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Entrepreneurs

What are 4 pros and 4 cons of being an entrepreneur? Do you know any entrepreneurs? Does your country have a lot of entrepreneurs? Why do you think so? What is the most profitable type of business to open in your country? Should a restaurant open where there are no restaurants or lots of restaurants? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Topics by Larry Pitts

Animals

What animal best represents you? Why? What creature scares you? Why? Except for food, do humans need other animals? Why or why not? What is the most effective way to save endangered species? What are some examples of useful traits that help animals survive? (i.e. a giraffe’s long neck) What is Darwin famous for? What […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Topics by Larry Pitts

Past Passive

What is the most important ancient monument in your country? What was it used for? What is your country’s most famous painting? Who was it painted by? What is the most important ancient artifact in your country? What was it used for? What do you think the Nazca lines were used for? What is your […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Pathways 2 Textbook by Larry Pitts

Fast Food

What is your least favorite fast food restaurant and why? Does fast food taste good or bad? Why? Why is fast food so popular? How often do you eat fast food? What do you usually eat? Where? What is a food that people think is healthy but really isn’t? Do you know anyone who has […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Topics by Larry Pitts

Restaurants

What is your favorite restaurant near where you live? What is the best restaurant you have ever eaten at? What types of foreign food restaurants have you eaten at? Have you ever eaten at a restaurant abroad? What was it like? What (besides good food) makes a restaurant great? Do you prefer to eat at […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Topics by Larry Pitts

Memory

What is the best memory you have? Who was your most memorable teacher? (Bad or good) Do you have any strong memories linked to a particular smell? How do you want people to remember you? How good is your memory? What do you wish you were better at remembering? Are computers making our ability to […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Topics by Larry Pitts

Brains

What is the most amazing thing about the brain? What is the most mysterious? What are some extraordinary things some people can do with their brains? Will we ever be able to augment our brain with technology? Would you? What do you wish your brain was better at? Do you think male and female brains […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Topics by Larry Pitts

Adjectives: ‘-ed’ and ‘-ing’

When was the last time you were terrified? What is the most thrilling thing you have ever done? What school subject is interesting? What is one of the most exciting jobs you can think of? How about one of the most boring jobs? What is something relaxing you do when you are stressed? Who is […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Pathways 2 Textbook by Larry Pitts

Present Continuous

What are you doing this year to improve yourself? What do you think your best friend is doing right now? Are you reading any interesting books these days? Which ones? What TV shows are you watching now? Think of your favorite celebrity. What do you think they are doing right now? Who are you hanging […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Pathways 2 Textbook by Larry Pitts

How Often Questions

How often do you order delivery food? How often do you run? How often do you eat junk food? How often do you drink? How often do you travel? How often do you visit your family? How often do you eat vegetables? How often do you go to the dentist? How often do you lift […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Pathways 2 Textbook by Larry Pitts

Adverbs of Frequency

What is something you always do when you study for a test? What is something you usually do in your free time? Where do you often go in summer? Where do you sometimes go with your friends? What is something you never do around your parents? What do you usually do in the morning to […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Pathways 2 Textbook by Larry Pitts

Responsibility

How involved should governments be in individuals’ lives? Are criminals ever NOT responsible for the crimes they commit? What responsibilities do university students have? How about children or adults? Who is responsible for retired people’s welfare? Themselves? Their family? Their government? At what age do you think someone becomes responsible for his or her actions? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 3 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Change

Are you someone who likes change? In what ways have you changed since you were in junior high school? How do you think you will change in the future? Which political party in your country is most likely to make big changes? Is that a good or bad thing? “The only thing constant is change.” […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 3 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Success and Failure

Success Describe a successful person. Is your idea of success the same as your parents’ idea of success? Do you think people focus too much on appearing to be successful? Why is money the most common way of judging success? Can money buy happiness? How much pressure do your parents put on you to be […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 3 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerunds What do you always avoid doing until the last minute? What are some things you enjoy doing every day? How about every week? Is there anything you have quit recently? What do you miss most about your childhood? What do you often discuss with your friends when you hang out with them? What is […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Q: Skills for Success 3 Listening and Speaking by Larry Pitts

Suffixes

What is the best way to energize yourself when you are tired? Who is the most dependable person you know? Do you find it hard to pay attention in your classes? What are you particularly good at? What are some of your predictions for this year? How can you improve your accuracy when speaking English? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Q: Skills for Success 3 Listening and Speaking by Larry Pitts

First Impressions

When you look at someone, what makes you think they are… Dangerous Greedy Intelligent Kind Not smart Crazy Generous Do you like to meet new people or do you prefer to hang out with people you already know? When and where did you meet most of your friends for the first time? Have you met […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 3 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Human Wonders

How many of the seven ancient wonders can you name? How many are left? 100 million votes were cast for the new human wonders of the world, the new seven wonders are: Chichén Itzá, Mexico Christ the Redeemer, Brazil The Great Wall, China Machu Picchu, Peru Petra, Jordan The Roman Colosseum, Italy The Taj Mahal, […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Empathy

How much empathy do you feel towards other people? Do you think it is possible to be too empathetic?  Why might it be bad/good for a doctor to have a lot of empathy? In what other jobs is empathy very important? Who is the most empathetic person you know? In what jobs is empathy a […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Present Perfect Continuous

What kinds movies have you been watching recently? Would you recommend any? Have you followed any TV series for a really long time? What new TV series have you been watching that you would recommend? What are some of your favorite books, newspapers or magazines that you have been reading lately? Are there any blogs […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Productivity

Are you a very motivated person or do you wait until the last minute to do things? What technology helps you to be productive? Do you think that some people are more productive because of genetics or how they were raised? How can people improve their productivity? Who is the most productive person you know […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Top Notch 3, Topics by Larry Pitts

Technology

Talk about how technology has changed in your lifetime. What do you think has been the most important new invention in the last 100 years? Are there any new gadgets that you really want to get? What do you think will be the next biggest technological advance? How can countries help to create more inventors? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Top Notch 3, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Natural Wonders

What are the three most famous natural wonders in your country? What natural wonders are in danger from climate change? Should humans try to protect natural wonders? If humans protect natural wonders, are the wonders still natural? Have you ever been to a natural wonder? What makes something a natural “wonder”? What are three natural […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Top Notch 3, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Present Unreal Conditional/Second Conditional

If you could have any super power, what would it be? What would you do if you could speak English perfectly? If you won the lottery, what would you buy? If you could change one thing about your past, what would you change? If you could travel to an uninhabited planet, would you? Where would […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Wishes

If you could have three wishes that would come true, what would they be? (No, you can’t wish for more wishes) What do you wish you could change about the world? Many cultures throw things into water (like a fountain) and make a wish. Why do people do that? What do you wish you could […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Neighbors

What do you think of your neighbors? Is there anything that your neighbors do that annoys you? Did you play with kids who were your neighbors when you were a kid? Do you still keep in contact with them? Here is an idiom:  “Good fences make good neighbors.” What do you think it means? Do […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Friendship

Do you prefer to have many friends or just a few that you are close to? What are the benefits of having just a few close friends? How about the benefits of having many friends? Describe your best friend. Are you close friends with anyone who you knew in elementary school? Why do people need […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

News

Where do you get your news from? How important is it for people to follow the news? Do you think that news agencies sometimes tell lies to make a story more popular? How much do you trust newspapers, television news, and news from the internet? Which is the most reliable source of information? What kind […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Natural Disasters

How many types of natural disaster can you name? Which is the worst? What natural disasters are common in your country? Have you ever been through a natural disaster? Tell your group about your experience if it isn’t too traumatic. What is the best / worst natural disaster movie you have seen? Think of three natural […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Top Notch 3, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Personality

Describe your personality. What kinds of people do you get along well with? What kinds of personality traits do you hate? How important is personality when you are choosing a spouse? Do all of your friends have similar personalities? What kind of personality traits are best for running a business? What kind of personality should […]

Filed Under: Topics, Touchstone 2 by Larry Pitts

Eating Habits

Talk about what you have eaten today. What is the most unhealthy food you can think of? What do people need to eat more of? Do you usually eat healthy food? What are some different types of diets you have heard of? Do you think your parents ate healthier food at your age than you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Appearance

What is the first thing you notice about a person? What do the clothes someone wears say about that person? Is there a part of your appearance that you are very proud of? (i.e. eyes, fashion sense, hair etc.) What is the most interesting haircut you have seen? Have you ever gone through the entire […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 2 by Larry Pitts

Homes

Is your home clean? Are you a very organized person? Do you have a lot of decorations in your home or is it bare? Are you happy with the size of your home? What is your favorite appliance, electronic device, or piece of furniture in your home? If you had $3,000 to improve your home, […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 2 by Larry Pitts

Health

What is the best thing to do to stay healthy? What do you think the worst disease to have would be? Do you consider yourself to be healthy? Why? How often do you exercise? What is your diet like? Do you eat mostly fruits and vegetables? What do you think about the health care system […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Top Notch 3, Topics, Touchstone 2 by Larry Pitts

Holidays

What is your favorite holiday? Has your favorite holiday changed since you were a kid? On what holiday do people in your country eat a lot of food? Do you give gifts on any holidays? What foreign holidays do you know about? What is the strangest holiday or festival you have heard of? Do you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Top Notch 3, Topics, Touchstone 2, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Cooking

How often do you cook? How good are you at cooking? What are some things that you can cook? What dish or food are you best at cooking? Do you think you can cook better than your mother? Who is a better cook, your mother or your grandmother? Are cooking shows popular in your country? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Cloning

Do you know how scientists clone animals? What is the process? Do you think scientists should be allowed to clone people? Would you want to have a clone of yourself? What problems could cloning people solve? Could cloning people lead to problems? What kinds of problems? If we could clone dinosaurs like Jurassic Park, would […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Having Children

How does having children change someone’s life? What kinds of things do people have to give up when they have children? What are some of the benefits of having children? Do you think it is better to have children when you are older or younger? What is the best number of children to have? How […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Learning English

Submitted by: Michael Shelby Why are you learning English? How will you use the English you learn? Which of these do you do: attend English classes at school, learn English with a tutor (private teacher) or study English yourself (on your own)? What materials do you use for learning English? Since when (how long) have you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Cleanliness

How clean is too clean? How dirty is too dirty? How can bacteria help humans? If you drop food on the floor, will you pick it up, blow it off/dust it off and eat it? What is the dirtiest job? How often do you wash your hands with soap? What is the grossest thing you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Aliens

Do you believe there is other life in the universe? How about intelligent life? What do you think aliens might look like? Do you think aliens have ever visited earth? What does UFO mean? Have you seen a UFO or do you know someone who has seen a UFO? What is your favorite alien from […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Dreaming

How often do you dream? Do you dream in color or black and white? Have you ever had a flying dream? Have you ever been falling in a dream and just when you are about to hit the ground you wake up? Do you think dreams have meanings? Do you think dreams can tell the […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Television

About how many hours of TV do you watch every day? What are some of your favorite shows? Do you like any foreign TV shows? What is the funniest show on television? Do you think people watch too much television? Are TV shows getting better or worse? Would you like to be on TV? Do […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Books

Do you read many books? How often do you read books? Did your parents read to you when you were a child? What are some of the advantages of books vs. movies? How about the disadvantages of books vs. movies? What was the last book you read about? Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction books? Do you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Top Notch 3, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Movies

What is your favorite genre of movie? Who are some of your favorite actors? What kind of movie is best for a date? Do you cry during movies? What is the best movie you have ever seen? What was the scariest movie you have ever seen? How often do you see movies? Do you usually […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Music

Who are your favorite bands or artists? How often do you listen to music? When was the last time you bought a song or album? Do you usually buy albums online or CD’s from the store? Have you ever illegally downloaded music? Do you think it is okay or not okay to download music illegally? What kind […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Topics, Touchstone 2, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Getting a Job

What is the best way to find a job? What do you think are the five most common questions asked at a job interview? What are some things you should do for a job interview? How about things you shouldn’t do? How is the job market in your country, is it easy or difficult to […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Water

How much water do you drink every day? How many glasses of water should people drink every day? How long can a person live without drinking any water? How long have you gone without drinking anything? Can you swim? How often do you go swimming? Where is a good place to go swimming near here? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Conspiracies and Cover Ups

What are some famous real conspiracies or cover ups? What are some common conspiracy theories? Do you think they will be proven or proven wrong? Do you think that newspapers sometimes cover up events? How often do politicians in your country get in trouble because of cover ups? Do you think it is possible for […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Phrasal Verbs

How do you help out your friends and family? What time do you usually get up? Do you wish you could get up earlier or later? Have you ever been picked up by a crazy taxi driver? Can you set up a computer? Do you talk your friends into doing bad things? —Is there anything you turned down but now […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Pathways 2 Textbook by Larry Pitts

Environmental Problems

What are some of the most serious environmental problems? What are ten things individuals can do to help the environment? What are five things governments can do to help the environment? What is your opinion on climate change? Which countries cause the most pollution? How will our children be affected by climate change? What kinds […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Disabilities

How does the government in your country help disabled people? What are some common disabilities? How are disabilities viewed in your country? What kinds of disabilities do people develop as they grow older? Do you know a person with a disability? What did you learn in today’s class about people with disabilities? How can our […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Individuality

What makes you unique? Is it okay to look different from other people or should you look the same as other people? What do you think when you see someone who looks very different? If you went to a job interview with green hair, what do you think would happen? If you see someone with […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Facts and Statistics

What do you think about these facts and statistics? In a lifetime, the average driver will honk 15,250 times. An office desk has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet. 10 percent of all human beings ever born are alive at this very moment. Most lipstick contains fish scales. You have more bacteria cells in […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Travel

Where do you like to go on vacation? Where would you like to go on vacation? Tell your partner about your best travel story. What are some things you always take with you on a trip? Do you prefer package tours or making your own trip? Where did you spend your last vacation? What did […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Top Notch 3, Topics, Touchstone 2, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Idol Worship

Who are the most popular singers or groups in your country? What are some crazy examples of fan worship you have heard of? How far is too far when talking about fan worship? Are there any groups that you are huge fans of? What were some of the groups that you really loved when you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Communication

How is communication changing between people? It used to be common to talk to strangers. Do you think it’s okay to talk to people you don’t know? How often do you start up a conversation with people you don’t know? Think about how your Grandmother talks with people. Is it the same as how you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics, Touchstone 2 by Larry Pitts

Online Dating

Can two people fall in love over the internet without meeting each other first? How acceptable is online dating in your country? What are some of the good and bad things about online dating? Do you know anyone who has met their husband or wife online? What are some popular online dating sites in your […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Family Values

What values will you pass on to your children? Do you think society is losing its values? How have values changed in society? What is a value other people think is very important which you don’t think is important? What values did you parents pass on to you? Are there any values that your parents […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Love

Do you believe that love can be understood by looking at the brain and chemicals? How is attraction different than love? Why do you think some people fall out of love? What is the most romantic movie you know? In public, how much affection is too much? How is showing love different now from in […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Dating

Where is the best place in your city to take a date? What can you do if you want to save money and go on a date? How common are blind dates in your country? Do most blind dates go well? If not, why not? What is the best way to meet boyfriends or girlfriends? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Beauty

Do you think beauty is the same for every person? Do you think that different cultures think about beauty differently? What do you think of plastic surgery? What is the most common plastic surgery in your country? What does “Beauty is only skin deep.” mean? What kind of beauty contests are popular in your country? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

The Internet

How much time do you spend on the Internet? What are some of the benefits of the Internet? What are some of the dangers of the Internet? How much time should children spend on the Internet? How has the Internet changed the world? What will the Internet be like in 10 years? Are you part […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Crime

What do you think the most common crime in your country is? Should police in your country be stricter or less strict? Is your country a safe country? Have you ever seen a crime? (Don’t talk about it if it’s too upsetting for you.) Do you think criminals can change? Is shoplifting common in your […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Topics by Larry Pitts

Numbers

Who invented the number system we use today? What do you know about the history of numbers? Why are numbers so important? What are the two most important numbers in the world? Some people say that math is the language of the universe. Do you agree? Why or why not? What is your favorite number? […]

Filed Under: Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Modals of Possibility Might Could

What are some new laws that your country’s government might pass? What might cell phones be able to do in the future? What are some things you might buy if you had more money? What are some things your parents told you when you were young that might not be true? Do you think a […]

Filed Under: Grammar, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking by Larry Pitts

Riddles

Preparation: Find riddles, logic puzzles, or practical puzzles to give your students. Some riddles can be found here and some practical puzzles/logic puzzles/riddles can be found here. Instructions: Put students into groups or pairs and give them all the same riddle or puzzle. Groups create as many answers as they can. Elicit the answers from […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Games and Activities, Icebreakers, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Small Talk (many random questions)

Do you like pets? Do you have any? What was the last book you read? Do you like to cook? Have you ever lived in another country? Have you ever met a famous person? What do you do in your free time? What kind of food do you prefer eating when you eat out? What […]

Filed Under: Discussion Questions, ESL Textbooks, Icebreakers, Touchstone 2 by Larry Pitts

Fixed Expressions (Idioms)

What are you supposed to do to get the job that you want? What do you do when you are out of money? How do you catch a beautiful girl/handsome guy’s eye? What are you going to do when you get out of here? What has your country’s president done to raise questions about his […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking by Larry Pitts

Comparatives

Which is worse for your health, smoking or drinking? Which is harder, math or English? Is it better to be rich and dumb or poor and smart? Is it better to be rich and ugly or poor and beautiful/handsome? Does technology make the world better or worse? Why? Which game is more entertaining, Tetris or […]

Filed Under: Discussion Questions, ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Icebreakers, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Superlatives

Who is the best looking celebrity in your country? How about the worst looking celebrity? Who is the craziest famous person you know about? What restaurant has the most delicious food you have ever eaten? What is the best song ever? Who is the greatest baseball player? Who is the most skilled soccer player? Who […]

Filed Under: Discussion Questions, ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Icebreakers, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Equatives

Are iPhones as good as Android phones? Are PC games as fun as console games? Is watching a movie at home as good as watching it in the theatre? Is (city in your country) as entertaining as (city in your country)? Is (country’s food) as delicious as (country’s food)? Is (singer/group) as talented as (singer/group)? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Participial Adjectives

What kind of things do you find exciting? When was the last time you were terrified? Have you heard about any surprising news or gossip recently? What is the most thrilling thing you have ever done? What do you do when you are bored? What would be the most satisfying job for you? What is […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Real Conditional – Present

If your friend forgets your birthday, what do you do? If you see a homeless person on the street, do you give them money? Why or why not? If your friend lies to you and you find out, what do you do? If you fail an important test, what do you do? If you get […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Pathways 2 Textbook by Larry Pitts

Quantifiers

When you go shopping what do you usually buy? Talk about the quantity of each thing you buy. Can you ever have too much money? What is something you have too much of? How much free time do you have? How many planets do you think have life on them? What is something that you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Adverbs of Manner

How fast do you eat? Do you think bus drivers and taxi drivers in your city drive well or badly? Do you sing well? Have you ever met someone who eats very loudly? What is something that you do very cautiously? Do you work hard at studying? What is something you do quickly? What is […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Too Enough

Have you ever eaten too much food? What age is old enough to serve in the military? What age is old enough to buy cigarettes and alcohol? Is the Korean government’s age limits too low or too high? Have you ever felt like you were not smart enough to do something? Have you ever felt […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Real Conditional – Future

What will/can/might/ happen… … if you get into a fight? … if you get arrested? … if we don’t stop polluting? … if the world’s population keeps increasing? … if computers become more intelligent than humans? …if you learn to speak English perfectly?   What will/can/might you do… …if you can’t get to sleep tonight? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Pathways 2 Textbook, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Will

When will you graduate? How will you use English in the future? Will humans ever meet aliens? What will the meeting be like? What kind sci-fi movie will the future be like? (The Matrix, Terminator, i-Robot, Minority Report etc.) Will the Pacific Garbage Patch ever be cleaned up? Will it keep growing? Do you think […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking by Larry Pitts

Future

What kind of neighborhood will you live in when you get older? What will cities be like 50 years from now? Think about how these will change (make two or three predictions for each): Transportation Pollution Crime Advertising Buildings Work Shopping Nightlife When will you graduate? How will you use English in the future? Will […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 2, Touchstone 3, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Family

How do members of a family support each other? Who do you think has the most power in the family? Why? Do you agree with the saying “Children should be seen and not heard”? Why do you agree or disagree? Are good family members or good friends more important? Why? What problems do parents have […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics, Touchstone 3 by Larry Pitts

Already, Ever, Yet

People have many goals in life. What are some goals you have already accomplished? What are some goals you want to accomplish, but haven’t accomplished yet? Have you ever done something that you were really proud of? Have you ever done something really nice for someone else? Think of some more have you ever questions […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Meeting New People

If you don’t know your partners very well ask them some questions to get to know them. Do you like meeting new people? Why or why not? What are some things that you usually talk about when you meet a new person? If you see a handsome boy/beautiful girl that you want to get to […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Fashion

Would you like to be a fashion model? What are their lives like? Could you date someone if they had a terrible sense of fashion? Which country or city is the most fashionable in the world? Is fashion important or not important? Why or why not? Do you prefer functional or fashionable clothing? What do […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Manners

What are some examples of bad manners on the bus? What are some examples of good manners on the subway? What are some examples of bad manners that you HATE? Do you think people are more polite or less polite now than in the past? Do you know someone who is often rude? Can you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Impact Issues 1, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Passive Voice

What is imported by your country? What is exported by your country? What do you think is the most popular luxury item in your country? Who is it made by? What do you think expensive perfume is made from? Who are the best electronics made by? Who are the most expensive cars made by? What […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Pathways 2 Textbook by Larry Pitts

Luxury Items

What is one luxury item you really want to have? What is imported by your country? Do developed countries focus too much on luxury items? What is exported by your country? What do you think is the most popular luxury item in your country? Who is it made by? What is the craziest example of […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Remedies

What do you do when you have a cold? What ailments is western medicine better at curing? What ailments is eastern medicine better at curing? What do you do when you have a hangover? What are some old remedies that you know of to help with ailments? What should you do to stop the bleeding […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Topics, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Games

How many genres of video games can you name? How are some of these genres unique and different from the others? What are some more examples of games? Choose one or two examples of games or video games. What are their rules? What kinds of games are popular now? What were some games that were […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Jobs

What are some of the worst jobs you can think of? What are some of the best jobs you can think of? How long do you want to work? Is it better to be a boss or an employee? Why? What would be the most satisfying job for you? What is one of the most […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Neighborhoods

Did you like the neighborhood where you grew up? Where is the best place to eat in your city? Where is there a lot of crime in your city? What is the worst thing a neighborhood can have? Where is the best place to shop in your city? What did you think about your neighbors […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, Touchstone 2, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Stories

What are the best kinds of stories? (i.e funny stories, ghost stories, amazing stories) Who told you stories when you were a child? What kind of stories did they tell? What are some famous Korean stories? Do they teach the listener/reader something? There are many ways to experience a story. For example: book, movie, TV […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics, Touchstone 2 by Larry Pitts

Customs

Have you ever traveled abroad? If yes, where did you go and what was it like? What customs were different from your country’s customs? If no, would you like to go to abroad? Where would you like to go and what do you think it will be like? Do you think it is important to […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Present Perfect

Ask your group if they have seen some of your favorite movies. Have you ever drastically changed your hair style or clothing style in a short time? Have you ever shot a gun? Have you ever ridden an animal? Where have you traveled? What sports have you played?  Where is the best place you have […]

Filed Under: Discussion Questions, ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Icebreakers, Pathways 2 Textbook, Q: Skills for Success 3 Listening and Speaking, Touchstone 3, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Used To

What is a food that you used to hate but now you like? Who used to be your hero when you were young? Did you use to have a pet? Did you use to get good grades in high school? What used to be your favorite game to play? Where did you use to play when […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Simple Present

What are some activities you like to do? What are some good habits that you have? What are some things you do every day? Do you have any bad habits? What is something you should do every day but don’t? What is something you eat almost every day? What do you do at your job? […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Pathways 2 Textbook, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Food

What is your favorite snack? What unhealthy food do you love? What food did your mother always tell you to eat and not to eat? What food helps with which health problem? What is the future of food in your country? What kinds of food did you eat when you were a child? Do you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Q: Skills for Success 3 Listening and Speaking, Topics, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Simple Past

Tell me about your last vacation. Where did you go? What did you do? What did you do for you last birthday? Who was your first crush? What was the last really difficult thing you had to do? What did you eat for you last meal? Who did you meet last week? What did you […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Touchstone 2, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Transitions

What was your best memory from when you were a child? What is your earliest memory? Which was better for you: elementary school, junior high school or high school?  Why? Did you study hard in high school? How would you change your life if you could? Starting university was a big transition. What are some […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Choices

Would you rather live in your home country or live abroad? Would you rather be smart or beautiful / handsome? Would you rather be poor and happy or rich and unhappy? Would you rather marry someone plain with a good personality or someone beautiful without much personality? If war broke out in your country would […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Topics, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Color

What is your favorite color? Is color important to you? Does color affect your emotions? Imagine being in a room where everything is dark blue how would you feel? What if the room was red? Black? Yellow? Pink? Why do you think colors affect humans so much? Do you think that certain colors are only […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Cities

Do you like cities or the country side? Which is better and why? You can make one change to your country’s capital city, what will you change? What are some of most famous cities in the world? What makes them famous? Why do you think that humans started living in cities? Do you think that […]

Filed Under: Topics, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Challenges

What is a challenge you faced? There are many amazing challenges to try: Can you think of some more interesting challenges that a person can do? What kind of challenge would you like to try? Do you have any heroes that have done something amazing? Challenges don’t have to be amazing. What are some normal […]

Filed Under: Topics, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Infinitives of Purpose

Finish this sentence with an infinitive of purpose: I stole a car… I got into a fight… I walked to the store… I went to a club… I learned to play the guitar… I ran from class to my house… I pretended I was sick… I yelled as loud as I could… I jumped into […]

Filed Under: Grammar, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

How Questions

How well do you play video games? How tall are your parents? How tall are you? How impatient are you? How hard do you work in your classes? How greedy are you? How good is your mother’s cooking? How mature/childish are you? How big do you want your apartment to be when you get married? […]

Filed Under: Grammar, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

Architecture/Building Design

What kinds of materials are buildings made from? Is there one type of building material you prefer in buildings? What kind of style of buildings do you like? (Traditional, Modern, Crazy, Functional, etc.) What do you think of your country’s (modern/traditional) architecture? What are some buildings around where you live that you like? Is it […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Topics by Larry Pitts

Should and Shouldn’t

What are some things you should do when you first meet your boyfriend’s/girlfriend’s parents? How about things you shouldn’t do? What are some things you should do to improve your English? What should you do to be popular? What should politicians do to make your country a better place? What should ordinary people do? What […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Grammar, Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking by Larry Pitts

Advice

What three pieces of advice will you give your children? Whose advice do you follow more, your parents’ or your friends’ advice? If you could give the leader of your country some advice, what would it be? If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice, what would you tell your younger […]

Filed Under: ESL Textbooks, Pathways 2 Textbook, Topics, Touchstone 3, World English 2 by Larry Pitts

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