Discussions / Language Learning
Language Learning Conversation Questions for Adult ESL Classes
Use these 20 discussion questions about Language Learning 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.
Reviewed by Brando Oxley · 18 Aug 2026
Part 1
Learning Habits, Motivation, and Progress
Focus: discussing language-learning experiences, useful study habits, motivation, goals, practice methods, and ways to measure progress
In one minute, think of two language skills, two study activities, two places where people can practice a language, and one common learning difficulty.
EXPERIENCE
What languages have you studied, and what was your experience like?
PREFERENCE
Which language skill do you enjoy practicing most: speaking, listening, reading, or writing? Explain why.
ROUTINE
What language-learning activities fit easily into your normal daily routine?
COMPARE
How is learning with a teacher different from studying independently?
MOTIVATION
What helps you stay motivated when progress feels slow?
SKILL
Which is harder for you: remembering new vocabulary or using words naturally in conversation?
PROBLEM-SOLVE
A student understands a lot of English but rarely speaks because they are nervous. What could they do?
PLAN
If you had thirty extra minutes each day for language study, how would you use the time?
EVALUATE
What is a better sign of progress: test scores, understanding more conversations, or speaking more confidently?
RECOMMEND
What study habit would you recommend to someone who wants to make steady progress in a new language?
Part 2
Speaking Confidence, Mistakes, and Real Communication
Focus: discussing speaking anxiety, mistakes, accents, real-world communication, cultural knowledge, and ways learners can become more confident
Think of one common speaking problem, one action that helps someone practice, and one situation where a learner may need to use another language.
Describe each word without saying it directly. Your teacher or partner must guess the word.
EXPERIENCE
When do you feel most comfortable speaking a language you are learning?
FEELING
What situations can make language learners feel nervous or embarrassed?
COMPARE
Which is more important in everyday conversation: speaking accurately or communicating your meaning clearly?
MISTAKES
What kinds of mistakes are useful because they help a learner improve?
COMMUNICATION
What can you do when you do not know the exact word you need during a conversation?
CULTURE
Why can learning about humor, politeness, and everyday customs be useful when learning a language?
PROBLEM-SOLVE
You are speaking with a fluent speaker who talks much too quickly. How could you handle the situation?
DISCUSS
How important is having a native-like accent compared with being easy to understand?
ADVISE
What advice would you give someone who understands grammar well but struggles with real conversations?
REFLECT
What does it mean to be successful at learning another language?