CRIME
If you found out that a member of your family had committed a
crime, what would you do?
If you were sent back in time to assassinate somebody, who
would it be?
If a child is not found quickly, how long should the
authorities continue to look for him/her?
Who is more to blame, the person who offers a bribe or the
person who accepts it?
What causes terrorism?
What difficulties do you think people held captive might face
when they are released?
What can be done to protect non-military targets from violent
attacks?
ENVIRONMENT
Why do you think so many people, especially children, enjoy
the snow?
What do you think we can learn from space exploration?
Do you think we should build more nuclear power stations to
generate more electricity? Why/not?
Do you know anyone who is a windbag?
How different would life be if we all spoke the same language?
FESTIVALS
How restful are your holidays?
Do you enjoy going to parties? Are you a party animal or a
party pooper?
What is the silliest present you have ever received or been
given?
Do you believe in ghosts and witches? Why/not?
Do you think it can ever be acceptable to take drugs or
medicines during a sports competition such as the Olympics?
When you think of Christmas, who do you think of first -
Father Christmas or Jesus Christ? Why?
LEARNING
Which books have had the biggest impact on you?
How do you motivate people to do things for you?
Why do students often find it easy to remember taboo words in
English?
Can memory loss ever be a good thing?
What difficulties might people have if punctuation were
abolished?
Do you think exams which are taken in one country should be
valid all over the world (e.g. English exams, driving tests, etc?)
LIFESTYLE
What can we learn about ourselves when we take risks in life?
Do you like change or do you prefer things to stay the same?
Do you think life is more stressful now than in the past?
Why are magic stories so popular with children?
What was your favorite magic story as a child, and why?
What colours suit you?
Which is more important to you - success or happiness?
Have you got any pictures on your walls at home? If so, did
you choose them? Why/not?
Can you remember your dreams?
PEOPLE
Robin Hood's intentions were good. To what extent does this
justify his actions? Does the end ever justify the means?
In your country is marriage a civil or a religious
arrangement? Can married couples get divorced?
What names did/will you choose for your children? Why do you
like those names?
How would you define humour?
To what extent are left-handed people placed at a
disadvantage in today's world?
Should people of the same-sex be permitted to get married?
Why/not?
What are the worst mistakes a parent can make?
Describe your happiest memories of childhood.
How difficult is it to maintain a friendship? Can a
friendship last a lifetime?
Would you like to be the child/brother/sister/parent or
someone very famous?
POLITICS
Who do you think benefits most from globalisation?
Is it fair that some countries have nuclear weapons and some
countries are not permitted to?
In what ways are identity cards a good idea?
Who should be responsible for finding new jobs for the
unemployed - the government or the individual?
Do you believe in euthanasia?
To what extent do you think the film and music industries
glorify guns?
Can you think of anything you would be prepared to kill or
die for?
SOCIETY
Does the healthcare system in your country focus more on
prevention or cure of illnesses?
How has the way we shop changed over the last 50 years?
Why is nudity often considered shocking?
If you could design a new uniform for the police, army,
schoolchildren (etc) what changes would you make?
Would you want to have your own clone? Why/not?
Whether you smoke or not, why do you think people take up
smoking?
What should be done in cases where a pet attacks someone?
When does a cultural characteristic become a national
stereotype?
TRAVEL
What changes do you think need to be made to air travel
security measures in order to reduce the terrorist threat?
At what age should people stop driving for good?
How important is it for young people to visit other countries?
