Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Plants” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Basics of Plants
1. What is a plant?
2. How do plants grow?
3. What do plants need to live?
4. Why are plants green?
5. Can plants grow without soil?

II. Types of Plants
6. What are some common house plants?
7. What is the difference between a flower and a tree?
8. What kinds of plants are found in a garden?
9. Are cacti the only plants in the desert?
10. What plants can you eat?

III. Plant Care
11. How often should you water plants?
12. What is the best place to put a plant in your house?
13. How do you know if a plant is healthy?
14. What does it mean to prune a plant?
15. Why do some people talk to their plants?

IV. Plants and the Environment
16. Why are plants important for the air?
17. How do plants help animals?
18. What is deforestation?
19. How can planting trees help the planet?
20. What is photosynthesis?

V. Gardening
21. How do you start a garden?
22. What tools do you need for gardening?
23. Can you grow plants in winter?
24. What is composting?
25. How do you keep bugs away from plants?

VI. Flowers
26. What is your favorite flower?
27. Why do flowers have different colors?
28. How do flowers bloom?
29. What flowers can you give as gifts?
30. How do flowers spread their seeds?

VII. Trees
31. What is the biggest kind of tree?
32. Why do leaves fall off trees in autumn?
33. Can trees live forever?
34. How do trees help cities?
35. Why do some people plant trees when a baby is born?

VIII. Plant Science
36. What is botany?
37. How do plants make food?
38. What are medicinal plants?
39. Can plants feel pain?
40. How do plants communicate with each other?

IX. Indoor vs. Outdoor Plants
41. What plants are good for indoors?
42. How are indoor plants different from outdoor plants?
43. Do indoor plants clean the air?
44. Can outdoor plants live inside?
45. How do seasons affect outdoor plants?

X. Plant Problems
46. What are some diseases that affect plants?
47. Why do plants sometimes wilt?
48. How can you revive a dying plant?
49. What is overwatering?
50. Why is good drainage important for plants?

XI. Food Plants
51. What is a vegetable garden?
52. How can you grow food in a small space?
53. What are some easy vegetables to grow?
54. Why is it good to eat local plants?
55. How do plants from different countries come to our supermarkets?

XII. Cultural Significance of Plants
56. What plants are important in your culture?
57. Are there any festivals that celebrate plants?
58. What myths or stories do you know about plants?
59. How are plants used in medicine in your culture?
60. What symbols are associated with plants?