ESL Conversation Questions – Buddhism

A2 Level (Elementary)

1. What colors do you see in a Buddhist temple?
2. Have you ever visited a temple? Describe it.
3. What is meditation? Have you tried it?
4. Do you know any famous Buddhist festivals?
5. What do people do at a Buddhist temple?
6. Can you name any countries where Buddhism is popular?
7. What symbols represent Buddhism?
8. Do you know any stories about Buddha?
9. How is Buddhism different from other religions?
10. What foods might Buddhists eat?
11. Have you seen Buddhist monks? What do they wear?
12. Do you know any Buddhist teachings?
13. What does peace mean in Buddhism?
14. Can anyone become a Buddhist?
15. How do Buddhists pray?
16. What do you think about vegetarianism in Buddhism?
17. Are there Buddhist holidays in your country?
18. What would you like to learn about Buddhism?
19. How do Buddhists celebrate New Year?
20. Do you think meditation is important?

B1 Level (Intermediate)

1. How does Buddhism influence the culture of a country?
2. What are the main teachings of Buddhism?
3. Can Buddhism be considered a philosophy or a religion?
4. Discuss the significance of meditation in Buddhism.
5. How do Buddhist teachings address modern life issues?
6. What role do monks play in Buddhist communities?
7. How does Buddhism view other religions?
8. Discuss the concept of karma in Buddhism.
9. What is the importance of temples in Buddhism?
10. How do Buddhist practices promote mental health?
11. Compare and contrast Buddhism with another religion you know.
12. What is the significance of the Lotus flower in Buddhism?
13. How does Buddhism address the concept of suffering?
14. Discuss the Buddhist approach to dealing with anger.
15. What are the differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?
16. How do Buddhist rituals differ from those in other religions?
17. Discuss the role of pilgrimage in Buddhism.
18. How does Buddhism influence art and architecture?
19. What is the Buddhist perspective on environmental conservation?
20. How do Buddhists view the afterlife?

B2 Level (Upper Intermediate)

1. Analyze the impact of Buddhism on societal values.
2. Discuss the philosophical aspects of Buddhist teachings.
3. How does Buddhism approach the concept of the self?
4. Examine the role of mindfulness in Buddhist practice.
5. Discuss how Buddhism adapts to different cultures.
6. Analyze the Buddhist perspective on modern ethical dilemmas.
7. Compare Buddhist meditation with other forms of meditation.
8. Discuss the intersection of Buddhism and science.
9. How does Buddhism address the issue of global peace?
10. Examine the evolution of Buddhist thought over centuries.
11. Discuss the relevance of the Four Noble Truths in today’s world.
12. Analyze the symbolism in Buddhist art.
13. How does Buddhism confront the challenges of materialism?
14. Discuss the concept of enlightenment in Buddhism.
15. Compare the Buddhist approach to education with Western methods.
16. Analyze the role of women in Buddhism.
17. Discuss how Buddhism views other spiritual paths.
18. Examine the influence of Buddhism on health and wellness practices.
19. How does Buddhism address social justice issues?
20. Discuss the future of Buddhism in the modern world.

C1 Level (Advanced)

1. Critically assess the influence of Buddhism on Western philosophy.
2. Discuss the integration of Buddhist practices into psychotherapy.
3. Analyze the concept of ’emptiness’ in Buddhist philosophy.
4. Evaluate the role of Buddhism in shaping Eastern politics.
5. Examine the relationship between Buddhism and modern science.
6. Discuss the challenges Buddhism faces in the digital age.
7. Analyze the impact of globalization on Buddhist traditions.
8. Critique the westernization of Buddhist practices.
9. Discuss the role of language in preserving Buddhist teachings.
10. Examine how Buddhism addresses existential questions.

C2 Level (Proficiency)

1. Debate the relevance of Buddhist ethics in contemporary moral dilemmas.
2. Analyze the philosophical underpinnings of Buddhist epistemology.
3. Critically evaluate the interpretation of Buddhism in popular culture.
4. Discuss the potential of Buddhism in addressing global environmental issues.
5. Analyze the role of meditation in cognitive and neurological research.
6. Debate the concept of nirvana in the context of modern existential thought.
7. Examine the intersection of Buddhism and postmodern philosophy.
8. Critically assess the adaptation of Buddhist practices in non-Buddhist societies.
9. Analyze the role of Buddhism in shaping socio-political discourses.
10. Debate the impact of technological advancements on Buddhist practices.