Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Happiness” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Happiness

1. What does happiness mean to you?
2. Can you describe a moment when you felt very happy?
3. What makes you feel happy every day?
4. Do you think happiness is the same for everyone?
5. How do you show happiness to others?

II. Sources of Happiness

6. What activities make you feel happy?
7. Do you find happiness in spending time with friends or family?
8. How does nature affect your happiness?
9. Can money buy happiness? Why or why not?
10. What role does music play in your happiness?

III. Happiness and Culture

11. How do different cultures view happiness?
12. Are there special celebrations in your culture that bring happiness?
13. How do people in your country express happiness?
14. What is a happy memory from your culture that you cherish?
15. How do traditional foods make you feel happy?

IV. Happiness and Challenges

16. What challenges make it hard for you to feel happy?
17. How do you overcome sadness or unhappiness?
18. Can helping others make you happier? How?
19. What advice would you give someone who is feeling unhappy?
20. How important is it to talk about your feelings for happiness?

V. Happiness and Personal Growth

21. How does learning new things make you feel happy?
22. Do you think achieving goals brings happiness?
23. How does self-care contribute to your happiness?
24. What is one personal goal that makes you happy?
25. How do you celebrate your achievements?

VI. Happiness in Relationships

26. How do friends contribute to your happiness?
27. What qualities do you value in a friend for happiness?
28. How important is family for your happiness?
29. Can pets make you happier? How?
30. How do you handle conflicts in relationships to stay happy?

VII. Happiness and Mindfulness

31. What is mindfulness, and how does it relate to happiness?
32. Do you practice mindfulness or meditation? How does it help?
33. How does being present in the moment affect your happiness?
34. What activities help you feel more mindful and happy?
35. How can you practice gratitude to increase happiness?

VIII. Happiness and Future Aspirations

36. What are your hopes for the future that make you happy?
37. How do you think your happiness will change in the future?
38. What dreams do you want to achieve to feel happy?
39. How can you work towards a happier life in the future?
40. What role does education play in your happiness goals?

IX. Happiness and Community

41. How can communities support happiness for their members?
42. What community activities make you feel happy?
43. How can volunteering increase happiness in a community?
44. How does being part of a group or club affect your happiness?
45. What role does social media play in your happiness?

X. Happiness and Self-Reflection

46. How often do you reflect on what makes you happy?
47. What have you learned about yourself that makes you happier?
48. How do you set personal goals for happiness?
49. What is one change you want to make to be happier?
50. How do you celebrate your happiness with others?

XI. Happiness and Life Lessons

51. What life lessons have taught you about happiness?
52. How do failures affect your happiness?
53. What positive habits help you maintain happiness?
54. How can you learn from unhappy experiences to be happier in the future?
55. What is the best advice you have received about happiness?

XII. Personal Reflections on Happiness

56. What is your happiest memory from childhood?
57. How has your understanding of happiness changed over time?
58. What do you wish people knew about happiness?
59. How do you want to be remembered in terms of happiness?
60. What is one thing you can do today to be happier?
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