Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Learning English” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Vocabulary and Grammar
1. What strategies do you use to learn new English words?
2. How do you practice English grammar?
3. What’s the hardest part of English grammar for you?
4. How do you memorize English idioms or expressions?
5. What English words do you often confuse with similar ones?
6. Do you prefer learning British or American English? Why?

II. Listening and Speaking
7. How do you practice listening to English?
8. What’s the most difficult English accent for you to understand?
9. How do you overcome nervousness when speaking English?
10. What are your favorite English conversation topics?
11. Do you watch English movies or TV shows to improve your listening skills? Which ones?
12. How often do you practice speaking English with native speakers?

III. Reading and Writing
13. What are your favorite English books or articles to read?
14. How do you practice writing in English?
15. Do you use any apps or websites to improve your English reading skills?
16. How do you approach reading difficult English texts?
17. Do you keep a journal in English? Why or why not?
18. What’s the most challenging part of writing in English?

IV. English Culture and Language Use
19. Which English-speaking country would you like to visit and why?
20. What English-speaking country’s culture interests you most?
21. How do you learn about English slang and colloquial expressions?
22. How do you use English in your daily life?
23. Have you ever attended an English-speaking event? Describe the experience.
24. What are some cultural differences you’ve noticed in English-speaking countries?

V. Learning Strategies and Motivation
25. What motivates you to learn English?
26. How do you set goals for improving your English?
27. What are your favorite resources for learning English?
28. How do you stay consistent in your English studies?
29. What’s the most helpful advice you’ve received about learning English?
30. How do you deal with plateaus in your English learning?

VI. Language Learning Experiences
31. How long have you been studying English?
32. What was your first experience learning English like?
33. Have you ever taken an English language exam? Which one?
34. What’s your favorite memory from your English studies?
35. How have your English skills improved over time?
36. What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced while learning English?

VII. Social Interactions and Communication
37. How do you start a conversation with an English speaker?
38. What are some English phrases you use when meeting new people?
39. How do you ask for help or clarification in English?
40. How do you give compliments in English?
41. What are some English phrases to use when disagreeing politely?
42. How do you end a conversation in English?

VIII. Fun with English
43. What English jokes or puns do you know?
44. What English song do you enjoy singing or listening to?
45. Do you have a favorite English quote or saying?
46. What’s the funniest English word or phrase you’ve learned?
47. What English words or phrases do you find most interesting?
48. Do you enjoy playing English language games? Which ones?

IX. Learning from Mistakes
49. What common English mistakes do you try to avoid?
50. How do you learn from your English errors?
51. What’s the most embarrassing English mistake you’ve made?
52. How do you handle making mistakes when speaking English?
53. Do you find it helpful when native speakers correct your English? Why or why not?
54. How do you give feedback to others learning English?

X. Miscellaneous
55. What’s your favorite English word? Why?
56. If you could give advice to a beginner English learner, what would it be?
57. How has learning English impacted your life or career?
58. What other languages do you speak or want to learn?
59. Do you think English will remain the dominant global language? Why or why not?
60. How do you plan to continue improving your English skills in the future?