ESL Conversation Questions – Astronomy

A2 Level (Elementary)

1. What are the different things we can see in the sky at night?
2. Can you name any planets in our solar system?
3. What does the moon look like from where you live?
4. Have you ever seen a shooting star? What was it like?
5. What colors can we see in the sky when the sun sets?
6. How many stars can you see from your house?
7. What is your favorite planet and why?
8. Do you know any constellations? Can you describe one?
9. Have you ever used a telescope? What did you see?
10. What do you think an astronaut does in space?
11. Do you think there are aliens? Why or why not?
12. What does the Earth look like from space?
13. Have you ever seen a solar or lunar eclipse?
14. Why do we have day and night?
15. How is the weather different in space compared to Earth?

B1 Level (Intermediate)

1. Why is studying astronomy important?
2. How does the moon affect the Earth?
3. What do you think space travel will be like in the future?
4. Can you explain the difference between a meteor and a comet?
5. What would happen if there were no moon?
6. How does the sun provide energy to Earth?
7. What is your opinion on spending money on space exploration?
8. How do stars form and die?
9. Can you describe the Milky Way galaxy?
10. What are black holes and why are they interesting?
11. How do astronauts train for space missions?
12. What challenges do scientists face when exploring space?
13. What are the benefits of studying other planets?
14. Do you think life exists on other planets? Why or why not?
15. How has our understanding of the universe changed over time?

B2 Level (Upper Intermediate)

1. Discuss the impact of space technology on everyday life.
2. How does the study of astronomy contribute to our understanding of Earth’s history?
3. What are your thoughts on the possibility of colonizing other planets?
4. Explain the concept of a light year and its significance.
5. How do cultural perspectives on astronomy differ around the world?
6. What are the ethical considerations of space exploration?
7. Discuss the role of gravity in the solar system.
8. How do telescopes work and why are they important for astronomy?
9. What challenges would humans face living on another planet?
10. Explain the theory of the Big Bang.
11. How do scientists discover new planets?
12. What is the importance of the Hubble Space Telescope?
13. Discuss the potential of discovering extraterrestrial life.
14. How does the study of astronomy benefit other fields of science?
15. What are the most recent discoveries in astronomy?

C1 Level (Advanced)

1. Debate the pros and cons of manned versus unmanned space missions.
2. How do quantum physics and astronomy intersect?
3. Discuss the implications of the multiverse theory.
4. Evaluate the role of dark matter and dark energy in the universe.
5. Examine the relationship between black holes and the theory of relativity.
6. How do space missions contribute to international cooperation?
7. Discuss the challenges in accurately measuring the universe’s expansion.
8. What is the significance of finding water on other planets?
9. Analyze the potential impact of asteroid mining on Earth’s economy.
10. How does astrobiology shape our search for extraterrestrial life?
11. Discuss the long-term sustainability of space exploration.
12. Evaluate the ethical implications of terraforming planets.
13. How has the depiction of space in media influenced public perception of astronomy?
14. Discuss the challenges of time dilation in space travel.
15. Analyze the role of artificial intelligence in future space missions.

C2 Level (Proficiency)

1. Critique the current theories about the origin of the universe.
2. Discuss the philosophical implications of discovering extraterrestrial intelligence.
3. Evaluate the potential of advanced propulsion systems for interstellar travel.
4. Analyze the impact of space debris on future space missions.
5. Debate the ethical considerations of genetic modification for long-term space travel.
6. Examine the role of private companies in the future of space exploration.
7. Discuss the implications of space tourism on society and the environment.
8. Critically assess the feasibility of a permanent human settlement on Mars.
9. Analyze the potential consequences of a major solar storm on Earth.
10. Discuss the significance of the James Webb Space Telescope’s findings.
11. Evaluate the impact of space exploration on international law.
12. Analyze the challenges of communicating over vast interstellar distances.
13. Debate the necessity of establishing a universal space treaty.
14. Discuss the role of astronomy in understanding climate change on Earth.
15. Critically assess the future of international cooperation in space exploration.