Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Manners” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Basic Concepts of Manners

1. What are manners?
2. Why do you think manners are important?
3. Can you name some good manners?
4. How do manners change in different cultures?
5. What is a bad manner that you dislike?

II. Manners in Daily Life

6. How do you greet someone politely?
7. What should you do when you meet someone for the first time?
8. How do you show respect to older people?
9. What do you do when someone gives you a gift?
10. How should you behave at the dinner table?

III. Manners in Communication

11. Why is it important to say “please” and “thank you”?
12. How can you politely interrupt someone?
13. What should you do if you disagree with someone?
14. How do you apologize politely?
15. Why is listening important in a conversation?

IV. Manners in Different Cultures

16. What is a common greeting in your culture?
17. How do people show respect in your culture?
18. Are there any manners that are considered rude in your culture?
19. How do you say “thank you” in your language?
20. What is a unique custom in your culture related to manners?

V. Manners in Public Places

21. How should you behave in a library?
22. What is the proper way to use public transportation?
23. How do you show respect in a crowded place?
24. What should you do if someone is in your way in a public place?
25. How can you be polite when using your phone in public?

VI. Teaching Manners to Children

26. How can parents teach manners to their children?
27. Why is it important to teach children good manners?
28. What are some fun ways to teach manners to kids?
29. How can schools help teach manners?
30. What is the best age to start teaching manners?

VII. Manners in the Workplace

31. How should you greet a coworker in the morning?
32. What is the proper way to ask for help at work?
33. How do you show appreciation to your boss?
34. Why is it important to respect your coworkers’ opinions?
35. How should you handle conflicts with coworkers?

VIII. Manners and Technology

36. How can you be polite when texting someone?
37. What are some good online manners?
38. How should you behave during a video call?
39. Why is it important to be respectful in online discussions?
40. How can you avoid misunderstandings in messages?

IX. Manners and Social Situations

41. How should you act at a party?
42. What is the proper way to introduce people?
43. How do you behave when you are a guest in someone’s home?
44. What should you do if you are late to an event?
45. How can you make others feel comfortable in a group?

X. The Importance of Manners

46. How do good manners affect your relationships?
47. Why do you think some people do not have good manners?
48. Can manners change how people see you?
49. How do you feel when someone is rude to you?
50. What is the best way to encourage good manners in others?

XI. Manners and Personal Growth

51. How can practicing good manners help you grow as a person?
52. What have you learned about manners from your experiences?
53. How can you improve your manners every day?
54. How do you feel when someone thanks you for your good manners?
55. What is one manner you want to improve?

XII. Future of Manners

56. How do you think manners will change in the future?
57. What role will technology play in manners?
58. How can we keep good manners important in a fast-paced world?
59. What do you hope future generations will learn about manners?
60. Why do you think manners will always be important?
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