Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Marriage” ESL Discussion Questions

1. What happens in a wedding ceremony in your country?
2. How long should a marriage last?
3. Who proposed first, you or your partner?
4. Do you think that divorce is acceptable?
5. In what ways is marriage different from what you expected it to be like before getting married?
6. In what ways has being married changed the way you think about yourself as a person, or about relationships in general?
7. What made you decide to get married?
8. Why do people get married?
9. What do you like about being married?
10. Why is it important to have a ceremony when you get married?
11. What is the best age to get married?
12. How do you think people should meet their future spouse?
13. How did you meet your spouse?
14. What are the benefits of being married?
15. What are the challenges of being married?
16. Is it okay for a married couple to sleep in separate beds?
17. Do you believe in arranged marriages?
18. Should partners have similar levels of education and interests when it comes to choosing a life partner? Why or why not?
19. Is it possible for two people to truly love each other, but still end up getting divorced?
20. How long have you been married?
21. If someone has been in a failed marriage, should they try again?
22. What are some ways to ensure your marriage lasts forever?
23. What is your favorite thing about your spouse?
24. How do you feel about marriage?
25. What’s the worst thing that has happened to you since marrying your spouse?
26. Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not?
27. What is a healthy relationship?
28. What is the purpose of marriage?
29. How often do you argue with your spouse?
30. Can you really fall out of love if you’re married?
31. Who can get married?
32. What’s the best thing that has happened to you since marrying your spouse?
33. If one partner wants children and the other doesn’t, how do they resolve this issue without causing further problems within their relationship?
34. What do you think of people who get married for the sake of it?
35. Do you agree that marriage is an outdated institution?
36. What do you think is the most important thing in a marriage?
37. What are some things that can make your relationship stronger?
38. Are there any specific types of people who make good marriage partners, such as someone with a similar background or someone with a similar personality type?
39. What are the most important things to know about marriage before getting married?
40. What is the best way to know if you’re ready for marriage?
41. What kinds of things do you like to do with your spouse when things are going well in your relationship?
42. How do you feel about the wedding process? Do you want a big wedding or small?
43. Do you think it’s okay for a person to marry someone they don’t love but just want to have a family with?
44. What do you like about your partner?
45. When should you get married?
46. What kinds of things do you like to do with your spouse when things aren’t going well in your relationship (if there’s anything)?
47. Do you think the divorce rate is too high?
48. Do you have to have a special license to get married?
49. Do you believe that men and women can be just friends without having feelings for each other? Why or why not?
50. When was your wedding day?
51. Why did you get married?
52. What do you think makes a good husband or wife?
53. What do you think marriage is all about?
54. How long does it take to get divorced in your country?
55. How often should couples go on dates together and why is it important?
56. How important is it for a couple to live together before getting married?
57. How do you know if you’re ready to get married?
58. What is marriage?
59. What makes a good spouse?