Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Foreign languages” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Language Learning Challenges

1. What do you think is the most difficult part about learning a new language?
2. How do you learn the grammar in a new language?
3. How do you practice speaking when you’re trying to learn another language?
4. Do you think that being multilingual is an advantage or disadvantage in today’s world? Why?
5. Do you think it’s important for everyone to learn at least one other language besides their native tongue? Why or why not?

II. Personal Experiences with Languages

6. What is your favorite foreign language?
7. What’s your most embarrassing mispronunciation of a foreign word?
8. What are some of your favorite books or movies that are set in another country?
9. Do you like to learn foreign languages?
10. What are some interesting experiences you have had with languages?

III. Motivation and Benefits

11. Why do people learn foreign languages?
12. Why is it important to learn a foreign language?
13. What are some of the benefits of knowing more than one language?
14. What would you like to learn first in another language?
15. Why do you want to learn another language?

IV. Learning Strategies

16. What are some simple ways to learn a new language quickly?
17. Can you speak another language? Which one? How well do you speak it?
18. What kinds of materials can help you learn another language better?
19. Are there any shortcuts that you can take when learning another language? If so, what are they?
20. Is it easier to learn your first or second language? Why?

V. Language and Culture

21. What is a foreign language?
22. How does learning a foreign language help us understand each other better as people?
23. What are some disadvantages of learning a foreign language?
24. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
25. Have you ever visited another country? If so, which country did you visit?

VI. Language Learning Resources

26. What are some online resources you use to learn languages?
27. Do you prefer learning languages through apps or in a classroom? Why?
28. What is your favorite language learning app?
29. How often do you practice speaking with native speakers?
30. What role do language exchanges play in your learning?

VII. Language Learning Goals

31. What are your language learning goals for this year?
32. How do you stay motivated when learning a new language?
33. What is your biggest achievement in language learning?
34. How do you measure your progress in language learning?
35. What is your dream language to learn and why?

VIII. Language and Identity

36. How does knowing another language change your identity?
37. Do you feel more connected to a culture when you learn its language?
38. What language do you think reflects your personality the most?
39. How do you feel when you speak a foreign language?
40. What language do you think is the most beautiful and why?

IX. Future of Language Learning

41. How do you think technology will change language learning in the future?
42. What skills do you think will be important for language learners in the future?
43. How do you think language learning will evolve in the next 10 years?
44. What role do you think social media plays in language learning?
45. How important do you think it is to learn languages in a globalized world?

X. Language Learning Communities

46. How can language learners support each other?
47. What are some language learning groups or clubs you know of?
48. How important is it to have a language partner?
49. Have you ever participated in a language exchange? What was it like?
50. What do you think is the best way to meet other language learners?

XI. Language Learning Myths

51. What are some common myths about learning languages?
52. Do you think age affects language learning? Why or why not?
53. Is it true that some people are just not good at learning languages?
54. Can you really learn a language in a short time?
55. What do you think is the biggest misconception about language learning?

XII. Language Learning Reflections

56. What has been your biggest challenge in learning a language?
57. How has learning a language changed your view of the world?
58. What advice would you give to someone starting to learn a new language?
59. How do you feel when you successfully communicate in another language?
60. What is your favorite memory related to learning a language?
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