Advanced English Topics for ESL students
Advanced English Topics for ESL students
In this lesson, we’ll be looking at 7 advanced English topics with 10 questions each to discuss with advanced English learners.
These questions are really helpful if you want your students to talk freely and think in a logical way.
I am happy to share the topics/questions I have been using to get people talking, build fluency and make connections.
Career Paths and Professional Development:
What initially drew you to your current career path, and how has it evolved over time?
Can you share a significant milestone or achievement in your professional journey?
How do you stay motivated and inspired in your career, especially during challenging times?
Have you ever made a major career change or transition? What prompted it?
Can you recommend a book, course, or resource that has had a positive impact on your professional development?
What role do mentors or role models play in shaping your career decisions and aspirations?
How do you balance personal fulfillment and financial stability in your career choices?
Have you ever faced setbacks or failures in your career, and how did you overcome them?
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone starting their career journey?
Can you share a dream or goal you have for your career in the future?
Health and Wellness Practices:
What are some of your favorite ways to prioritize your physical health and well-being?
Can you share a daily habit or routine that helps you maintain mental clarity and emotional balance?
How do you incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your daily life?
Have you ever experienced a significant health transformation? What changes did you make?
Can you recommend a nutritious recipe or meal that you enjoy preparing?
What role does exercise play in your overall health and wellness routine?
How do you manage stress and prevent burnout in your life?
Have you ever tried alternative or holistic healing practices? What was your experience?
What’s one small change you’ve made to improve your sleep quality or sleep hygiene?
Can you share a self-care activity or hobby that brings you joy and relaxation?
Philosophy and Existential Questions:
What’s one philosophical question that you find particularly intriguing or thought-provoking?
Can you share a personal belief or philosophy that guides your life choices and decisions?
How do you define happiness and fulfillment in your own life?
Have you ever had a moment of existential crisis or deep introspection? What sparked it?
Can you recommend a philosophical book or essay that has influenced your perspective on life?
What role does spirituality or existentialism play in shaping your worldview?
How do you reconcile the concept of free will with determinism in your understanding of the world?
Have you ever engaged in philosophical debates with friends or colleagues? What topics did you discuss?
What’s one existential question that you’ve struggled to find an answer to?
Can you share a quote or aphorism that resonates with your personal philosophy?
Art and Creative Expression:
What forms of art or creative expression do you enjoy exploring in your free time?
Can you share a piece of artwork or creative project that holds sentimental value for you?
How does art influence your mood and emotions?
Have you ever attended a live performance or art exhibition that left a lasting impression on you?
Can you recommend a book, movie, or piece of music that you find particularly inspiring or moving?
What’s one creative hobby or skill that you’ve always wanted to learn?
How do you overcome creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?
Have you ever collaborated with other artists or creatives on a project? What was the experience like?
What role does art play in society, in your opinion?
Can you share a childhood memory related to creativity or artistic expression?
Relationship Dynamics and Communication Strategies:
What’s one important lesson you’ve learned about communication in your relationships?
Can you share a memorable experience that taught you something valuable about building strong relationships?
How do you navigate conflicts or disagreements in your personal relationships?
Have you ever had to set boundaries in a relationship? How did you approach it?
Can you recommend a book or resource on relationship dynamics that has helped you improve your connections with others?
What role does empathy play in fostering healthy relationships?
How do you maintain balance between independence and interdependence in your relationships?
Have you ever experienced a breakdown in communication with someone close to you? How did you work through it?
What’s one communication strategy you’ve found effective in resolving misunderstandings or strengthening connections?
Can you share a relationship goal or aspiration you have for the future?
Education Systems and Lifelong Learning:
What’s one aspect of your education that you’re grateful for or that had a significant impact on your life?
Can you share a memorable learning experience outside of traditional schooling?
How do you stay curious and engaged in lifelong learning?
Have you ever pursued a new skill or area of knowledge purely for personal enrichment?
Can you recommend a podcast, documentary, or online course that you found informative and educational?
What role do you think formal education plays in preparing individuals for the challenges of the modern world?
How do you balance formal education with informal, self-directed learning in your life?
Have you ever had a mentor or teacher who inspired you to pursue a particular field of study or career path?
What’s one subject or skill you wish you had learned more about in school?
Can you share a goal or milestone you have related to continuing education or lifelong learning?
Social Media and its Effects on Society:
How has social media changed the way we communicate and interact with one another?
Can you share a positive impact that social media has had on your life or society as a whole?
Have you ever experienced negative effects of social media on your mental health? How do you cope?
What do you think are the biggest challenges posed by social media in today’s society?
Can you share an example of how social media has been used to raise awareness about important issues?
How do you balance the benefits of social media with its potential drawbacks?
What role do you think social media plays in shaping public opinion and influencing societal norms?
Have you ever taken a break from social media? What did you learn from the experience?
How can we promote healthier usage of social media platforms among younger generations?
Can you share a positive experience you’ve had connecting with others through social media?
