Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Failure” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Perception of Failure
1. Do you think it’s okay to fail at things? Why or why not?
2. Do you think failing is a good thing? Why or why not?
3. Do you believe that failure is good or bad? Why?
4. Is failure a form of success?

II. Experiencing Failure
5. Have you ever failed at something?
6. When was the last time you failed at something?
7. How does failure make you feel?
8. Do you ever feel like a failure?
9. How do you feel when someone else fails?

III. Understanding Failure
10. What do you think is the difference between failing and being a failure?
11. What is the definition of failure?
12. Are there certain kinds of failures that are more acceptable than others? If so, what makes them different from other kinds of failures?

IV. Learning from Failure
13. What’s the best thing that could happen if you failed at something?
14. Have you ever failed at something and felt good about it?
15. What is a good way to learn from your mistakes?
16. How can we learn from our mistakes so we don’t repeat them again in the future?
17. Do you think it’s possible to fail without learning anything new? If so, why would that be? If not, why wouldn’t it be?

V. Coping with Failure
18. What’s the worst thing that could happen if you failed at something?
19. How can you overcome failure?
20. What do you think is the best way to handle failure?
21. If you could give advice to someone who is struggling with their own failures, what would it be?
22. What do you do when you fail at something?

VI. Factors of Failure
23. What are some things that can lead to failure in your life?
24. Why do you think some people fail more than others?
25. What are some ways to avoid failing?
26. Do you think there’s any way to avoid failure in life? If so, how? If not, why not?

VII. Attitude towards Failure
27. Do you think that people should be more afraid of failing, or not?
28. Do you believe that failure is an option, or do you think it’s better to succeed no matter what?
29. What do you think failure means for your future goals and dreams?
30. Do you think that failing is good for you?

VIII. Reflecting on Past Failures
31. When did you last fail?
32. Has anything ever failed in your life?
33. If you could go back and change one thing about your past, what would it be and why?

IX. Extra Questions
34. How do you maintain a positive mindset after facing failure?
35. How do you define success in the face of failure?
36. What role does persistence play in overcoming failure?
37. How can you help someone else who is experiencing failure?
38. Do you have a personal story about overcoming failure that you would like to share?
39. Can failure be a motivator for you? Why or why not?
40. How important is the ability to bounce back from failure in achieving success?
41. How do you think society views failure and success?
42. Do you believe that everyone experiences failure at some point in their lives? Why or why not?
43. How has your perspective on failure changed over time?
44. What role does failure play in personal growth and development?
45. How can embracing failure lead to innovation and creativity?
46. What are the psychological effects of experiencing failure?
47. How can one develop resilience in the face of failure?
48. Can you think of any famous individuals who have turned their failures into success stories? If so, who are they and what did they achieve?
49. How can you use failure as a learning opportunity in your career or personal life?
50. In what ways can a supportive environment help individuals cope with and learn from failure?

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