Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Setting Goals” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Goal Setting
1. What is a goal?
2. Why is it important to set goals?
3. How does setting a goal help you?
4. Can you name different types of goals?
5. What is the difference between a long-term goal and a short-term goal?

II. How to Set Goals
6. How do you decide on a goal?
7. What are SMART goals?
8. Why should goals be specific?
9. How can you make sure your goal is achievable?
10. What does it mean for a goal to be relevant?

III. Planning to Reach Your Goals
11. What is a plan of action for a goal?
12. Why is it important to write down your goals?
13. How can you track your progress toward a goal?
14. What should you do if you are not making progress?
15. How can you stay motivated to achieve your goal?

IV. Overcoming Challenges in Goal Setting
16. What are some common challenges in setting goals?
17. How can you deal with distractions?
18. Why might someone give up on a goal?
19. How can friends and family help you with your goals?
20. What can you learn from not reaching a goal?

V. The Role of Habits in Goal Achievement
21. How do habits relate to goals?
22. What is a good habit to start if you want to be successful?
23. How long does it take to form a new habit?
24. Why is it hard to break bad habits?
25. Can changing small habits help you with big goals?

VI. Goal Setting in Different Areas of Life
26. What are some common goals for fitness?
27. How can setting goals help with learning?
28. What might be a financial goal?
29. Can you set goals for relationships?
30. What are some professional goals people might have?

VII. Tools and Resources for Goal Setting
31. What tools can help you with setting goals?
32. Are there apps that can help you track your goals?
33. How can a journal or diary help with goals?
34. What role does a calendar play in reaching goals?
35. Who can you ask for help when setting goals?

VIII. Setting Personal Goals
36. How can you make sure your personal goals align with what you truly want?
37. Why should you set personal development goals?
38. How do personal goals contribute to happiness?
39. What are some examples of personal growth goals?
40. How often should you review and adjust your personal goals?

IX. Goal Setting for Education and Career
41. How can goal setting impact your education?
42. What is a career goal?
43. How often should you set career goals?
44. What is a professional development plan?
45. How can mentors help with career goals?

X. Goals and Mental Health
46. How can goals affect your mental health?
47. Why is it important to set realistic goals?
48. What should you do if your goals are causing stress?
49. How can achieving a goal improve your confidence?
50. Why is balance important when setting goals?

XI. Group and Team Goals
51. How do you set goals as a team?
52. What makes a good team goal?
53. How can teams stay on track with goals?
54. Why is it important for team members to have shared goals?
55. How can you celebrate when a team goal is achieved?

XII. Reflecting on Achieved Goals
56. What should you do after you achieve a goal?
57. How can you reflect on the process of reaching a goal?
58. Why is it important to set new goals?
59. How can reaching one goal help you with future goals?
60. What is a success story you can share about achieving a goal?

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