Introductory Questions For A
Conversational English Class
(First Class)
Greetings Fellow Teachers!
elow is a list of questions that I took from various sources on the internet (including many questions that I have added on my own.) I developed this list for an introductory, one-on-one, conversational class wherein: I had never previously met the student — I did not have much information about the student — and I really had no idea what the student was hoping to get out of our sessions together. (I was also a brand new teacher, so this was all a bit nerve-wracking.)
his list is quite extensive, and not all the questions were used during the 60-minute lesson. But I wanted to make sure that I had MORE material than what was necessary, in case of awkward silences and lack of fluidity in the conversation. It turned out to be enough for many different sessions together.
- What is your name?
- Where are you from?
- Where were you born?
- What is your profession?
- How old are you?
- Do you live alone?
- Where do you live?
- How did you get to class?
- Are you married or single?
- Do you have any children?
- How many children do you have?
- Do you have any brothers or sisters?
- Are they older or younger than you?
- Do you have a large or small family?
- What is/was your father like?
- What is/was your mother like?
- Do you live in a house or apartment?
- Do you have any pets?
- How long have you been studying English?
- What other languages do you speak?
- Do you like to travel?
- Where have you previously travelled?
- Have you ever lived in another country?
- What do you like to do in your free-time?
- What are some activities that you are good at?
- Do you like sports?
- What sports do you like?
- What was the last book that you read?
- What is your favorite book?
- Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction?
- What was the last movie or play that you saw?
- What is your favorite movie or play?
- What kinds of movies or plays do you like?
- Do you like music?
- What kind of music do you like?
- What is your favorite singer/band/album?
- Do you like to cook?
- What is your favorite food?
- What are your hobbies?
- Are you a religious or spiritual person?
- If yes, what is your religion?
- Are you a “people-person”?
- What bothers you about certain people?
- What do you look for in other people? (personal/professional)
- What do you think is important when relating to others?(friends/family/business)
- Have you ever met anyone famous?
- What was the best day of your life?
- What was the worst day of your life?
- Who was/is the most important person in your life?
- Who was/is the most influential person in your life?
- If you had one piece of advice for the world, what would it be?
- Do you have a personal motto that you live by? What is it?
hen using these questions in a class — make sure to have your own copy of the questions with plenty of spaces on the page to take notes on what the student said, so that could they can be used as reference for future lessons. If they appear nervous about this, or if you want to tell them ahead of time, just be honest, and say that you don’t want to forget any important details. This is especially helpful if you have many different students or if you do not have a great memory.
t can also be helpful to provide the student with a copy of the questions so that he or she (or they) are able to ask you questions as well. It is supposed to be a conversation after-all. Remember that a conversation is two-way communication. Without this “back-and-forth” — it is just an interview.
emember that you don’t need to follow the list. Use follow-up questions. If something the student says is interesting to you — ask about it. And if you see that there is something that the student is very interested in, ask about that! The best way to get a student to communicate is to talk about things that he or she is interested in.
hope this list is helpful to you. If you would like to use it in your teaching practice — by all means, do-so. (There’s really no way I can stop you anyway.) 😀 So… Feel free to copy these questions and use them for your own conversational class. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns — you are invited to respectfully do so. I look forward to hearing what you have to share.
Have An Excellent Day!
😉
Explore GiveMeSomeEnglish!!!
If This Article Was Helpful, Please Consider Making A Donation
If This Article Was Helpful, Please Consider Making A Donation