Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Trees” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Trees
1. What is a tree?
2. How do trees grow?
3. Why are trees important for the environment?
4. How do trees help animals?
5. Can trees live in any climate?

II. Types of Trees
6. What types of trees are common in your area?
7. How are evergreen trees different from deciduous trees?
8. What is the biggest tree you know?
9. Are there trees that produce fruit in your country?
10. What is the national tree of your country?

III. Tree Care and Growth
11. How do you plant a tree?
12. How much water does a tree need?
13. What are tree rings and what do they tell us?
14. Why is it important to prune trees?
15. How can you tell if a tree is sick?

IV. Trees and Ecosystems
16. What role do trees play in an ecosystem?
17. How do trees affect the water cycle?
18. Why do some animals depend on trees for their homes?
19. Can trees communicate with each other?
20. How do trees fight climate change?

V. Trees in Culture and Society
21. What are some cultural beliefs about trees?
22. Do you have a favorite story or legend about trees?
23. How do people celebrate trees in your culture?
24. Are there holidays that involve planting or honoring trees?
25. Why do some people plant trees for special occasions?

VI. Urban Trees
26. Why are trees planted in cities?
27. How do trees benefit urban areas?
28. What challenges do trees face in cities?
29. How can we protect trees in urban environments?
30. What is an urban forest?

VII. Tree Identification
31. How can you identify different types of trees?
32. What is the difference between hardwood and softwood trees?
33. What are some tools to help identify trees?
34. Why is leaf shape important in identifying trees?
35. How can bark help identify a tree?

VIII. Trees and Seasons
36. How do trees change with the seasons?
37. What happens to trees in the winter?
38. Why do leaves change color in the fall?
39. Can trees grow flowers?
40. How do trees know when to grow new leaves?

IX. Threats to Trees
41. What are some dangers to trees?
42. How does deforestation affect the planet?
43. What are invasive species and how do they harm trees?
44. Can pollution harm trees?
45. How do forest fires affect trees?

X. Conservation of Trees
46. What is reforestation?
47. How can you get involved in tree conservation?
48. Why is it important to conserve old-growth forests?
49. What organizations work to protect trees?
50. How can recycling help trees?

XI. Trees and Recreation
51. What are some outdoor activities involving trees?
52. Why do people like to hike in the woods?
53. Can you build a treehouse in any tree?
54. What are the benefits of spending time around trees?
55. How do parks with lots of trees benefit communities?

XII. Personal Experiences with Trees
56. Do you have a favorite tree? If so, why is it your favorite?
57. Have you ever planted a tree? Tell me about the experience.
58. What memories do you associate with trees or forests?
59. Have you learned any lessons from trees?
60. If you were a tree, what kind would you be and why?