Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Self-driving cars” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Self-Driving Cars
1. What is a self-driving car?
2. How do self-driving cars work?
3. What are the different levels of autonomous driving?
4. Are self-driving cars available to the public now?
5. What companies are leading in self-driving car technology?

II. Safety and Reliability
6. Are self-driving cars safe?
7. How do self-driving cars detect obstacles?
8. What happens if the technology in a self-driving car fails?
9. Can self-driving cars make roads safer?
10. How do self-driving cars handle extreme weather conditions?

III. Impact on Society
11. How could self-driving cars change our daily lives?
12. What are the benefits of self-driving cars for society?
13. How might self-driving cars affect traffic and congestion?
14. Can self-driving cars reduce pollution?
15. How will self-driving cars impact jobs in transportation?

IV. Legal and Ethical Issues
16. What legal issues do self-driving cars present?
17. Who is responsible if a self-driving car has an accident?
18. How should self-driving cars make ethical decisions in emergencies?
19. What privacy concerns are there with self-driving cars?
20. Should there be special licenses for operating self-driving cars?

V. Personal Opinions
21. Would you feel comfortable riding in a self-driving car?
22. Do you think self-driving cars will become common in the future?
23. Would you buy a self-driving car if it was affordable?
24. What excites you most about self-driving cars?
25. What are your concerns about self-driving cars?

VI. Technology and Innovation
26. What technology is used in self-driving cars?
27. How do self-driving cars learn and improve over time?
28. What is the role of artificial intelligence in self-driving cars?
29. How have self-driving cars evolved in recent years?
30. What technological challenges do self-driving cars face?

VII. Comparing Self-Driving and Traditional Cars
31. What are the main differences between self-driving cars and traditional cars?
32. Can self-driving cars coexist with traditional cars on the road?
33. How do the costs of self-driving cars compare to traditional cars?
34. Would you prefer a self-driving car or a traditional car? Why?
35. How will self-driving cars affect driving skills?

VIII. Future Prospects and Challenges
36. What is the future of self-driving cars?
37. What challenges must be overcome for self-driving cars to be widely adopted?
38. How will self-driving cars change urban planning and infrastructure?
39. What are the potential economic impacts of self-driving cars?
40. How will self-driving cars integrate with other forms of transportation?

IX. Social and Cultural Impact
41. How will self-driving cars affect our culture and way of life?
42. What social changes might self-driving cars bring?
43. How can self-driving cars improve accessibility for disabled or elderly people?
44. Will self-driving cars change the concept of car ownership?
45. How might self-driving cars impact road trips and travel?

X. Ethical and Moral Considerations
46. How do we ensure ethical use of self-driving car technology?
47. What moral dilemmas could arise with self-driving cars?
48. How should self-driving cars prioritize decisions in critical situations?
49. What ethical considerations are involved in programming self-driving cars?
50. Should individuals have control over a self-driving car’s decision-making?

XI. Global Perspectives
51. How are different countries approaching self-driving car technology?
52. What are the global implications of self-driving cars?
53. How might self-driving cars affect global traffic patterns?
54. What are the differences in self-driving car development around the world?
55. How can international cooperation advance self-driving car technology?

XII. Consumer Acceptance and Adaptation
56. How will consumers adapt to self-driving cars?
57. What factors influence consumer trust in self-driving cars?
58. How can manufacturers encourage adoption of self-driving cars?
59. What educational efforts are needed for public acceptance of self-driving cars?
60. How can society prepare for the transition to self-driving cars?

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