100 ISE II Conversation Questions

There are 5 possible topics for ISE II conversation questions:

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

Here are 100 ISE II conversation questions to practise before the exam. At ISE II, conversation questions can be quite complex and difficult to understand, so make sure you are prepared for these 5 topics. The questions in the exam probably won’t be exactly the same as these ones, but they will be similar.

When you answer ISE II conversation questions, remember that it is meant to be a 2 minute conversation, not a 2 minute monologue. That means you should ask the examiner what they think.

If you want more ISE II speaking materials, check these out.

• How to do the Trinity ISE II topic task
• 26 ISE II Collaborative Task Prompts
• ISE II Collaborative Task Activity (Pair Work)
• Gerunds and Infinitives – ISE II Conversation Task

Download a pdf version of 100 ISE II conversation questions:

100 ISE II Conversation Questions

National environmental concerns

1. Do you recycle? Why/Why not?
2. Is your town/city polluted? In what way?
3. Why should people use more public transport?
4. Do you think the environment is more of a concern now than in the past?
5. What is your opinion about climate change?
6. Why is renewable energy better for the environment?
7. What is the most important thing individuals can do to help the environment?
8. Do you think the government of your country does enough to help the environment?
9. What are the biggest signs of pollution in your country?
10. Should we teach children about the environment in school?
11. How do you feel about people who deny climate change?
12. What should be done about people who drop litter in the streets?
13. What might happen to the environment in the future?
14. Is it more important to protect the environment or to have a strong economy?
15. What advice would you give to future generations about the environment?
16. Do you think people should be more concerned about environmental issues?
17. Do you worry about the environment? Why/Why not?
18. What is your opinion of organised groups who protest the environment?
19. Do you think catastrophes like hurricanes are a result of climate change?
20. Who is more responsible for the environment: individuals, government or companies?

Personal values and ideals

1. What is more important for you: work or your social life?
2. Do you spend more time with family or with friends? Why?
3. Have your personal values changed since you were a child?
4. How did your parents affect your personal values?
5. Are you concerned about the welfare of others? Why/Why not?
6. Would you prefer to be rich or famous? Why?
7. Does money change people’s values?
8. Do you think young people should always respect older people?
9. Who is more responsible for teaching values to children: parents or schools?
10. Are you always honest? Why/Why not?
11. Do you think world peace will ever be possible?
12. What do you consider to be your best and worst qualities?
13. Some people are very ambitious. Do you think this is a good thing?
14. Do you think personal values are stronger now or in the past?
15. What is more important for you in a friend: loyalty or honesty?
16. Do you think that being competitive is a good thing or a bad thing?
17. How has technology changed the way we see the world?
18. Did you learn any important life lessons from your teachers when you were in school?
19. Have you ever lost a friend due to disagreement over something you valued?
20. Do you think your personal values will change as you get older?

Public figures past and present

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

Society and living standards

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

The world of work

1. What is your dream job?
2. Would you ever work abroad? Why/Why not?
3. How do you feel about the 40-hour work week?
4. Would you rather work in an office or work outside?
5. Is it important to have a good salary?
6. Is it necessary to enjoy your job?
7. What should people do if they want a promotion at work?
8. Should manual workers like plumbers and electricians be paid more?
9. Would you ever work in a job that required you to work night shifts?
10. Do you like working with your hands?
11. Are you a creative person?
12. What is the most valuable lesson that you have learnt at work?
13. What do you think makes a successful business?
14. How has technology changed the workplace?
15. Is it important to have a good relationship with your colleagues?
16. Would you ever set up your own business?
17. What are the most important benefits that a company can offer its employees?
18. Did you know what you wanted to do when you were younger?
19. Would you like to work in a family business?
20. What job did/do your parents have? Would you like to do the same job?