Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Saint Petersburg” ESL Discussion Questions

I. City Overview

1. Where is Saint Petersburg located?
2. Can you name any famous landmarks in Saint Petersburg?
3. What is Saint Petersburg known for?
4. How would you describe the weather in Saint Petersburg?
5. Is Saint Petersburg a big city or a small city?

II. History and Culture

6. What is an interesting fact about the history of Saint Petersburg?
7. Can you name a famous person from Saint Petersburg?
8. What are some traditional festivals in Saint Petersburg?
9. How does the history of Saint Petersburg influence its culture today?
10. Are there any museums in Saint Petersburg you would like to visit?

III. Traveling to Saint Petersburg

11. How do you get to Saint Petersburg from your country?
12. What is the best time of year to visit Saint Petersburg?
13. What would you pack for a trip to Saint Petersburg?
14. Do you need a visa to visit Saint Petersburg?
15. What language do people speak in Saint Petersburg?

IV. Places to Visit

16. What is a must-see place in Saint Petersburg?
17. Are there any parks or natural sights in Saint Petersburg?
18. Where can you find the best views of the city?
19. Can you recommend a historic site to visit in Saint Petersburg?
20. What is the most famous street in Saint Petersburg?

V. Food and Cuisine

21. What is a traditional dish from Saint Petersburg?
22. Are there any Russian foods you would like to try in Saint Petersburg?
23. Where can you eat traditional Russian food in Saint Petersburg?
24. What is a popular snack or street food in Saint Petersburg?
25. Is there a food or drink that Saint Petersburg is famous for?

VI. Living in Saint Petersburg

26. What do you think it would be like to live in Saint Petersburg?
27. How do people usually get around in Saint Petersburg?
28. What kind of housing can you find in Saint Petersburg?
29. What do you think are the biggest challenges of living in Saint Petersburg?
30. What would you like to do if you lived in Saint Petersburg?

VII. Education and Work

31. Are there any universities in Saint Petersburg?
32. What are the main industries in Saint Petersburg?
33. How do people find jobs in Saint Petersburg?
34. What opportunities are there for foreign students in Saint Petersburg?
35. What kind of work would you want to do in Saint Petersburg?

VIII. Arts and Entertainment

36. What are some popular forms of entertainment in Saint Petersburg?
37. Can you name a music or art festival in Saint Petersburg?
38. Where can you go to see a play or a concert in Saint Petersburg?
39. How does Saint Petersburg contribute to Russian arts?
40. What is the film scene like in Saint Petersburg?

IX. Sports and Activities

41. What sports are popular in Saint Petersburg?
42. Are there any sports teams in Saint Petersburg you know of?
43. What outdoor activities can you do in Saint Petersburg?
44. Is there any place to go hiking or camping near Saint Petersburg?
45. What would you like to do for fun if you visited Saint Petersburg?

X. Shopping and Commerce

46. Where is the main shopping area in Saint Petersburg?
47. Can you buy traditional Russian crafts in Saint Petersburg?
48. How do people bargain or negotiate prices in Saint Petersburg markets?
49. What would you like to buy as a souvenir from Saint Petersburg?
50. Are there any famous Russian brands that come from Saint Petersburg?

XI. Daily Life in Saint Petersburg

51. What is a typical day like for a resident of Saint Petersburg?
52. What do people in Saint Petersburg do on weekends?
53. How do people in Saint Petersburg celebrate major holidays?
54. What is the pace of life like in Saint Petersburg?
55. What do you think you would enjoy most about daily life in Saint Petersburg?

XII. Changes and Future

56. How has Saint Petersburg changed in the last 10 years?
57. What future developments are planned for Saint Petersburg?
58. How is Saint Petersburg dealing with environmental issues?
59. What role does Saint Petersburg play in Russian politics?
60. What do you think Saint Petersburg will be like in 20 years?