Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Business Studies” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Introduction to Business

1. What are some ways to make money in business?
2. What is the difference between a business and a corporation?
3. How does Business Studies help you to become a better manager?
4. How do you know if there is enough demand for your product or service before selling it?
5. What does it mean to be self-employed? Why might it be better than being employed by someone else?

II. Business Types and Structures

6. What is the difference between a small business and a large business?
7. Can you describe the process of making a product?
8. What are the main topics of Business Studies?
9. What are the costs involved in running a business?
10. What are the advantages of using a limited company?

III. Market and Demand

11. What is a market (in business)? Where does it come from? How does it help you choose what to sell and how much to charge for it?
12. What are the different types of businesses?
13. Who pays for the costs of running a business?
14. Why do people form businesses, and what do they hope to achieve by doing so?
15. Why is it important to be a good accountant?

IV. Entrepreneurship

16. What do you have to know about business studies if you want to become an entrepreneur?
17. How do you make money in business?
18. What is the difference between a business and a non-profit?
19. How do you run an effective meeting?
20. What is a profit and loss statement?

V. Business Operations

21. What is a business?
22. How do you choose between starting your own business or finding work with an established company?
23. Describe some challenges faced by small businesses when they try to expand their operations globally or internationally (e.g., language issues).
24. What are the most important aspects of running a business?
25. What is meant by the term “supply chain”? Is this kind of supply chain just for manufacturing companies? Why or why not?

VI. Starting a Business

26. If you were starting a business, what would be the first thing you would do?
27. What are the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business?
28. What are some examples of successful businesses around the world today?
29. How does Business Studies help you to become more efficient in your daily work?
30. What are the benefits of working for yourself?

VII. Ethics in Business

31. Do you think it is more important to be successful or ethical in business? Why?
32. What is the difference between business studies and marketing?
33. In what ways can you use marketing to your advantage when running a business?
34. What makes a good manager?
35. What is a franchise system?

VIII. Marketing and Advertising

36. What is the difference between marketing and advertising?
37. What is the role of the entrepreneur in creating new businesses?
38. What is the difference between a product and a service?
39. How does a firm decide whether or not to outsource production of goods or services that it sells?
40. How can you start your own business?

IX. Investment and Finance

41. How does a firm decide how much of its limited resources to invest in research and development (R&D)?
42. What is the difference between a partnership and a corporation?
43. What is Business Studies?
44. When can you file for bankruptcy as an individual or a company?
45. What are the risks of investing in a new business?

X. Business Regulations

46. What are some common regulations that businesses must follow?
47. How do government policies affect businesses?
48. What is the importance of business ethics?
49. How can businesses ensure they are compliant with laws?
50. What should you do if your business is accused of breaking a law?

XI. Future of Business

51. How is technology changing the way businesses operate?
52. What trends do you see in the future of business?
53. How can businesses adapt to changing consumer preferences?
54. What role do social media play in modern business?
55. How can businesses be more sustainable?

XII. Personal Development in Business

56. What skills are important for success in business?
57. How can you improve your leadership skills?
58. Why is networking important in business?
59. How can you build a strong professional network?
60. What are some effective ways to manage your time in business?
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