Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Pollution” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Pollution

1. What is pollution?
2. Can you name different types of pollution?
3. How can we see pollution in everyday life?
4. Why is it important to reduce pollution?
5. What are some common causes of air pollution?

II. Pollution and Health

6. How does pollution affect our health?
7. Can you think of any diseases caused by pollution?
8. What can people do to protect themselves from pollution?
9. Do you know any ways to clean water that has been polluted?
10. How does trash end up in the ocean and why is it a problem?

III. Reducing Pollution

11. What can individuals do to reduce pollution?
12. Why is recycling important for the environment?
13. How do cars contribute to pollution?
14. Can planting trees help reduce pollution?
15. What is a carbon footprint?

IV. The Role of Government and Laws

16. What can governments do to help reduce pollution?
17. Do you know any laws in your country that help control pollution?
18. What is an environmental protection agency?
19. How can countries work together to reduce global pollution?
20. Should companies that pollute be fined?

V. Technology and Pollution Prevention

21. How can technology help reduce pollution?
22. What is renewable energy and how can it help?
23. Do you know any gadgets that help monitor or reduce pollution?
24. Can you think of an invention that could help clean the Earth?
25. How do electric cars help the environment?

VI. The Impact of Industry

26. How do factories contribute to pollution?
27. What is industrial waste and how can it be harmful?
28. Can industries operate without polluting?
29. What is sustainable manufacturing?
30. Why is it hard for some businesses to reduce pollution?

VII. The Role of Education

31. How can education help with pollution?
32. Should schools teach children about pollution? Why?
33. What is an environmental science?
34. How can students help reduce pollution at school?
35. What project would you start at your school to fight pollution?

VIII. Community Efforts

36. How can communities come together to fight pollution?
37. Have you ever participated in a community clean-up?
38. What is a community garden and how does it help?
39. Can you suggest a community project that could reduce pollution?
40. How can neighborhood recycling programs make a difference?

IX. Global Pollution Issues

41. What is the biggest pollution problem in the world today?
42. How does pollution affect wildlife and ecosystems?
43. What are the effects of pollution on climate change?
44. What is happening with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?
45. How do international agreements like the Paris Accord aim to reduce pollution?

X. Personal Responsibility and Lifestyle

46. What changes have you made to reduce pollution?
47. How does using less plastic help the environment?
48. Can you describe a zero-waste lifestyle?
49. Why is fast fashion considered bad for the environment?
50. How can you tell if a product is environmentally friendly?

XI. Pollution in Cities vs. Rural Areas

51. Is pollution worse in cities or in the countryside? Why?
52. How can urban planning reduce pollution?
53. What are green spaces and why are they important in cities?
54. Can agriculture cause pollution?
55. What measures can rural communities take to stay pollution-free?

XII. The Future of Pollution Control

56. What do you think the future will look like if we don’t reduce pollution?
57. How can young people lead the fight against pollution?
58. What do you hope will change about pollution in the next 10 years?
59. Do you think it’s possible for the world to become pollution-free?
60. What will you tell your children about pollution and taking care of the Earth?