CONVERSATIONS SKILLS meeting people
- He will return for a follow-up visit.
彼は外来通院する。 - Hey, this pizza isn't bad. Not bad at all.
このピザそう捨てたものでもないよ。 - How do you know Hanako?
花子をどうして知っているの？ - How was your trip?
旅行はどうだった？ - How's it going?
調子いいですか。 - I almost feel like you're my long-lost sibling.
私はあなたのことをまるで初めてであった兄弟のように感じています。 - I have lots of roommates who cannot speak English well.
英語がうまく話せないルームメイトはたくさんいます。 - I met him for the first time.
彼とは初対面です。 - I really miss you.
私はあなたがとても恋しい。 - I'll talk to you later.
あとで話します. - I've heard a lot about you.
お噂は聞いています。 - It was a pleasure to meet you.
お会いできてうれしかった。 - It's nice to meet you.
初めまして - Mr. Yamada told me about you.
山田さんがあなたのことを紹介してくれました。 - She is working for herself
自前で稼いでいる - The bride and groom exchange presents.
新郎・新婦は贈り物を交換します。 - Those tents are probably for a wedding reception.
それらのテントは，たぶん結婚披露宴のためのものです。 - Will you excuse me for just a moment?
ちょっと失礼してよいでしょうか。 - You must be Tom's younger sister.
あなたはトムの妹ですね。
About You
What are some things that you worry about?
What are some things that make you relaxed?
What’s something that you dream of doing?
What’s something, or someone, that you are proud of?
What’s something you’re confident about?
What's something you're insecure about?
What’s something you’re surprised by?
What’s something that you are afraid of?
What’s something you don’t believe in?
What’s something you’re good at (don’t be modest!)?
What’s something that you’re poor at?
What’s something you love?
What’s something you dislike?
What’s something that bores you?
What’s something that interests you?
What’s something you have difficulty with?
What’s something that you find easy?
What are some things that you worry about?
What are some things that make you relaxed?
What’s something that you dream of doing?
What’s something, or someone, that you are proud of?
What’s something you’re confident about?
What's something you're insecure about?
What’s something you’re surprised by?
What’s something that you are afraid of?
What’s something you don’t believe in?
What’s something you’re good at (don’t be modest!)?
What’s something that you’re poor at?
What’s something you love?
What’s something you dislike?
What’s something that bores you?
What’s something that interests you?
What’s something you have difficulty with?
What’s something that you find easy?
Beauty and Physical Attractiveness
How would you describe beauty?
How important are looks for you?
Who in your opinion is a beautiful woman? Man?
Who would you like to look like? Give reasons for your answer.
Which is most important - beauty, personality, or intelligence? Why?
What type of beauty products do you personally use?
Would you ever consider having surgery to change something about your appearance?
How much time do you spend on your appearance each day?
What might you look for in a partner?
Is physical attractiveness the most important thing for you?
What’s your opinion of beauty pageants?
Do you think one gender or certain group of people worry more about beauty than others?
What’s your opinion of tattoos or body piercing? Why do you think this is?
Would you ever consider getting a tattoo? Why or why not?
If so, what design would you choose, and why?
Should there be a law resticting what age a person can get a tattoo? Why or why not?
In what countries do you think people have the most tattoos?
Why do you think people in those cultures get tattoos?
How do people you know feel about tattoos and body piercings?
How would you describe beauty?
How important are looks for you?
Who in your opinion is a beautiful woman? Man?
Who would you like to look like? Give reasons for your answer.
Which is most important - beauty, personality, or intelligence? Why?
What type of beauty products do you personally use?
Would you ever consider having surgery to change something about your appearance?
How much time do you spend on your appearance each day?
What might you look for in a partner?
Is physical attractiveness the most important thing for you?
What’s your opinion of beauty pageants?
Do you think one gender or certain group of people worry more about beauty than others?
What’s your opinion of tattoos or body piercing? Why do you think this is?
Would you ever consider getting a tattoo? Why or why not?
If so, what design would you choose, and why?
Should there be a law resticting what age a person can get a tattoo? Why or why not?
In what countries do you think people have the most tattoos?
Why do you think people in those cultures get tattoos?
How do people you know feel about tattoos and body piercings?
Bookworms
Would you consider yourself to be a bookworm? Why or why not?
What’s your favorite genre for a novel? What’s your least favorite genre?
When do you like to read? In the evenings? On the train?
Do you prefer reading fiction or non-fiction books? Why?
Do you have a favorite author or authors?
Is reading for you a means of passing time, or a relaxation activity?
What was the last really good book that you read? What did you like about it?
Have you ever read a biography or autobiography? Whose did you read?
Do you have a wide collection of books at home?
Do you tend to borrow from friends, or from the library?
Would you consider yourself to be a bookworm? Why or why not?
What’s your favorite genre for a novel? What’s your least favorite genre?
When do you like to read? In the evenings? On the train?
Do you prefer reading fiction or non-fiction books? Why?
Do you have a favorite author or authors?
Is reading for you a means of passing time, or a relaxation activity?
What was the last really good book that you read? What did you like about it?
Have you ever read a biography or autobiography? Whose did you read?
Do you have a wide collection of books at home?
Do you tend to borrow from friends, or from the library?
Cars and Driving
What vocabulary comes to mind when you think of cars?
What type of car do you like? Do you prefer sedans, convertibles, or four wheel drives?
What colors of car do you like? What colors do you dislike?
Do you often go for trips by car? Why or why not?
What are some accessories or features that you think every vehicle should have? Why?
Have you driven in a foreign country before?
What’s the maximum speed you’ve driven at?
Have you ever received a speeding ticket?
Are you able to do repairs on your car if it breaks down?
How do you get your car repaired?
Do you prefer driving or being a passenger? Why?
What vocabulary comes to mind when you think of cars?
What type of car do you like? Do you prefer sedans, convertibles, or four wheel drives?
What colors of car do you like? What colors do you dislike?
Do you often go for trips by car? Why or why not?
What are some accessories or features that you think every vehicle should have? Why?
Have you driven in a foreign country before?
What’s the maximum speed you’ve driven at?
Have you ever received a speeding ticket?
Are you able to do repairs on your car if it breaks down?
How do you get your car repaired?
Do you prefer driving or being a passenger? Why?
Childhood Memories
How much of your childhood do you recall?
What were you like as a child? Use three words.
Compare yourself as you are now to when you were a child.
What’s the fondest memory you have of your childhood?
What were some of the most memorable times?
What are some of the games you used to play at school? At home?
What do you remember doing with your parents?
How did you find school as a child?
What do you remember about some of your teachers?
What sports or extracurricular activities were you involved in?
What extracurricular activities did your parents encourage you to do?
What were your friends like as youngsters? Rebels? Nerds?
What did you used to do as a teenager with your friends?
What type of chores did you have to do at home? Dishes? Laundry? Vacuuming?
Which was your favorite? Least favorite? Why?
What foods did you like or dislike as a child?
What was your favorite snack as a child? Do you still like it today?
How much of your childhood do you recall?
What were you like as a child? Use three words.
Compare yourself as you are now to when you were a child.
What’s the fondest memory you have of your childhood?
What were some of the most memorable times?
What are some of the games you used to play at school? At home?
What do you remember doing with your parents?
How did you find school as a child?
What do you remember about some of your teachers?
What sports or extracurricular activities were you involved in?
What extracurricular activities did your parents encourage you to do?
What were your friends like as youngsters? Rebels? Nerds?
What did you used to do as a teenager with your friends?
What type of chores did you have to do at home? Dishes? Laundry? Vacuuming?
Which was your favorite? Least favorite? Why?
What foods did you like or dislike as a child?
What was your favorite snack as a child? Do you still like it today?
Clothes and Fashion
How much of your monthly income do you spend on clothes and fashion?
How do the seasons affect how much you spend on clothing or how much you buy?
Do you keep up with the latest fashions and trends?
What do you enjoy about shopping for new clothes or new fashion accessories?
How often do you shop?
Do you think it’s important to wear clothes and accessories that are in fashion?
Do you still wear clothes that you wore in previous seasons? Why or why not?
How do you know what the latest fashions are?
Do you check out fashions in magazines, on-line, in shops?
What kinds of accessories do you like to shop for?
What are some of the accessories that you have?
How does a new, different outfit make you feel?
Has a friend or relative ever made clothes for you? What did they make?
Have you ever made your own clothes? What did you make?
How much of your monthly income do you spend on clothes and fashion?
How do the seasons affect how much you spend on clothing or how much you buy?
Do you keep up with the latest fashions and trends?
What do you enjoy about shopping for new clothes or new fashion accessories?
How often do you shop?
Do you think it’s important to wear clothes and accessories that are in fashion?
Do you still wear clothes that you wore in previous seasons? Why or why not?
How do you know what the latest fashions are?
Do you check out fashions in magazines, on-line, in shops?
What kinds of accessories do you like to shop for?
What are some of the accessories that you have?
How does a new, different outfit make you feel?
Has a friend or relative ever made clothes for you? What did they make?
Have you ever made your own clothes? What did you make?
Computerized World
How much of your working life and private life do you spend using a computer?
Would you say you’re computer literate?
How about your family, friends, and co-workers?
Do you have a computer or use one at work?
What type of computer do you use most often and what do you use it for?
Do you think knowledge of computers is a necessity in modern-day life?
Do you enjoy surfing the internet? What types of sites do you like to visit?
How much time do you spend emailing, downloading photographs or music, or playing games? What else do you use your computer for?
What specifically would you like to learn more about computers and why?
Is there a particular computer you would like to have?
Has your computer model been replaced by a newer version?
Do you think our lives have been improved or made more difficult by computers?
How much of your working life and private life do you spend using a computer?
Would you say you’re computer literate?
How about your family, friends, and co-workers?
Do you have a computer or use one at work?
What type of computer do you use most often and what do you use it for?
Do you think knowledge of computers is a necessity in modern-day life?
Do you enjoy surfing the internet? What types of sites do you like to visit?
How much time do you spend emailing, downloading photographs or music, or playing games? What else do you use your computer for?
What specifically would you like to learn more about computers and why?
Is there a particular computer you would like to have?
Has your computer model been replaced by a newer version?
Do you think our lives have been improved or made more difficult by computers?
Cooking
Do you enjoy cooking? What are your favorite meals to cook?
What ingredients do you always keep in the refrigerator or cupboards at home?
Describe five different ways to serve eggs. Which is your favorite?
How often do you cook?
How long do you usually spend preparing a meal?
Do you follow recipes when you cook, or do you cook from memory?
How health conscious are you when deciding on what to cook?
Do you count calories?
How often do you watch cooking or food preparation shows on television?
How many cooking utensils can you name?
How many do you usually use when you cook?
Do you enjoy cooking? What are your favorite meals to cook?
What ingredients do you always keep in the refrigerator or cupboards at home?
Describe five different ways to serve eggs. Which is your favorite?
How often do you cook?
How long do you usually spend preparing a meal?
Do you follow recipes when you cook, or do you cook from memory?
How health conscious are you when deciding on what to cook?
Do you count calories?
How often do you watch cooking or food preparation shows on television?
How many cooking utensils can you name?
How many do you usually use when you cook?
Crimes and Criminals
Do you worry about crime in your country?
Do you think it’s increasing or decreasing?
What are some common crimes in your country?
What do you think the reasons for them are?
Do you generally feel safe walking around on your own?
Does it depend on where you are?
Are some parts of your city or town more dangerous than others?
Do you think the police in your country are effective?
Do you trust them? How often do you talk to them?
What would you do if you saw someone being mugged?
Have you ever seen the inside of a prison? Would you like to?
Which countries do you think are dangerous? Why?
What’s the most dangerous place you’ve ever been to? Why was it dangerous?
What are the laws on guns in your country?
Are these laws strict enough? Are they too strict?
Do you worry about crime in your country?
Do you think it’s increasing or decreasing?
What are some common crimes in your country?
What do you think the reasons for them are?
Do you generally feel safe walking around on your own?
Does it depend on where you are?
Are some parts of your city or town more dangerous than others?
Do you think the police in your country are effective?
Do you trust them? How often do you talk to them?
What would you do if you saw someone being mugged?
Have you ever seen the inside of a prison? Would you like to?
Which countries do you think are dangerous? Why?
What’s the most dangerous place you’ve ever been to? Why was it dangerous?
What are the laws on guns in your country?
Are these laws strict enough? Are they too strict?
Culture
What do you think are some things that define a culture? (art, music, language)
What’s unique to your own culture?
Are there any other cultures that resemble your own?
Are there some things in particular that you like or dislike about your culture?
What has surprised you when you have met people from other cultures?
Would you ever consider living in a country with a very different culture from your own?
What are some things that are considered rude or unacceptable in your culture?
What advice would you want to give people who just moved to Japan about your culture?
How would you feel if a member of your family married someone from a different culture?
What are three things you hope do change about Japan's culture?
What are three things you hope never change about Japan's culture?
How does learning a language help with understanding the culture?
What do you think are some things that define a culture? (art, music, language)
What’s unique to your own culture?
Are there any other cultures that resemble your own?
Are there some things in particular that you like or dislike about your culture?
What has surprised you when you have met people from other cultures?
Would you ever consider living in a country with a very different culture from your own?
What are some things that are considered rude or unacceptable in your culture?
What advice would you want to give people who just moved to Japan about your culture?
How would you feel if a member of your family married someone from a different culture?
What are three things you hope do change about Japan's culture?
What are three things you hope never change about Japan's culture?
How does learning a language help with understanding the culture?
Drinking
Do you enjoy going out for social drinks with friends or colleagues?
How often do you go out for a drink?
What do you like to drink? What do you dislike?
Do you think being drunk excuses bad behavior? Why or why not?
Do you like to have something to eat when you go for a drink?
What’s a food that you enjoy when drinking?
What type of drinking spots do you enjoy going to?
What is a good atmosphere to have drinks in?
What’s the legal drinking age in your country?
Is underage drinking much of a problem?
What do you believe is a reasonable age for drinking?
Do you think that alcohol is expensive?
Do you think alcohol should be more heavily taxed than other items?
Is it socially acceptable to drink in public in your culture?
Are there some places where it's frowned upon to drink?
Do you enjoy going out for social drinks with friends or colleagues?
How often do you go out for a drink?
What do you like to drink? What do you dislike?
Do you think being drunk excuses bad behavior? Why or why not?
Do you like to have something to eat when you go for a drink?
What’s a food that you enjoy when drinking?
What type of drinking spots do you enjoy going to?
What is a good atmosphere to have drinks in?
What’s the legal drinking age in your country?
Is underage drinking much of a problem?
What do you believe is a reasonable age for drinking?
Do you think that alcohol is expensive?
Do you think alcohol should be more heavily taxed than other items?
Is it socially acceptable to drink in public in your culture?
Are there some places where it's frowned upon to drink?
Favorite Things
What's your favorite season? Why?
What’s your favorite thing to do during that season?
What's your favorite animal?
Describe that animal using three different words.
What is it that you like best about that animal?
What's your favorite restaurant?
What do you like about it (the food, price, atmosphere, or something else)?
What do you like to eat there? How often do you eat there?
What are some of your favorite countries? Why are they your favorite countries?
Would you like to live in any of them permanently? Why or why not?
What's your favorite color? What things does this color make you think of?
What feelings do you associate with this color?
What's your favorite movie? What do you like most about it?
Who is your favorite actor or actress? What is it you like most about them?
What's your favorite sport? Do you prefer to watch or participate?
Do you have a favorite athlete or team? What is it you like most about them?
Who do you think is the greatest athlete in the history of that sport and why?
What's your favorite book or author?
What is it you like most about them; their writing style, the content or the subject matter?
How often do you read?
What are your favorite childhood memories? Why?
What's your favorite way of spending a day off work?
What would you like to do on your ideal vacation?
What's your favorite type of movie?
What’s an example of a really good movie that you have recently seen?
What's your favorite season? Why?
What’s your favorite thing to do during that season?
What's your favorite animal?
Describe that animal using three different words.
What is it that you like best about that animal?
What's your favorite restaurant?
What do you like about it (the food, price, atmosphere, or something else)?
What do you like to eat there? How often do you eat there?
What are some of your favorite countries? Why are they your favorite countries?
Would you like to live in any of them permanently? Why or why not?
What's your favorite color? What things does this color make you think of?
What feelings do you associate with this color?
What's your favorite movie? What do you like most about it?
Who is your favorite actor or actress? What is it you like most about them?
What's your favorite sport? Do you prefer to watch or participate?
Do you have a favorite athlete or team? What is it you like most about them?
Who do you think is the greatest athlete in the history of that sport and why?
What's your favorite book or author?
What is it you like most about them; their writing style, the content or the subject matter?
How often do you read?
What are your favorite childhood memories? Why?
What's your favorite way of spending a day off work?
What would you like to do on your ideal vacation?
What's your favorite type of movie?
What’s an example of a really good movie that you have recently seen?
Fears
What's something that you are afraid of?
What’s something that you think most people would be afraid of?
Are there any parts of your city or town that you’d be scared to visit? Why?
Are there any countries you’d be scared to travel to on your own? Why?
Are you scared of dogs, sharks, spiders, cockroaches or any other animals or insects?
Do you think it’s important for people to face their fears? Why or why not?
If you could overcome one fear you have, what would it be?
Are you afraid of heights?
What do you think about skydiving, bungee jumping, or flying in a small airplane?
Do you like horror movies? What are some of the scariest movies you’ve seen?
Do you think people have more fears as children or as adults? Explain.
What's something that you are afraid of?
What’s something that you think most people would be afraid of?
Are there any parts of your city or town that you’d be scared to visit? Why?
Are there any countries you’d be scared to travel to on your own? Why?
Are you scared of dogs, sharks, spiders, cockroaches or any other animals or insects?
Do you think it’s important for people to face their fears? Why or why not?
If you could overcome one fear you have, what would it be?
Are you afraid of heights?
What do you think about skydiving, bungee jumping, or flying in a small airplane?
Do you like horror movies? What are some of the scariest movies you’ve seen?
Do you think people have more fears as children or as adults? Explain.
Food and Eating
What's your favorite type of food? How often do you eat it?
Do you think you have a big appetite?
How many meals do you eat a day?
Do you usually eat at home or do you dine out regularly?
Do you like to cook for yourself? Why or why not?
What's your favorite dish to cook? Why?
Do you have regular meal times or do you just eat when you get the chance?
Are you health-conscious when it comes to selecting meals?
What types of food do you try to include in your diet?
Do you enjoy eating fruits and vegetables?
Do you often skip breakfast or other meals? Why or why not?
Do you take a packed lunch to work or do you buy lunch?
What kind of lunch do you eat regularly?
How often do you eat fast foods or eat out in restaurants?
Give some examples of dishes that have these flavors: sweet, sour, spicy, tangy
What's your favorite type of food? How often do you eat it?
Do you think you have a big appetite?
How many meals do you eat a day?
Do you usually eat at home or do you dine out regularly?
Do you like to cook for yourself? Why or why not?
What's your favorite dish to cook? Why?
Do you have regular meal times or do you just eat when you get the chance?
Are you health-conscious when it comes to selecting meals?
What types of food do you try to include in your diet?
Do you enjoy eating fruits and vegetables?
Do you often skip breakfast or other meals? Why or why not?
Do you take a packed lunch to work or do you buy lunch?
What kind of lunch do you eat regularly?
How often do you eat fast foods or eat out in restaurants?
Give some examples of dishes that have these flavors: sweet, sour, spicy, tangy
Friendships
Describe the personality of one of your closest friends.
What do you have in common?
What do you like to do with your close friends?
Do you have any friends from your childhood that you are still close to now?
How did you meet?
How do you make new friends?
Where do you meet people?
Do you make friends easily?
How would your friends describe you?
How would you describe your relationship with your coworkers?
Do you have any long-distance friends?
How do you keep in touch? How often do you contact or see each other?
What would you do if a close friend let you down or disappointed you?
Would you tell them how you felt? Why or why not?
Do you ever argue with friends?
What do you think about arguing with friends?
What kind of advice would you give someone about being a good friend?
Describe the personality of one of your closest friends.
What do you have in common?
What do you like to do with your close friends?
Do you have any friends from your childhood that you are still close to now?
How did you meet?
How do you make new friends?
Where do you meet people?
Do you make friends easily?
How would your friends describe you?
How would you describe your relationship with your coworkers?
Do you have any long-distance friends?
How do you keep in touch? How often do you contact or see each other?
What would you do if a close friend let you down or disappointed you?
Would you tell them how you felt? Why or why not?
Do you ever argue with friends?
What do you think about arguing with friends?
What kind of advice would you give someone about being a good friend?
Goals
What are some of your goals in life?
Do you think it’s likely you’ll achieve these goals? Why or why not?
Do you categorize your goals?
What would you say are your short-term goals?
How about long-term-goals?
What educational goals, career goals, or personal goals do you have?
Do you think it’s important to set goals for yourself? Why or why not?
Do you think it’s important for parents to help children set goals?
Do you think that having goals helps you achieve success? If so, how?
Do you think some of your goals are a little unrealistic? Why or why not?
Do you think that people have fewer goals as they get older? Why or why not?
What are some goals that you have already achieved?
What are some goals that you set for yourself when you were younger?
How many do you think you’re likely to achieve during your life?
Describe a goal that you have with your English speaking skills.
What are some of your goals in life?
Do you think it’s likely you’ll achieve these goals? Why or why not?
Do you categorize your goals?
What would you say are your short-term goals?
How about long-term-goals?
What educational goals, career goals, or personal goals do you have?
Do you think it’s important to set goals for yourself? Why or why not?
Do you think it’s important for parents to help children set goals?
Do you think that having goals helps you achieve success? If so, how?
Do you think some of your goals are a little unrealistic? Why or why not?
Do you think that people have fewer goals as they get older? Why or why not?
What are some goals that you have already achieved?
What are some goals that you set for yourself when you were younger?
How many do you think you’re likely to achieve during your life?
Describe a goal that you have with your English speaking skills.
Health Issues
Would you consider yourself to be in good health?
Is there something you would like to change to become healthier?
Do you smoke? Do you enjoy drinking?
Do you have a high caffeine intake? Are these pleasures health risks?
Are you conscious of what you eat in order to be healthy? If so, how?
Do you exercise? If so, how often? Are you a member of a sports club or gym?
What type of exercise do you enjoy doing?
Is exercise for you a chore or do you enjoy it?
What’s your idea of a healthy diet?
Do you have a healthy diet? Why or why not?
Is home cooking healthier than eating out?
How often do you eat junk food or fast foods?
Do you eat fruit and vegetables every day? How often?
Do you get sick often? Do you take medicine when you're sick?
Do you think it's important to have regular physicals or medical checkups?
Do you have regular medical exams or physicals?
Would you consider yourself to be in good health?
Is there something you would like to change to become healthier?
Do you smoke? Do you enjoy drinking?
Do you have a high caffeine intake? Are these pleasures health risks?
Are you conscious of what you eat in order to be healthy? If so, how?
Do you exercise? If so, how often? Are you a member of a sports club or gym?
What type of exercise do you enjoy doing?
Is exercise for you a chore or do you enjoy it?
What’s your idea of a healthy diet?
Do you have a healthy diet? Why or why not?
Is home cooking healthier than eating out?
How often do you eat junk food or fast foods?
Do you eat fruit and vegetables every day? How often?
Do you get sick often? Do you take medicine when you're sick?
Do you think it's important to have regular physicals or medical checkups?
Do you have regular medical exams or physicals?
Home Sweet Home
How would you describe your home?
How many rooms do you have?
How would you describe the decor?
Which room or rooms in your home do you like the most? Why?
How much time do you spend cleaning your home?
Would you describe your home as clean?
Do you like spending time at home?
How much of your time do you actually spend at home?
What changes, if any, would you like to make to your home?
What are some of the things in your home you couldn’t live without?
What are some things you could easily live without?
What do you look for in a place to live?
What kind of neighborhood do you prefer?
Do you invite people to your home regularly or do you prefer to meet friends outside?
How do you think your home differs from homes in other countries?
How would you describe your dream home?
How does it compare to your current home?
How would you describe your home?
How many rooms do you have?
How would you describe the decor?
Which room or rooms in your home do you like the most? Why?
How much time do you spend cleaning your home?
Would you describe your home as clean?
Do you like spending time at home?
How much of your time do you actually spend at home?
What changes, if any, would you like to make to your home?
What are some of the things in your home you couldn’t live without?
What are some things you could easily live without?
What do you look for in a place to live?
What kind of neighborhood do you prefer?
Do you invite people to your home regularly or do you prefer to meet friends outside?
How do you think your home differs from homes in other countries?
How would you describe your dream home?
How does it compare to your current home?
Memory
Do you think you have a good memory, or a bad memory? Explain why you think so.
How would you describe your earliest memory? How well do you remember it?
What are some things or times that you will never forget?
What places do you associate with your childhood?
What kind of memories do they bring back?
Have you ever forgotten an important date or an important meeting? What did you do?
Have you ever forgotten something you need, like your wallet or mobile phone?
What happened and how did you deal with it?
Describe some memories you have from your school days.
How would you describe your ability to remember things you are learning?
Do you remember things easily or do you have to study a lot?
What kind of study techniques do you use?
Do you know of anyone who has a photographic memory?
What kind of things are they able to remember?
What kind of things would you like to remember better?
Do you think you have a good memory, or a bad memory? Explain why you think so.
How would you describe your earliest memory? How well do you remember it?
What are some things or times that you will never forget?
What places do you associate with your childhood?
What kind of memories do they bring back?
Have you ever forgotten an important date or an important meeting? What did you do?
Have you ever forgotten something you need, like your wallet or mobile phone?
What happened and how did you deal with it?
Describe some memories you have from your school days.
How would you describe your ability to remember things you are learning?
Do you remember things easily or do you have to study a lot?
What kind of study techniques do you use?
Do you know of anyone who has a photographic memory?
What kind of things are they able to remember?
What kind of things would you like to remember better?
Movie Lovers
How often do you watch movies?
What’s your favorite type of movie? Why?
Name some of the common movie genres. Which do you prefer?
Which kind do you not like to watch? Why?
Do you prefer to watch movies at home or go to the movie theater? Why?
Name two of your favorite actors and actresses and describe why you like them.
What movies have you seen them in?
What’s a movie that you really enjoyed?
What was it about that movie that made it so good?
Do you think that sequels to blockbuster movies are as good as the original?
What’s an example of a good sequel or a poor sequel?
Who is a movie producer that you admire? Why?
Do you enjoy drinks and snacks during a movie screening?
If so, what do you eat and drink?
Do you like to watch horror movies?
What was the scariest movie that you ever saw?
How often do you watch movies?
What’s your favorite type of movie? Why?
Name some of the common movie genres. Which do you prefer?
Which kind do you not like to watch? Why?
Do you prefer to watch movies at home or go to the movie theater? Why?
Name two of your favorite actors and actresses and describe why you like them.
What movies have you seen them in?
What’s a movie that you really enjoyed?
What was it about that movie that made it so good?
Do you think that sequels to blockbuster movies are as good as the original?
What’s an example of a good sequel or a poor sequel?
Who is a movie producer that you admire? Why?
Do you enjoy drinks and snacks during a movie screening?
If so, what do you eat and drink?
Do you like to watch horror movies?
What was the scariest movie that you ever saw?
Music
Name as many genres of music as you can.
Which is your favorite? Which is your least favorite?
Can you play a musical instrument?
What would you like to learn to play?
How often do you go to karaoke?
Do you enjoy karaoke? What do you like to sing?
Would you consider yourself to be a good singer?
When do you enjoy listening to music? How does it make you feel?
Do you regularly purchase or download new music?
Do you keep up with the latest hits?
Who’s your favorite musician, singer, band?
How often do you attend concerts?
What live concerts have you seen recently?
Can you read music? Are you interested in learning? Why or why not?
Name as many genres of music as you can.
Which is your favorite? Which is your least favorite?
Can you play a musical instrument?
What would you like to learn to play?
How often do you go to karaoke?
Do you enjoy karaoke? What do you like to sing?
Would you consider yourself to be a good singer?
When do you enjoy listening to music? How does it make you feel?
Do you regularly purchase or download new music?
Do you keep up with the latest hits?
Who’s your favorite musician, singer, band?
How often do you attend concerts?
What live concerts have you seen recently?
Can you read music? Are you interested in learning? Why or why not?
Pet Lovers
Why do people keep pets? How about yourself?
Would you consider yourself to be an animal lover?
Do you prefer cats or dogs? Why?
What are some animals that you don't like? Why?
Are there any animals that you're afraid of?
Do you have any pets? What are they called?
How did you choose their names? Do their names have any meaning?
How did you get your pet?
Tell the story of where you got your pet, or where you would look for a pet if you wanted one.
Do you do anything special for your pet?
Is it difficult to look after your pet?
Do you buy pet clothing, accessories, toys, or treats?
What are your pet’s favorite toys and treats?
How often do you take pictures or movies of your pet?
Would you take your pet on vacation with you? Where would you go?
Do you think it would be easy or difficult to take your pet on vacation?
Do you think your pet would enjoy it? Why or why not?
When were you most happy to have your pet around?
Why do people keep pets? How about yourself?
Would you consider yourself to be an animal lover?
Do you prefer cats or dogs? Why?
What are some animals that you don't like? Why?
Are there any animals that you're afraid of?
Do you have any pets? What are they called?
How did you choose their names? Do their names have any meaning?
How did you get your pet?
Tell the story of where you got your pet, or where you would look for a pet if you wanted one.
Do you do anything special for your pet?
Is it difficult to look after your pet?
Do you buy pet clothing, accessories, toys, or treats?
What are your pet’s favorite toys and treats?
How often do you take pictures or movies of your pet?
Would you take your pet on vacation with you? Where would you go?
Do you think it would be easy or difficult to take your pet on vacation?
Do you think your pet would enjoy it? Why or why not?
When were you most happy to have your pet around?
Shopped out
Do you enjoy shopping? Is it enjoyable or is it a chore? Why?
How often do you go shopping?
What’s your favorite shopping area, department store, or shop? Why?
What things do you enjoy going shopping for?
Is there anything in particular that you don't like to go shopping for? Why?
Do you enjoy shopping for others, or buying buying gifts for other people?
Do you like shopping for new clothes? Why or why not?
How about grocery shopping? Explain your opinion.
How often do you "window shop"? Does this make you want to buy more?
What's the most expensive item you've ever bought? Was it worth what you paid for it?
Are you a fan of brand items? Why or why not?
Do you like to shop for what's currently in fashion or popular?
What do you think the expression "shop 'til you drop" means? Have you ever done this?
What difficulties, if any, have you had when shopping in a foreign country?
Do you enjoy shopping? Is it enjoyable or is it a chore? Why?
How often do you go shopping?
What’s your favorite shopping area, department store, or shop? Why?
What things do you enjoy going shopping for?
Is there anything in particular that you don't like to go shopping for? Why?
Do you enjoy shopping for others, or buying buying gifts for other people?
Do you like shopping for new clothes? Why or why not?
How about grocery shopping? Explain your opinion.
How often do you "window shop"? Does this make you want to buy more?
What's the most expensive item you've ever bought? Was it worth what you paid for it?
Are you a fan of brand items? Why or why not?
Do you like to shop for what's currently in fashion or popular?
What do you think the expression "shop 'til you drop" means? Have you ever done this?
What difficulties, if any, have you had when shopping in a foreign country?
Social Issues
Are you concerned about the aging population in your country?
What effects do you think the reduction in workforce might have?
Are you concerned about unemployment in your country?
Is it increasing or decreasing? Why do you think this is?
What does the government do to help unemployed people? Should it do more, or less?
Are there a lot of homeless people in cities that you have visited?
What do you think are some of the major causes of people becoming homeless?
What type of facilities does your country provide for homeless people?
Are there homeless shelters or food kitchens?
How do you feel when you see a homeless person? Explain your reasons.
What proportion of society are smokers?
Are smoking regulations in your country liberal or strict?
Is a law banning smoking in public places fair? Explain your opinions.
Do you think illegal substance usage is a serious problem in your country?
Are you concerned about the aging population in your country?
What effects do you think the reduction in workforce might have?
Are you concerned about unemployment in your country?
Is it increasing or decreasing? Why do you think this is?
What does the government do to help unemployed people? Should it do more, or less?
Are there a lot of homeless people in cities that you have visited?
What do you think are some of the major causes of people becoming homeless?
What type of facilities does your country provide for homeless people?
Are there homeless shelters or food kitchens?
How do you feel when you see a homeless person? Explain your reasons.
What proportion of society are smokers?
Are smoking regulations in your country liberal or strict?
Is a law banning smoking in public places fair? Explain your opinions.
Do you think illegal substance usage is a serious problem in your country?
Sweet Dreams
Do you usually remember your dreams?
Describe a dream you recently had.
What kinds of dreams do you usually have?
Have you ever had recurring dreams?
Do you think dreams have a purpose?
Do you think dreams tell us about our secret desires or are they just random ideas?
Do you think dreams can predict the future?
Have you ever tried to interpret the meaning of dreams you have had? Explain.
Do you know, or have you heard of, anyone who sleep walks or sleep talks?
Has anyone ever told you that you do it?
Have you ever dreamt about something you thought really happened?
Do the people you meet on a daily basis often appear in your dreams?
Do you usually remember your dreams?
Describe a dream you recently had.
What kinds of dreams do you usually have?
Have you ever had recurring dreams?
Do you think dreams have a purpose?
Do you think dreams tell us about our secret desires or are they just random ideas?
Do you think dreams can predict the future?
Have you ever tried to interpret the meaning of dreams you have had? Explain.
Do you know, or have you heard of, anyone who sleep walks or sleep talks?
Has anyone ever told you that you do it?
Have you ever dreamt about something you thought really happened?
Do the people you meet on a daily basis often appear in your dreams?
Television
How much TV do you watch?
When do you enjoy watching TV?
What are your favorite types of TV programs?
Do you have cable or satellite TV?
Do you think cable or satellite TV programming is superior to regular progamming?
Is it worth paying for?
Have you ever appeared on TV?
Would you like to be on TV? Why or why not?
If you had to choose a TV program to appear on live, what would it be and why?
Do you think the TV programs children watch should be monitored? Why or why not?
What are some TV programs that are popular among children, teenagers, and seniors?
Could you live without a TV? Why or why not?
Do you ever watch TV programs or movies in English?
Do you like TV shows or movies with subtitles? Why or why not?
Many mobile phones and cars now have TVs. What do you think about this?
How much TV do you watch?
When do you enjoy watching TV?
What are your favorite types of TV programs?
Do you have cable or satellite TV?
Do you think cable or satellite TV programming is superior to regular progamming?
Is it worth paying for?
Have you ever appeared on TV?
Would you like to be on TV? Why or why not?
If you had to choose a TV program to appear on live, what would it be and why?
Do you think the TV programs children watch should be monitored? Why or why not?
What are some TV programs that are popular among children, teenagers, and seniors?
Could you live without a TV? Why or why not?
Do you ever watch TV programs or movies in English?
Do you like TV shows or movies with subtitles? Why or why not?
Many mobile phones and cars now have TVs. What do you think about this?
The Artistic type
How would you describe a creative or artistic person?
Would you consider yourself to be artistic or creative? Why or why not?
Do you enjoy drawing or painting?
How about when you were a child?
What did you like to draw or paint with? (E.g. crayon, pencil, paint)
Have you ever taken art, music, or dance lessons? What type?
What did you like about them?
What didn’t you like about them?
Do you appreciate art museums and art exhibitions?
What type of art do you like?
What type of art do you dislike?
Which famous artist do you most admire?
What’s your favorite piece of work that they created?
What kind of music do you like?
Can you plan any musical instruments?
Do you think cartoons and comic strips are forms of art? Why or why not?
Have you ever been to a live performance of opera, classical music, ballet or theater?
Do you think photography, graffiti, tattoos, and break-dancing are art forms?
If you could develop your talent in a particular area of art, which would it be? Why?
How would you describe a creative or artistic person?
Would you consider yourself to be artistic or creative? Why or why not?
Do you enjoy drawing or painting?
How about when you were a child?
What did you like to draw or paint with? (E.g. crayon, pencil, paint)
Have you ever taken art, music, or dance lessons? What type?
What did you like about them?
What didn’t you like about them?
Do you appreciate art museums and art exhibitions?
What type of art do you like?
What type of art do you dislike?
Which famous artist do you most admire?
What’s your favorite piece of work that they created?
What kind of music do you like?
Can you plan any musical instruments?
Do you think cartoons and comic strips are forms of art? Why or why not?
Have you ever been to a live performance of opera, classical music, ballet or theater?
Do you think photography, graffiti, tattoos, and break-dancing are art forms?
If you could develop your talent in a particular area of art, which would it be? Why?