Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“World War II” ESL Discussion Questions

I. General Questions about World War II

1. What was the most important thing that happened during World War II?
2. Why did America get involved with World War II?
3. Which countries were the Allied Powers in World War II?
4. How many countries were involved in World War II?
5. What happened in Europe before World War II started?

II. The Axis Powers

6. What were the Axis Powers in World War II?
7. Who were some of the leaders on the Allies side during World War II?
8. What was the Holocaust?
9. How did Japan become involved in the war?
10. What was the main cause of World War II?

III. Major Events

11. Were the Allies right to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Why or why not?
12. What is a concentration camp?
13. What was Hitler’s plan for world domination?
14. How did women contribute to the war effort during World War II?
15. When did World War II end and what happened to Japan after that?

IV. Consequences of the War

16. What was the worst thing that happened during World War II?
17. How did World War II start?
18. What role did Africa play during the war?
19. How did the United States become involved in World War II?
20. What was D-Day?

V. Aftermath and Impact

21. What were the results of World War II for Europe and Asia?
22. What was the main goal of Germany during World War II?
23. Who was Hitler and what did he do?
24. What was the main reason for Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor?
25. Who was the leader of Japan during World War II?

VI. Key Figures and Concepts

26. What was the turning point of World War II?
27. Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during World War II?
28. How many people died in World War II?
29. Who started the war and why?
30. What is the difference between a Fascist and a Communist?

VII. Invasion and Occupation

31. Why did Nazi Germany invade Poland in 1939?
32. Who were some of the countries involved in World War II?
33. What is the difference between a democracy and a dictatorship?
34. What was the significance of the Battle of Britain?
35. How did the war affect children in Europe?

VIII. War Technology

36. What new technologies were used in World War II?
37. How did tanks change warfare during World War II?
38. What role did airplanes play in World War II?
39. How did radar change the outcome of battles?
40. What was the impact of submarines in the war?

IX. Propaganda and Media

41. How did propaganda influence public opinion during the war?
42. What role did films play in World War II?
43. How did radio broadcasts affect the war effort?
44. What was the impact of newspapers during World War II?
45. How did cartoons and comics portray the war?

X. Cultural Impact

46. How did World War II change fashion?
47. What music became popular during World War II?
48. How did literature reflect the experiences of the war?
49. What art movements were influenced by World War II?
50. How did the war affect sports?

XI. Lessons Learned

51. What lessons can we learn from World War II?
52. How can we prevent future wars?
53. Why is it important to remember World War II?
54. How did World War II change international relations?
55. What role did the United Nations play after the war?

XII. Reflections

56. How do you feel about the events of World War II?
57. What stories from World War II inspire you?
58. How can we honor the memories of those who fought?
59. What do you think is the most important message from World War II?
60. How can we apply the lessons of World War II to today?
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