Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Culture” ESL Discussion Questions

You can watch these questions in a video, or scroll down to see the full list of questions.

I. Food and Cuisine
1. What is your favorite traditional dish from your country?
2. Can you describe a typical meal in your culture?
3. What are the most popular street foods in your country?
4. How do meal times differ in your culture from others?
5. What is a unique food etiquette in your country?

II. Festivals and Holidays
6. What is your favorite holiday or festival in your culture?
7. How do people celebrate New Year in your country?
8. Can you describe a traditional wedding in your culture?
9. What is a unique custom during your country’s national day?
10. What is the significance of gift-giving in your culture?

III. Art and Music
11. What types of music are popular in your country?
12. Can you name a famous artist or musician from your culture?
13. How does traditional art in your country differ from modern art?
14. What is a unique musical instrument from your culture?
15. How do people in your culture express themselves through dance?

IV. Language and Communication
16. How many languages are spoken in your country?
17. What are some common idioms or sayings in your language?
18. How do people greet each other in your culture?
19. What are some important non-verbal gestures in your country?
20. Are there any unique expressions or phrases in your language?

V. Family and Relationships
21. How important is family in your culture?
22. What are the typical family roles in your country?
23. How do people show respect to elders in your culture?
24. What are some common customs around dating and relationships?
25. How do people celebrate the birth of a baby in your country?

VI. Education and Work
26. What is the education system like in your country?
27. How do students choose their career paths in your culture?
28. What are the most common jobs in your country?
29. How important is work-life balance in your culture?
30. What is the role of technology in your country’s education system?

VII. Leisure and Sports
31. What are the most popular sports in your country?
32. How do people spend their free time in your culture?
33. What are some traditional games in your country?
34. Are there any unique recreational activities in your culture?
35. How important are sports and exercise in your culture?

VIII. Fashion and Clothing
36. What are some traditional clothing items in your culture?
37. How do people dress for special occasions in your country?
38. What is the significance of colors in your culture’s clothing?
39. Are there any unique fashion trends in your country?
40. How does clothing reflect social status in your culture?

IX. Religion and Beliefs
41. What are the main religions in your country?
42. How do people practice their religion in your culture?
43. What is a unique religious tradition in your country?
44. How does religion influence daily life in your culture?
45. What are some common superstitions in your country?

X. Travel and Tourism
46. What is a must-visit place in your country?
47. What is a famous historical site in your culture?
48. How do people typically travel within your country?
49. What are some unique souvenirs from your country?
50. How do people in your culture welcome foreign visitors?

XI. Customs and Manners
51. What are some important table manners in your culture?
52. What is considered polite or impolite in your country?
53. How do people show gratitude in your culture?
54. What are the rules around tipping in your country?
55. What is a unique social custom in your culture?

XII. Society and Government
56. What is the political system in your country?
57. How does your culture view gender roles and equality?
58. What are some important social issues in your country?
59. How do people stay informed about news and current events in your culture?
60. What is a unique aspect of your country’s history?