Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

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“Trains” ESL Discussion Questions

I. General Train Knowledge
1. What is a train?
2. How do trains move?
3. What are some different types of trains you know?
4. Where do trains run?
5. Why do people use trains?

II. Train Travel Experience
6. Have you ever traveled by train?
7. What did you like about traveling by train?
8. What is the longest train journey you have ever taken?
9. Do trains in your country often arrive on time?
10. What do you usually do during a train ride?

III. Train Services and Amenities
11. What kind of services can you find on a train?
12. Do trains have restrooms?
13. Can you buy food on a train?
14. Are there sleeping compartments on long-distance trains?
15. How comfortable are train seats?

IV. Train Stations
16. What is a train station?
17. How early should you arrive at the train station before your trip?
18. What can you do at a train station while waiting for your train?
19. Are train stations usually busy?
20. How do you find your train at the station?

V. Booking Train Tickets
21. How do you buy a train ticket?
22. Can you buy train tickets online?
23. Is it cheaper to buy train tickets in advance?
24. What information do you need to provide when buying a train ticket?
25. Can you get a refund if you miss your train?

VI. Train Schedules and Routes
26. How do you check a train’s schedule?
27. Do trains run all day and night?
28. How often do trains run on popular routes?
29. Can you take a train to another country?
30. How do you find out about train delays or cancellations?

VII. Advantages and Disadvantages of Train Travel
31. What are the advantages of traveling by train?
32. What are the disadvantages of traveling by train?
33. Is train travel safer than car travel?
34. Do you think train travel is good for the environment?
35. How does train travel compare to flying?

VIII. Train Etiquette and Tips
36. Should you give up your seat for someone else on a train?
37. Is it okay to talk loudly on a train?
38. What should you do if you lose something on a train?
39. How can you keep your belongings safe on a train?
40. What tips would you give to someone taking a train for the first time?

IX. Trains Around the World
41. What are some famous trains or train routes around the world?
42. Have you heard of high-speed trains? What do you think about them?
43. Which country do you think has the best train system?
44. Are there any train rides in the world you dream of taking?
45. How are trains different in your country compared to others?

X. History of Trains
46. When were trains invented?
47. How have trains changed over time?
48. What was the first country to use trains?
49. Can you name a famous historical train?
50. How did trains impact society in the past?

XI. Future of Train Travel
51. What new technologies are being developed for trains?
52. Have you heard of maglev trains? What makes them special?
53. How do you think train travel will change in the future?
54. Do you think trains will become more popular or less popular?
55. What would make train travel better for passengers?

XII. Personal Opinions on Train Travel
56. Do you prefer traveling by train or by another mode of transportation? Why?
57. What is your favorite memory of traveling by train?
58. Would you like to work on a train? Why or why not?
59. If you could design your own train, what features would it have?
60. Do you think children enjoy train rides? Why or why not?

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Practice English through Zoom with me, Paul, or one of the teachers I have chosen for you. Suitable for all ages and levels.

Choose the teacher and time you want. 🧑🏻‍🏫👩‍🏫⌚️

You can learn:
– English writing skills (essays, emails, etc.) 
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Introductory prices:
60 minute class with native speaker (e.g. Paul): US$34.99 US$24.99
60 minute class with non-native speaker (e.g. Philippines, Indonesia): US$9.99 US$7.99

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