Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Past Experiences” ESL Discussion Questions

You can watch these questions in a video, or scroll down to see the full list of questions.

I. Childhood Memories
1. What was your favorite childhood toy?
2. Who was your best friend in elementary school?
3. Did you have any pets when you were growing up?

II. Family Life
4. Describe a memorable family vacation.
5. How did your family celebrate holidays?
6. Who was the funniest person in your family?

III. School Days
7. What was your favorite subject in school?
8. Did you participate in any school clubs?
9. Who was your favorite teacher and why?

IV. Hobbies and Interests
10. What hobbies did you have as a teenager?
11. Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?
12. What was your favorite book growing up?

V. Travel Experiences
13. What was your first trip abroad like?
14. Which country left the biggest impression on you?
15. What was the most challenging aspect of traveling?

VI. Work and Career
16. Describe your first job.
17. Have you ever had a difficult boss?
18. What was the most rewarding project you’ve worked on?

VII. Relationships and Friendships
19. How did you meet your closest friend?
20. What qualities do you value in a friend?
21. Have you ever had a long-distance friendship?

VIII. Life Milestones
22. What was your proudest moment?
23. How did you choose your career path?
24. What was the most difficult decision you’ve made?

IX. Food and Cooking
25. What’s the first dish you learned to cook?
26. Have you ever tried a foreign cuisine?
27. What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?

X. Cultural Experiences
28. Have you ever attended a traditional ceremony?
29. What’s the most interesting cultural event you’ve been to?
30. How do you experience new cultures?

XI. Sports and Fitness
31. What sports did you play growing up?
32. Have you ever run a marathon?
33. What’s your favorite form of exercise?

XII. Entertainment and Media
34. What was your first favorite song?
35. What was your favorite movie as a child?
36. Have you ever met a celebrity?

XIII. Technology
37. When did you first use the internet?
38. What was your first mobile phone like?
39. How has technology changed your life?

XIV. Personal Growth
40. What was a difficult challenge you overcame?
41. Have you ever volunteered or done charity work?
42. How do you stay motivated in difficult situations?

XV. Nature and Outdoors
43. What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
44. Have you ever gone camping?
45. Describe a memorable hike or nature walk.

XVI. Holidays and Festivals
46. How do you celebrate your birthday?
47. What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
48. Have you ever attended a large festival?

XVII. Arts and Creativity
49. Have you ever taken art classes?
50. What’s your favorite type of art?
51. Have you ever participated in a play or performance?

XVIII. Transportation
52. What was your first car like?
53. Have you ever traveled by boat?
54. What’s the most unique mode of transportation you’ve used?

XIX. Local Experiences
55. What’s a must-visit place in your hometown?
56. What’s a hidden gem in your hometown?
57. Describe a local tradition in your community.

XX. Unusual Experiences
58. What’s the most surprising thing that’s happened to you?
59. Have you ever been lost in a foreign city?
60. What’s the most unexpected encounter you’ve had?