ESL Conversation Topics
Ready-to-teach question banks for adult ESL classes. Every conversation opens with a vocabulary warm-up, labels each question with the thinking skill it practises, and comes with a full-screen class mode for projecting one question at a time.
40 conversations
Need a quick set?
Twenty random questions from across every conversation topic: a ready-made free-talk class.
Children
Use these 20 discussion questions about Children to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (C1–C2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Sleeping
Use these 20 discussion questions about Sleeping to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (A1–A2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Shop
Use these 20 discussion questions about Shop to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (A1–A2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Sport
Use these 20 discussion questions about Sport to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (A1–A2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Travel
Twenty ESL conversation questions about travel for adult learners (A2–C1). Part 1 is grounded in real trips: how people travel, plan, and cope with problems on the road. Part 2 zooms out to trains and planes, holiday crowds, and what travel does to places and families. Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up and fills about thirty minutes.
Hobbies
Use these 20 discussion questions about Hobbies to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (A1–A2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Musical Instruments
Use these 20 discussion questions about Musical Instruments to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Renting
Use these 20 discussion questions about Renting to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Cooking
Use these 20 discussion questions about Cooking to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (A1–A2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Cook
Use these 20 discussion questions about Cook to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Traveling
Use these 20 discussion questions about Traveling to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Photography
Use these 20 discussion questions about Photography to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Camping
Use these 20 discussion questions about Camping to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Arts
Use these 20 discussion questions about Arts to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Veganism and Vegetarianism
Use these 20 discussion questions about Veganism and Vegetarianism to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Sleep
Use these 20 discussion questions about Sleep to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
K-pop
Use these 20 discussion questions about K-pop to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Dancing
Use these 20 discussion questions about Dancing to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Driving
Use these 20 discussion questions about Driving to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Religion
Use these 20 discussion questions about Religion to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Job Interviews
This topic covers the practical and cultural sides of job interviews. Part 1 focuses on personal experiences: preparing, performing, and learning from real interviews. Part 2 goes deeper into how culture, bias, and hiring systems shape the interview process.
Astrology
Use these 20 discussion questions about Astrology to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Artificial Intelligence
Use these 20 discussion questions about Artificial Intelligence to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Teachers
Use these 20 discussion questions about Teachers to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Concerts
Use these 20 discussion questions about Concerts to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (A2-B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Minimalism
Use these 20 discussion questions about Minimalism to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B2-C2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Gardening
Use these 20 discussion questions about Gardening to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Architecture
Use these 20 discussion questions about Architecture to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B2-C2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
At the Doctor's Office
Use these 20 discussion questions about At the Doctor's Office to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (A2–B1). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Fashion
Use these 20 discussion questions about Fashion to run a full speaking lesson with adult learners (B1–B2). Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up, every question is labelled with the thinking skill it practises, and each part fills roughly thirty minutes of class time on its own.
Technology & Everyday Life
Twenty ESL conversation questions about technology in everyday life for adult learners (A2–C1). Part 1 grounds the topic in daily habits: phones, apps, payments, and screen time. Part 2 debates digital government, privacy, and who technology leaves behind. Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up and fills about thirty minutes.
Festivals & Celebrations
Twenty ESL conversation questions about festivals and celebrations for adult classes (A2–C1). Part 1 draws on personal memories: national days, parades, food, and family gatherings. Part 2 debates what festivals cost, who they include, and how traditions should change. Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up and runs about thirty minutes.
Education
Twenty ESL conversation questions about education for adult learners (A2–C1). Part 1 stays personal: school memories, favourite teachers, and learning as an adult. Part 2 debates the system: universities, vocational paths, cost, and what education is for. Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up and fills about thirty minutes.
Food & Eating
Twenty ESL conversation questions about food and eating for adult classes (A2–C1). Part 1 covers personal food life: favourite dishes, markets, cooking, and eating out. Part 2 turns to food and society: seasonal eating, food access, and how communities share meals. Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up and runs about thirty minutes.
Video Games
Twenty ESL conversation questions about video games for adult classes (A2–C1). Part 1 covers playing itself: favourite games, habits, and gaming with others. Part 2 debates the bigger picture: esports, careers, game culture, and screen-time worries. Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up and runs about thirty minutes.
Sports
Twenty ESL conversation questions about sports for adult classes (A2–C1). Part 1 stays close to personal experience: playing, watching, and choosing a sport. Part 2 opens the bigger debates: fairness, money, young athletes, and what sport does for a community. Each part starts with a vocabulary warm-up and runs for about thirty minutes.
Exercise & Fitness
Twenty ESL conversation questions about exercise and fitness for adult learners (A2–C1). Part 1 explores daily movement and personal habits: walking, routines, and staying motivated. Part 2 looks at exercise as a public issue: aging, city design, and health policy. Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up and fills about thirty minutes of class time.
Money & Personal Finance
Twenty ESL conversation questions about money for adult learners (A2–C1). Part 1 keeps it personal: spending, saving, cash versus apps, and everyday choices. Part 2 opens up trust, credit, community savings, and fairness. Each part starts with a vocabulary warm-up and fills about thirty minutes of speaking practice.
Shopping
Twenty ESL conversation questions about shopping for adult classes (A2–C1). Part 1 covers habits: where people buy, small shops versus supermarkets, and online carts. Part 2 looks at second-hand culture, trust, and the future of the high street. Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up and runs about thirty minutes.
Running
Twenty teacher-reviewed ESL conversation questions about running, organised as a complete discussion lesson for adult learners (A2–C1). Part 1 builds a first routine: experience, places, equipment, and realistic plans. Part 2 moves into mindset, training data, cost, and community. Each part opens with a vocabulary warm-up and fills about thirty minutes of speaking practice on its own.