Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Inflation (Prices)” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Inflation
1. What is inflation?
2. How does inflation affect the price of everyday items?
3. Can you give an example of something that has become more expensive due to inflation?
4. Why does inflation happen?
5. Do all countries experience inflation?

II. Causes of Inflation
6. What are some common causes of inflation?
7. How does the printing of more money lead to inflation?
8. Can wars cause inflation? If yes, how?
9. How does the demand for goods and services affect inflation?
10. Why can an increase in production costs lead to inflation?

III. Effects of Inflation
11. How does inflation impact people’s daily lives?
12. Can inflation affect your savings? How?
13. How does inflation influence the cost of living?
14. In what ways can inflation impact businesses?
15. Can inflation have any positive effects? If so, what are they?

IV. Measuring Inflation
16. How do governments measure inflation?
17. What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?
18. How can you personally keep track of inflation?
19. What is the difference between inflation and deflation?
20. Why is it important to measure inflation?

V. Inflation Around the World
21. Which countries have high inflation rates today?
22. Can you name a country that has experienced hyperinflation? What happened?
23. How does inflation in one country affect other countries?
24. Why do some countries have lower inflation rates than others?
25. How can tourists be affected by inflation in foreign countries?

VI. Coping with Inflation
26. How can individuals protect their money from inflation?
27. What can governments do to control inflation?
28. Why is budgeting important during times of inflation?
29. Can investing be a way to combat the effects of inflation? How?
30. What are some everyday strategies to deal with rising prices?

VII. Inflation and Employment
31. How does inflation affect job opportunities?
32. Can inflation lead to higher wages? Why or why not?
33. What is stagflation and how does it relate to employment?
34. How can businesses adjust to inflation without losing employees?
35. Why might unemployment rates increase during inflation?

VIII. Historical Perspectives on Inflation
36. Can you name a historical period of significant inflation?
37. How did people cope with inflation in the past?
38. What lessons have economists learned from past inflationary periods?
39. How have strategies to control inflation evolved over time?
40. What historical events have led to major changes in inflation rates?

IX. Inflation and Technology
41. How can technology help in controlling inflation?
42. Can online shopping affect inflation? In what way?
43. What role does digital currency play in inflation?
44. How might advancements in production technology impact inflation?
45. Are there any technological tools that help predict inflation trends?

X. The Future of Inflation
46. What are some predictions about inflation in the future?
47. How might climate change affect inflation?
48. What steps can be taken now to prevent future inflation crises?
49. How might global trade policies impact future inflation rates?
50. What role will innovation play in managing inflation?

XI. Personal Experiences with Inflation
51. Have you or your family ever been significantly affected by inflation? How?
52. How do you adjust your spending during times of high inflation?
53. Can you share a tip for saving money when prices are rising?
54. How do you think inflation will affect your future financial planning?
55. What is the most noticeable change you’ve seen due to inflation?

XII. Inflation and Society
56. How does inflation impact social inequality?
57. Can inflation lead to social unrest? Why or why not?
58. What role does public perception play in inflation?
59. How can communities work together to mitigate the effects of inflation?
60. What is the most important thing for people to understand about inflation?

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