Photo by Zachary Nelson, Unsplash
These EFL conversation questions for adults are for both English teachers and students. They can be used in class, for self-study or with a study buddy, or with somebody you do a language exchange with.
Tips for learners
- In those in-between times when you can’t find somebody to practise with I recommending trying to write down your answers, or even talking out loud to yourself!
- Ensure you make notes of useful words and phrases that you either couldn’t remember or didn’t know when you were trying to explain something. This will really help you to move forward with your English.
- I also highly recommend going through the questions a second or third time at a later date with somebody else, as a way of revision, and you are sure to notice that you are able to explain things faster and more effectively.
- For maximum benefit, expand on your answers as much as you can.
- If you’re asking the questions, remember to use follow-up questions too. If the conversation goes off on a tangent that’s totally fine – as long as you’re practising, you’re learning!
LET’S TALK ABOUT FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
1. Do you have any brothers or sisters?
2. Do you have any children or nieces or nephews?
3. Are you married?
4. Describe someone in your family. Describe their appearance and their personality.
5. Who is the oldest person in your family? And who is the youngest?
6. Where were your grandparents born? How did they meet?
7. Do you look like anyone in your family?
8. How often do you keep in touch with your parents and siblings? How do you communicate usually?
9. Who are you closest to in your family?
10. Do you get along well with your siblings, or do you argue sometimes?
11. Tell us about one of your best friends (what they do, where they live, how long you’ve known them, how you met, what you have in common, etc)
12. What do you like doing with your family?
13. What do you like doing with your friends?
14. How often do you have family get-togethers, where do you have them and what do you do?
15. What are some of your favourite childhood memories?
16. What things do you like about your family?
Photo by Juan Encalada, Unsplash
17. Are there any things you would change about your family?
18. What are your favourite trips (they can be holidays or just day-trips) that you have taken with your family?
19. Have you ever gone on holiday with friends?
20. Is your family good at celebrating birthdays and anniversaries? What do they normally do?
21. Describe to us a favourite photo of your friends or family, and show us the photo if you can.
22. Why is family important?
23. Why are friends important?
24. What qualities do you look for in a friend?
25. Do you have any friends or relatives that live in other countries? How do you stay in touch? Do you ever go and visit them?
26. Do you ever regret being friends with someone?
27. How do you think families have changed over the last few decades?
28. People often say that their pets are essentially family to them. What do you think?
Photo by Chewy, Unsplash
More CONVERSATION QUESTIONS to help you improve your English speaking skills. Remember they are also useful for writing practice. Practice makes progress!
Click on a topic for a list of conversation questions you can use in class or a language exchange.
Past Simple and Present Perfect
Conditionals (Second Conditional)
Music
Books and Reading
Films and Cinema
Food, Cooking and Eating Out
Animals and Nature
Social Media