ESL Conversation Questions – Capitalism

A2 Level (Elementary)

1. What is capitalism?
2. Can you name some big companies?
3. What is a stock market?
4. How do people make money in capitalism?
5. What is investment?
6. Why do people start businesses?
7. How do you buy things in a store?
8. What is competition in business?
9. Why are some products more expensive than others?
10. How does advertising affect what you buy?
11. What jobs do people have in big companies?
12. How do businesses grow?
13. Why is money important in capitalism?
14. How do companies compete with each other?
15. What are some popular products you know?
16. How do new businesses start?
17. Why do prices change?
18. What is consumerism?
19. How do companies use technology?
20. Would you like to start a business?

B1 Level (Intermediate)

1. Discuss the role of corporations in capitalism.
2. How does capitalism impact everyday life?
3. What are the benefits of competition in business?
4. How does the stock market work?
5. Discuss the impact of consumerism on society.
6. What are the challenges small businesses face in capitalism?
7. How do advertisements influence consumer choices?
8. Discuss the importance of innovation in capitalism.
9. How does capitalism affect employment?
10. What are the pros and cons of having many brands?
11. How do trade and tariffs work in capitalism?
12. Discuss the impact of capitalism on the environment.
13. What is the role of government in capitalism?
14. How does globalization affect capitalism?
15. What are ethical considerations in capitalism?
16. Discuss the differences between capitalism and socialism.
17. How has capitalism changed over time?
18. What is the role of banks in capitalism?
19. How do economic crises happen in capitalism?
20. Discuss the future of capitalism.

B2 Level (Upper Intermediate)

1. Analyze the relationship between capitalism and economic growth.
2. Debate the ethical implications of capitalism.
3. Discuss the impact of capitalism on global inequality.
4. Evaluate the role of capitalism in technological advancement.
5. Analyze the balance between consumer rights and corporate power.
6. Discuss the influence of capitalism on cultural values.
7. Evaluate the sustainability of capitalist economic models.
8. Analyze the role of capitalism in shaping political systems.
9. Discuss the impact of capitalism on education and healthcare.
10. Debate the future of capitalism in a digital world.
11. Discuss the relationship between capitalism and the media.
12. Analyze the effects of capitalism on urban development.
13. Evaluate the role of capitalism in addressing climate change.
14. Discuss the impact of financial markets in capitalist economies.
15. How does capitalism influence international relations?
16. Analyze the role of multinational corporations in global capitalism.
17. Discuss the impact of venture capital and startups.
18. Evaluate the role of labor unions in capitalist societies.
19. Discuss the challenges of regulating capitalism.
20. Debate the impact of capitalism on creativity and arts.

C1 Level (Advanced)

1. Critique the role of capitalism in exacerbating wealth disparities.
2. Analyze the impact of capitalism on global resource distribution.
3. Evaluate the role of corporate social responsibility in capitalism.
4. Discuss the implications of monopoly power in capitalist markets.
5. Examine the challenges of ethical consumption in capitalist societies.
6. Analyze the role of capitalism in fostering innovation versus consolidation.
7. Evaluate the impact of financialization in capitalist economies.
8. Discuss the role of government intervention in capitalist markets.
9. Examine the effects of capitalism on societal norms and values.
10. Critically assess the role of capitalism in shaping global labor standards.

C2 Level (Proficiency)

1. Debate the philosophical underpinnings of capitalism.
2. Analyze the long-term viability of capitalism in the context of environmental limits.
3. Critically evaluate the impact of neoliberal policies in capitalist economies.
4. Examine the role of capitalism in perpetuating global conflicts.
5. Discuss the implications of capitalism on human rights and freedoms.
6. Analyze the intersection of capitalism and technology in shaping societal change.
7. Evaluate the impact of capitalism on cultural diversity and heritage.
8. Debate the role of capitalism in the future of global governance.
9. Examine the challenges of regulating capitalism in the digital age.
10. Critically assess the role of capitalism in addressing or exacerbating global health issues.