Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Geography” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Geography Fundamentals
1. What is geography?
2. What is a map?
3. What kind of information can we find on a map?

II. Landforms and Earth’s Surface
4. Why do mountains form?
5. What is the difference between mountains and hills?
6. Why are landforms like mountains, valleys, and plateaus important for life on Earth?
7. What is a peninsula?
8. What is an island? What makes it an island?
9. What is the difference between a continent and an island?
10. What is the difference between an island and a peninsula?

III. Water Bodies and the Water Cycle
11. What is the difference between a lake and an ocean?
12. What is the difference between an ocean and a lake?
13. What is the difference between a river and a stream?
14. How does water cycle through Earth’s systems?

IV. Climate and Weather
15. What is the weather like in your country?
16. How does climate change over time?
17. Why are there so many different types of climates?
18. What causes the seasons?

V. Geographical Features and Facts
19. How high is Mount Everest?
20. The Amazon River is located in which country?
21. How many countries are there in Africa?
22. What are the world’s largest deserts?
23. Name one country that has no borders with other countries!
24. How many continents are there in the world?
25. What is the difference between the equator and a circle?

VI. Environmental Issues
26. Is there a lot of pollution in your city or town? How does this affect daily life for people who live there?
27. How does weathering change rocks over time?

VII. Travel Experiences and Transportation
28. What are the major attractions in your city?
29. Are there any other countries that are similar to yours in any way? If so, what are those similarities and differences between them and yours?
30. What are some of your favorite places to visit when you travel, and what makes them so special to you?
31. What are some of your favorite places to eat when you travel, and what makes them so special to you?
32. How do you get around your city?

VIII. Miscellaneous Questions
33. What country is the largest producer of chocolate?
34. What is the population of Earth?
35. What is the tallest waterfall in the world?
36. What are the colors of a rainbow?
37. What causes a volcanic eruption?
38. What is the capital city of France?
39. Which ocean is the largest in the world?
40. What is the smallest country in the world by area?
41. What are the primary factors that influence the formation of a tornado?
42. What is the highest mountain in North America?
43. What is the largest lake in the world by surface area?
44. Which country has the longest coastline?
45. How are earthquakes measured?
46. What is the capital city of Japan?
47. What are the main causes of deforestation?
48. Which river is the longest in the world?
49. What is the most spoken language in the world?
50. What is the highest mountain in Europe?
51. What is the capital city of Australia?
52. Which country has the most number of time zones?
53. What are the main causes of soil erosion?
54. What is the largest desert in the world?
55. Which country has the highest population?