100 B2 discussion questions

These B2 discussion questions cover five topics:

National environmental concerns
Personal values and ideals
Public figures past and present
Society and living standards
The world of work

Here are 100 B2 discussion questions to help your students explain their views, give reasons and compare alternatives. Begin with personal questions before moving on to broader ideas. The five topics offer plenty of opportunities for discussion.

When you answer these questions, remember that the aim is a conversation. Ask your partner what they think and respond to their ideas. The download includes follow-up language and a shared discussion outcome for each topic.

For more B2 speaking practice, try our problem-solving scenarios, information-gap pairwork or gerunds and infinitives conversation practice.

Download a PDF version of 100 B2 discussion questions:

B2 discussion questions

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Contents

National environmental concerns

Do you recycle? Why/Why not?
Is your town/city polluted? In what way?
Why should people use more public transport?
Do you think the environment is more of a concern now than in the past?
What is your opinion about climate change?
Why is renewable energy better for the environment?
What is the most important thing individuals can do to help the environment?
Do you think the government of your country does enough to help the environment?
What are the biggest signs of pollution in your country?
Should we teach children about the environment in school?
How do you feel about people who deny climate change?
What should be done about people who drop litter in the streets?
What might happen to the environment in the future?
Is it more important to protect the environment or to have a strong economy?
What advice would you give to future generations about the environment?
Do you think people should be more concerned about environmental issues?
Do you worry about the environment? Why/Why not?
What is your opinion of organised groups who protest about environmental problems?
How might climate change affect extreme weather?
Who is more responsible for the environment: individuals, government or companies?

Personal values and ideals

What is more important for you: work or your social life?
Do you spend more time with family or with friends? Why?
Have your personal values changed since you were a child?
How did people around you affect your personal values?
Are you concerned about the welfare of others? Why/Why not?
Would you prefer to be rich or famous? Why?
Does money change people’s values?
Do you think young people should always respect older people?
Who is more responsible for teaching values to children: parents or schools?
Is it always best to be honest? Why/Why not?
Do you think world peace will ever be possible?
What qualities do you value in other people?
Some people are very ambitious. Do you think this is a good thing?
Do you think personal values are stronger now or in the past?
What is more important for you in a friend: loyalty or honesty?
Do you think that being competitive is a good thing or a bad thing?
How has technology changed the way we see the world?
Did you learn any important life lessons from your teachers?
How can friends deal with a disagreement over something they value?
Do you think your personal values will change as you get older?

Public figures past and present

Do you follow celebrity news? Why/Why not?
What public figure do you look up to? Why?
Who is your favourite public figure from the past?
Do you think celebrities deserve all the attention that they get?
What celebrity from your country should I know about?
Do you think celebrities have a right to privacy? Why/Why not?
Why do you think American celebrities are so popular around the world?
What do you think it would be like to be part of a famous family?
Have you ever met somebody famous?
Why are actors, musicians and sportspeople paid so much?
How do you think fame changes a person?
Would you like to be famous? Why/Why not?
Who has influenced the history of your country more than any other person?
What public figures from the past did you learn about in history class at school?
Who has been in the news recently in your country?
Do you think children should admire public figures like actors and sportspeople?
Do you read gossip magazines? Why/Why not?
Do you think talent is natural or is it learned?
What should public figures do to set a good example?
How do public figures inspire you?

Society and living standards

Is it essential to have money to live a good life? Why/Why not?
Do you think living standards in your town/city are good? Why/Why not?
Would you prefer to live in the countryside or in the city?
Have living standards improved in your country in the last 50 years?
Are there parts of your country that are richer or poorer than others? Why?
What do you consider essential for a good life (food, water, electricity, a home, internet)?
A lot of people expect high living standards nowadays. Is this realistic?
How has globalisation affected your country?
Do you like to see companies like Starbucks or McDonald’s in your country?
Do you believe that the past was better because it was simpler?
What could improve living conditions in your area?
How has technology changed our living standards?
How might society change in the next 50 years?
What can we do about negative aspects of society like crime?
Do you believe that a perfect utopian society is possible?
What elements of life do you enjoy that wouldn’t have existed 100 years ago?
How do you feel about the gap between the rich and the poor increasing?
Should university education be free for everyone?
Are people always in a hurry nowadays?
The world has become more multicultural recently. Is this a good thing?

The world of work

What is your dream job?
Would you ever work abroad? Why/Why not?
How do you feel about the 40-hour working week?
Would you rather work in an office or work outside?
Is it important to have a good salary?
Is it necessary to enjoy your job?
What should people do if they want a promotion at work?
Should manual workers like plumbers and electricians be paid more?
Would you ever work in a job that required you to work night shifts?
Do you like working with your hands?
Are you a creative person?
What is the most valuable lesson that you have learnt at work, at school or on a project?
What do you think makes a successful business?
How has technology changed the workplace?
Is it important to have a good relationship with your colleagues?
Would you ever set up your own business?
What are the most important benefits that a company can offer its employees?
Did you know what you wanted to do when you were younger?
Would you like to work in a family business?
What jobs do people you know do? Would you like to do any of these jobs?