribute to its residents’ fitness?
35. Where can you see a baseball game in New York?

VIII. Education and Science
36. Can you name a world-renowned university in New York City?
37. What are some of the public education initiatives in New York?
38. How does New York support scientific research?
39. What opportunities are there for international students?
40. Where can you find libraries in New York?

IX. Media and Communication
41. What is the significance of the New York Times?
42. How does the media influence daily life in New York?
43. Where is the major television broadcasting center in New York?
44. How do New Yorkers get their news?
45. What role do social media play in New York culture?

X. Arts and Museums
46. What kind of art is displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
47. Where can you find street art in New York?
48. How does the city support local artists?
49. Can you attend art workshops in New York?
50. What are some smaller, lesser-known museums worth visiting?

XI. Neighborhoods and Housing
51. What is a ‘brownstone’ in New York real estate?
52. How do New Yorkers find apartments?
53. What are some up-and-coming neighborhoods?
54. How do housing cooperatives work in New York?
55. What neighborhood is known for its cultural diversity?

XII. Safety and Regulations
56. What is the role of the NYPD in New York?
57. How does New York ensure public safety?
58. What should you do in case of an emergency in New York?
59. How are public demonstrations handled?
60. What are some common laws tourists should be aware of in New York?

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