Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Cashless Society” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Cashless Society
1. What is a cashless society?
2. Can you name some countries that are moving towards becoming cashless societies?
3. What are the main benefits of a cashless society?
4. Are there any drawbacks to a cashless society?
5. How do people make transactions in a cashless society?

II. Technology and Cashless Society
6. What types of technology are used in cashless transactions?
7. How has the internet contributed to the growth of cashless societies?
8. Can you think of any security concerns with cashless payments?
9. How do companies ensure the safety of online transactions?
10. What role do smartphones play in cashless societies?

III. Impact on Daily Life
11. How would your daily life change in a cashless society?
12. Do you think it’s easier or harder to manage your money in a cashless society?
13. How can cashless payments impact budgeting and spending habits?
14. What happens if there’s a technology failure in a cashless society?
15. Can everyone adapt to a cashless society easily?

IV. Global Perspective
16. Which country do you think is leading in the transition to a cashless society?
17. How do cashless societies impact international travel?
18. Can a cashless society improve a country’s economy?
19. What challenges do developing countries face in becoming cashless societies?
20. How does the move towards cashless societies affect global inequality?

V. Ethical and Social Considerations
21. Is it fair to force everyone into a cashless society?
22. How does a cashless society impact privacy?
23. What measures can be taken to include people without access to digital banking?
24. Can a cashless society lead to increased surveillance by governments or corporations?
25. How does the transition to a cashless society affect small businesses?

VI. The Future of Money
26. What do you think currency will look like in a future cashless society?
27. How might cashless societies evolve with advancements in technology?
28. Do you think cash will ever become completely obsolete?
29. What are some futuristic payment methods that might become common?
30. How can societies ensure that the transition to cashless doesn’t leave anyone behind?

VII. Security and Fraud
31. What are the most common types of fraud in cashless transactions?
32. How can individuals protect themselves from digital fraud?
33. What role do banks play in preventing fraud in cashless societies?
34. Can blockchain technology make cashless transactions more secure?
35. How do cashless societies deal with hacking and cyber attacks?

VIII. Consumer Behavior
36. How does going cashless affect consumer behavior?
37. Do people spend more or less in a cashless society?
38. How does the absence of physical money affect our perception of value?
39. Can cashless transactions reduce impulse buying?
40. How does cashless payment influence the customer experience?

IX. Government and Regulation
41. What kind of regulations are necessary in a cashless society?
42. How do governments benefit from a cashless society?
43. What challenges do governments face in implementing cashless policies?
44. Can a government’s push for cashless transactions infringe on personal freedoms?
45. How do taxes work in a completely cashless society?

X. Accessibility and Inclusion
46. How can we ensure that elderly people are not left out of a cashless society?
47. What provisions are necessary for people without stable internet access in a cashless society?
48. How does a cashless society impact those who are unbanked or underbanked?
49. What role do public education and awareness play in the transition to a cashless society?
50. How can technology be made more accessible to all in a cashless society?

XI. Cultural Impact
51. How does transitioning to a cashless society affect cultural practices related to money?
52. Can a cashless society change the way we think about wealth and success?
53. What cultural resistance might a cashless society face?
54. How do traditions involving cash, like gifting money, change in a cashless society?
55. Do you think a cashless society could lead to a loss of cultural identity?

XII. Debates and Controversies
56. What are the main arguments against moving to a cashless society?
57. How do proponents of cashless societies respond to concerns about privacy and security?
58. Is it ethical to exclude cash transactions entirely?
59. How do debates about cashless societies differ across countries?
60. What future developments could sway public opinion about cashless societies?

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