Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Political Correctness” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Political Correctness
1. What does “political correctness” mean to you?
2. Why do you think people talk about political correctness?
3. Can you give an example of political correctness in everyday life?
4. How does political correctness affect the way we speak?
5. Do you think political correctness is important? Why or why not?

II. Benefits of Political Correctness
6. What are some benefits of being politically correct?
7. How can political correctness help people feel included?
8. In what ways can political correctness improve communication?
9. Do you think political correctness can reduce discrimination? How?
10. Can political correctness help create a better society? Why?

III. Criticism of Political Correctness
11. What are some common criticisms of political correctness?
12. Do you think political correctness can go too far? When?
13. How do critics of political correctness express their opinions?
14. Can political correctness limit free speech? How?
15. What do you think about the idea that political correctness can be harmful?

IV. Political Correctness in Different Cultures
16. How is political correctness viewed in your country?
17. Are there different rules for political correctness in different cultures?
18. Can you think of a country where political correctness is very strict?
19. How do cultural differences affect political correctness?
20. Do you think political correctness should be the same everywhere? Why or why not?

V. Political Correctness in Media
21. How does political correctness appear in movies and TV shows?
22. Do you think news media is politically correct? Why?
23. How can political correctness change the way stories are told in the media?
24. Can you think of a recent news story that was affected by political correctness?
25. How do you feel about political correctness in advertising?

VI. Personal Experiences with Political Correctness
26. Have you ever felt uncomfortable because of political correctness?
27. Can you share a time when you were politically correct in a conversation?
28. How do you respond when someone is not politically correct?
29. Have you ever changed the way you speak because of political correctness?
30. Do you think your friends and family understand political correctness?

VII. Political Correctness in Education
31. How is political correctness taught in schools?
32. Do you think it is important for students to learn about political correctness?
33. How can teachers promote political correctness in the classroom?
34. Can political correctness help prevent bullying in schools? How?
35. Do you think students are aware of political correctness? Why or why not?

VIII. Future of Political Correctness
36. How do you think political correctness will change in the future?
37. Will political correctness become more or less important over time? Why?
38. Can you imagine a world without political correctness? What would it be like?
39. How can technology affect political correctness in the future?
40. What role do you think young people will play in the future of political correctness?

IX. Political Correctness and Identity
41. How does political correctness relate to personal identity?
42. Can political correctness help people express their identities better?
43. Do you think political correctness affects how people see themselves?
44. How can political correctness support marginalized groups?
45. Is it possible for political correctness to be inclusive of all identities? Why or why not?

X. Balancing Political Correctness and Honesty
46. How can we balance political correctness with being honest?
47. Is it okay to be politically incorrect if you are being honest? Why?
48. How do you feel when someone is honest but not politically correct?
49. Can you think of a situation where honesty and political correctness conflict?
50. How can we encourage honest conversations while being politically correct?

XI. Political Correctness and Humor
51. How does political correctness affect comedy and jokes?
52. Can you think of a comedian who is known for being politically correct?
53. Is it possible to be funny while being politically correct? How?
54. How do people react to jokes that are not politically correct?
55. Do you think political correctness should be part of humor? Why or why not?

XII. Political Correctness in the Workplace
56. How can political correctness improve the workplace environment?
57. What are some examples of political correctness in job interviews?
58. Do you think companies should have rules about political correctness?
59. How can political correctness help with teamwork in the workplace?
60. What challenges might arise from political correctness in a professional setting?

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