Tefl Conversation Questions, Set One

Front 1

Many people are excited about the new Shanghai Disneyland. If you could design an amusement park what would it be like?

Back 1

• What kinds of rides would you have?

• What food would you serve?

• Would you cater small children or grown ups?

• Would you have water rides?

Front 2

What are some positive and negative things about being an only child?

Back 2

• Do you think children with or without siblings are happier?

• Do you think they grow up to be more or less successful than children with siblings?

• Do think their personalities and character are better or worse?

• Do you wish you had more brothers and sisters?

Front 3

In Korea now it is becoming increasingly popular for people to radically change their appearance with plastic surgery. Do you think that the increasing popularity of plastic surgery is good or bad and why?

Back 3

• Would you consider getting plastic surgery?

• Do you think that society places too much emphasis on the importance of someone's appearance?

• Do you think that people should have to include a photograph of themselves with their resume?

Front 4

What is your favorite place to visit in Shanghai?

Back 4

• What is there to do there?

• How often do you go?

• Why do you enjoy going there?

• What are some of your favorite memories of this place?

Front 5

Many people were surprised that the hero of the latest Star Wars movie was a girl. Do you think that there should be more female heroes in action movies?

Back 5

• What would be some benefits to having more female heroes in action movies?

• What do you think about how women are depicted in movies?

• Do you think that how people are portrayed in movies affects how they are perceived in real life?

• Have you ever been inspired by a portrayal of a character in a movie?

Front 6

“Work-life balance” is the amount of time you spend on work (studies, career) versus the amount of time you spend on leisure activities (hobbies, seeing friends,vacation, etc.).

Do you think students in China have a proper work-life balance?

Back 6

• What do you think Chinese students spend too much time doing?

• What are some of the drawbacks of working too much?

• What are some drawbacks of spending a lot of time on leisure activities?

• Do you think Chinese people work to live or live to work?

Front 7

What are some stereotypes foreigners have about Chinese people?

Back 7

• Why do you think Chinese people are seen this way?

• Do you think these stereotypes are fair or unfair?

• Do you think you fit the stereotype of a Chinese person?

• Do you think Chinese people are changing?

Front 8

Do you think there should be more women running companies in China?

Back 8

• Do you think female bosses are different from male bosses?

• What are some potential benefits of having women in positions of power?

• Do you think the culture of a company is affected by having more women in positions of power?

• Do you think a female boss would be more fair to female employees than a maleboss?

Front 9

Which country’s popular culture (music, movies, TV shows, etc.) do you find most interesting?

Back 9

• What do you find especially interesting about this country’s culture?

• Is there any one entertainer, director, etc. that you especially enjoy?

• Do you have a special interest in popular culture?

• What are some of your favorite movies, musical groups, etc.?

Front 10

If you could design an artificial intelligence robot what are some things it would be able to do?

Back 10

• Would you like to have a robot and if so what would you like to have it do for you?

• Do you think that in our lifetimes do you think robots would be a part of our everyday lives?

• Which jobs do you think could be replaced by robots?

Front 11

What do you think makes a good teacher?

Back 11

• Do you prefer teachers who are difficult or easy?

• How important do you think it is for a teacher to be nice and likeable?

• What sort of teaching style is most suitable to how you learn--lecture or discussion?

• Describe your favorite teacher.

Front 12

What motivates you to do well in school?

Back 12

• Do you consider yourself a good student?

• Do you do better in school when you are criticized or when you are given encouragement?

• What occupation are you hoping to prepare for?

Front 13

Which city would you rather live in, Shanghai or Tokyo?

Back 13

• What characteristics about a city are important to you?

• What are some of the benefits of living in each city?

• What are some of the drawbacks of living in each city?

• What are some of the most interesting aspects about each city?

Front 14

If you had a time machine, when and where would you go?

Back 14

• What interests you about this particular place and time?

• Do you like history?

• Would you like to meet a famous historical figure from the past?

• Would you try to change the course of history?

Front 15

What is the best time of year to visit Shanghai and why?

Back 15

• What is there to do this time of year?

• What is the scenery like?

• Are there any special holidays?

• What are some of your favorite memories of Shanghai from this time of year?

Front 16

If you could learn one new skill--for example a language, how to play a sport, how to cook something--what would it be and why?

Back 16

• How would you benefit from having this particular skill?

• Would you rather learn to do something practical or fun?

Front 17

Do you think that it is ever ok to tell a lie and why or why not?

Back 17

• Can you think of a situation where it might be better to lie than to tell the truth?

• Do you lie sometimes to avoid hurting people's feelings?

• What sorts of lies do you find especially shameful?

• Have you ever told a lie that you later regretted?

Front 18

What are some of the benefits and negative aspects of social media--sites like Weibo, Facebook, WeChat?

Back 18

• What do you use social media for? How has is affected your life?

• What do you think it's most useful for?

• Do you think these sites are useful for making friends, finding out about interesting events and networking?

• Do you think it's possible to develop unhealthy social media habits or become addicted?

• Do you think people present a false image of themselves on social media?

Front 19

If you could study about anywhere in the world for one year where would you go?

Back 19

• What interests you about this country?

• What are the most important aspects for you when choosing a country to visit: food, culture, scenery, things to do?

Front 20

If you could hire an architect to design a place for you to live what would it be like?

Back 20

• Would you prefer an apartment or a house?

• Is it more important to you that a house look beautiful and interesting or that it have a lot of modern features?