ESL Conversation Questions – Basketball and NBA

A2 Level (Elementary)

1. What is basketball?
2. Have you ever watched a basketball game?
3. What equipment do you need to play basketball?
4. How many players are on a basketball team?
5. What do you know about the rules of basketball?
6. Do you have a favorite basketball team or player?
7. Where is basketball popular?
8. What colors are on a basketball uniform?
9. Can you name any famous basketball players?
10. How do you score points in basketball?
11. What do you think is fun about playing basketball?
12. How long does a basketball game last?
13. What kind of shoes do basketball players wear?
14. Do you know any movies about basketball?
15. Would you like to play basketball? Why or why not?
16. What do you think is hard about playing basketball?
17. How do you think players train for basketball?
18. Can girls play basketball too?
19. Have you ever been to a basketball game?
20. What do you think makes a good basketball player?

B1 Level (Intermediate)

1. How does basketball impact the culture in countries where it’s popular?
2. What are the main differences between street basketball and professional basketball?
3. How does teamwork play a role in basketball?
4. Can you describe the positions in basketball?
5. How has basketball changed over the years?
6. What skills are important for a basketball player?
7. How do people become professional basketball players?
8. What are some strategies used in basketball?
9. Why do you think basketball is popular worldwide?
10. How do basketball teams train?
11. What is the NBA?
12. How do basketball leagues work?
13. What is the significance of the three-point line in basketball?
14. How do referees make decisions in basketball?
15. What role do managers and coaches play in basketball?
16. Can you explain a memorable basketball game you watched or heard about?
17. How do injuries affect basketball players?
18. What is a slam dunk in basketball?
19. How do basketball players stay fit?
20. What are the mental aspects of playing basketball?

B2 Level (Upper-Intermediate)

1. Discuss the business aspect of professional basketball, especially the NBA.
2. How does media coverage affect basketball?
3. Analyze the role of statistics in basketball.
4. What is the historical significance of basketball in American culture?
5. Discuss the global spread of basketball and its impact.
6. How do nutrition and diet play a role in a basketball player’s performance?
7. What are the ethical issues in professional basketball, such as doping?
8. How has technology impacted the way basketball is played and watched?
9. Discuss the role of fan culture in basketball.
10. How does weather affect basketball games?
11. Analyze the importance of the point guard in a basketball game.
12. What are the psychological pressures faced by professional basketball players?
13. How do basketball teams build community and fan loyalty?
14. Discuss the importance of youth basketball programs.
15. How does the economics of basketball affect team performance?
16. What are the challenges of managing a basketball team?
17. How do injuries and rehabilitation impact a basketball player’s career?
18. Discuss the importance of scouting in basketball.
19. How do international events like the Olympics impact basketball?
20. What are the future trends in basketball?

C1 Level (Advanced)

1. Critically analyze the role of the NBA in international diplomacy.
2. Discuss the impact of salary caps and financial regulations in basketball.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of anti-doping measures in basketball.
4. Analyze the influence of basketball on national identity in countries like the USA.
5. Discuss the implications of media rights and broadcasting in basketball.
6. How does the college basketball system contribute to the NBA?
7. Evaluate the impact of player trades and transfers in basketball.
8. Discuss the role of analytics in modern basketball.
9. Analyze the cultural diversity in NBA teams.
10. How do international basketball competitions affect the sport’s global presence?

C2 Level (Proficiency)

1. Debate the influence of commercialization on the integrity of basketball.
2. Explore the relationship between basketball and societal values.
3. Critique the role of sportsmanship and ethics in professional basketball.
4. Examine the impact of labor disputes and strikes in basketball history.
5. Analyze the intersection of politics and basketball in international relations.
6. Discuss the potential of basketball as a tool for social change.
7. Evaluate the role of basketball in shaping youth culture and identity.
8. Explore the dynamics of race and diversity in the history of basketball.
9. Critically assess the role of media and celebrity culture in basketball.
10. Debate the future of basketball in an increasingly digital and globalized world.