Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“World War II” ESL Discussion Questions

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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?