Whether you’re teaching in the classroom or running online ESL sessions, having a toolkit of creative, conversation-starting questions can make all the difference. These 100 questions are perfect for intermediate English students, helping them build fluency, confidence, and vocabulary while having fun.
Why Use Open-Ended and Creative Questions?
Asking students fun, personal, and hypothetical questions encourages natural communication. These questions help learners:
- Practice grammar and sentence structure
- Use new vocabulary in context
- Express ideas and opinions
- Develop creative thinking skills
100 Questions to Spark English Conversations
Personal & Opinion Questions
- What is your favorite day of the week and why?
- Describe your best friend in three words.
- What is your favorite meal of the day?
- Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?
- What is your favorite month of the year?
- If you could be any animal, which one would you be?
- What are you most afraid of?
- What is something you are really good at?
- Who is someone you admire and why?
- If you could change one thing about your city, what would it be?
Hypothetical & Creative Thinking
- If you found a magic lamp, what three wishes would you make?
- If you could invent a new color, what would you call it?
- Imagine you opened a zoo. What animal would be your star attraction?
- If you could teleport anywhere right now, where would you go?
- If your pet could talk, what do you think it would say?
- If you could live underwater, would you? Why or why not?
- Would you rather have a robot assistant or a flying car?
- What would happen if it snowed every day?
- If you could visit the moon, would you go?
- If you could only eat one food for a month, what would you choose?
Grammar & Vocabulary Practice
- What is the opposite of “easy”?
- What is the plural of “mouse”?
- Which verb form is correct: “He (go/goes) to school every day”?
- Name three adjectives that describe a person.
- What is the past tense of “teach”?
- What do you call a person who plays soccer professionally?
- Find the mistake: “She can sings very well.”
- What is a synonym for “funny”?
- What is the difference between “they’re”, “their”, and “there”?
- What do we call a place where we buy medicine? (pharmacy)
“Would You Rather” – Quick Conversation Starters
- Would you rather live in a very hot place or a very cold place?
- Would you rather have the ability to read minds or to see the future?
- Would you rather be a famous singer or a famous actor?
- Would you rather explore space or the deep ocean?
- Would you rather live without music or without movies?
Daily Life and Hobbies
- What do you usually do after school or work?
- Do you prefer online shopping or shopping in stores? Why?
- What is your favorite sport to play or watch?
- Name a hobby you would like to learn.
- How do you celebrate your birthday?
Travel and Culture
- Name one country you would like to visit and explain why.
- What is something traditional in your country?
- What is the most beautiful place you have ever seen?
- Would you prefer a beach vacation or a city vacation?
- What are three things a tourist should know before visiting your country?
Fun and Random
- What superpower would you like to have?
- What is your dream job?
- If you wrote a book, what would it be about?
- What cartoon or animated movie do you still love?
- If you could have any animal, real or imaginary, as a pet, what would you choose?
