Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Volunteering” ESL Discussion Questions

I. General Volunteering Questions
1. What is the meaning of volunteering?
2. Why do people volunteer their time?
3. How does volunteering benefit society?

II. Personal Volunteering Experiences
4. Have you ever volunteered? Where and why?
5. Describe a memorable volunteering experience.
6. Which type of volunteering do you prefer?

III. Types of Volunteering
7. What are some common types of volunteering?
8. What is the difference between formal and informal volunteering?
9. Which volunteer activities interest you most?

IV. Volunteering Skills
10. What skills can you develop through volunteering?
11. Can volunteering help with job opportunities?
12. How can volunteering improve communication skills?

V. Volunteering and Culture
13. How is volunteering viewed in your country?
14. Are there any cultural or religious volunteer traditions?
15. Is volunteering popular among young people in your country?

VI. Volunteering and Time Commitment
16. How much time should a volunteer commit?
17. Is it possible to volunteer while working or studying?
18. Can you volunteer during holidays or vacations?

VII. Volunteering Abroad
19. Would you like to volunteer in another country?
20. What are the benefits of volunteering abroad?
21. What challenges might you face volunteering abroad?

VIII. Volunteering in Different Fields
22. How can you volunteer in education?
23. What are some ways to volunteer in healthcare?
24. How can you help the environment through volunteering?

IX. Volunteering Organizations
25. Can you name some well-known volunteering organizations?
26. What is the role of non-governmental organizations in volunteering?
27. How do organizations support and train their volunteers?

X. Motivation for Volunteering
28. What motivates you to volunteer?
29. How can you encourage others to volunteer?
30. What are some challenges in motivating people to volunteer?

XI. Volunteering and Personal Growth
31. How can volunteering improve self-esteem?
32. Can volunteering help reduce stress?
33. What are the emotional rewards of volunteering?

XII. Volunteering and Community
34. How does volunteering strengthen communities?
35. How can volunteering promote cultural understanding?
36. Can volunteering help build friendships?

XIII. Volunteering and the Elderly
37. Why is it important to volunteer with the elderly?
38. What activities can you do when volunteering with seniors?
39. How can elderly people benefit from volunteering?

XIV. Volunteering and Children
40. Why is volunteering with children important?
41. How can you help children through volunteering?
42. What are the benefits of children volunteering?

XV. Volunteering in Times of Crisis
43. How can volunteers help during natural disasters?
44. What role do volunteers play in times of crisis?
45. How can you support disaster relief efforts as a volunteer?

XVI. Online Volunteering
46. What is online volunteering?
47. How can you contribute as an online volunteer?
48. What are the advantages of online volunteering?

XVII. Animal Volunteering
49. How can you volunteer to help animals?
50. What are some animal-related volunteering activities?
51. How does animal volunteering benefit both animals and humans?

XVIII. Corporate Volunteering
52. What is corporate volunteering?
53. How do companies benefit from employee volunteering?
54. Can volunteering improve a company’s public image?

XIX. Volunteer Recognition
55. How can volunteers be recognized for their work?
56. What are some ways to show appreciation to volunteers?
57. Should volunteers receive awards or certificates?

XX. Future of Volunteering
58. How do you see the future of volunteering?
59. Can technology change the way people volunteer?
60. What new volunteer opportunities might emerge in the future?