ESL Discussion Questions – Flight MH370

The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 is a profound mystery that has captivated the world since 2014. This incident raises numerous questions that touch on aviation safety, international cooperation, and the emotional impact on families of those aboard. Below, we’ll explore discussion questions tailored to various ESL proficiency levels, aimed at fostering engaging conversations on this topic.

A2 Level (Elementary)

1. What is Flight MH370?
2. When did MH370 disappear?
3. From where to where was MH370 flying?
4. How many people were on board MH370?
5. What countries helped look for MH370?
6. What kind of airplane was MH370?
7. Have you ever flown on an airplane?
8. How do people travel long distances in your country?
9. What do you pack in your suitcase when you travel?
10. How do you feel about flying?
11. Can airplanes disappear today with modern technology?
12. What is the longest flight you know?
13. What do pilots do during a flight?
14. How do families of the passengers feel?
15. What would you do if you were waiting for someone on MH370?
16. Do you think it’s important to find MH370? Why?
17. What is a black box in an airplane?
18. How can airplanes be tracked?
19. What safety measures should airlines have?
20. Would you feel safe flying after hearing about MH370?

B1 Level (Intermediate)

1. Describe what happened to Flight MH370.
2. What efforts have been made to find MH370?
3. Why is it important to find the airplane?
4. How did the world react to MH370’s disappearance?
5. What challenges do search teams face in the ocean?
6. Discuss the importance of international cooperation in search efforts.
7. How has aviation safety changed since MH370?
8. What theories exist about MH370’s disappearance?
9. How do airlines communicate with airplanes?
10. What role do satellites play in tracking flights?
11. How do incidents like MH370 affect public confidence in air travel?
12. Discuss the emotional impact on the families of MH370 passengers.
13. What is the Bermuda Triangle, and why do people mention it when talking about MH370?
14. How do you think technology will prevent future disappearances?
15. What have been some of the false leads in the MH370 search?
16. How do search operations decide where to look?
17. Discuss the role of media in the MH370 disappearance.
18. What can we learn from the MH370 incident?
19. How do governments assist in such international incidents?
20. Would you participate in a search effort? Why or why not?

B2 Level (Upper-Intermediate)

1. Analyze the implications of MH370’s disappearance on international aviation regulations.
2. How do geopolitical relations affect international search and rescue operations?
3. Discuss the psychological impact on society and the aviation community after MH370.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the search efforts based on available technology.
5. Compare MH370’s disappearance with other aviation mysteries.
6. What are the challenges in deep-sea exploration for MH370?
7. How do conspiracy theories emerge, and why are they prevalent in cases like MH370?
8. Discuss the ethical considerations in reporting on MH370.
9. How has MH370 influenced changes in flight tracking technology?
10. What is the significance of the debris found believed to be from MH370?
11. Evaluate the role of crowd-sourcing in solving aviation mysteries.
12. Discuss the financial and resource implications of the search for MH370.
13. How do families keep the memory of the MH370 passengers alive?
14. Analyze the media’s role in shaping public perception of MH370.
15. What lessons can future pilots learn from MH370?
16. How does MH370 compare to the disappearance of Amelia Earhart?
17. Discuss the importance of closure for families in unresolved tragedies.
18. What are the limitations of current aviation technology, as revealed by MH370?
19. How do international laws impact the search for MH370?
20. Discuss the future of aviation safety and security post-MH370.

C1 Level (Advanced)

1. Critically assess the international response to MH370’s disappearance.
2. Explore the implications of MH370 on global aviation safety standards.
3. Discuss the human factors and psychological aspects of MH370’s disappearance.
4. Analyze the media coverage of MH370 and its impact on public opinion.
5. Evaluate the transparency and communication of Malaysian Airlines and authorities during the crisis.
6. Discuss the role of satellite data in reconstructing MH370’s flight path.
7. Examine the challenges in coordinating an international search effort.
8. Analyze the impact of MH370 on policy changes in the aviation industry.
9. Discuss the ethical implications of speculation and conspiracy theories.
10. Evaluate the long-term effects of MH370 on the aviation industry and public trust.

C2 Level (Proficiency)

1. Assess the methodological approaches to the MH370 search operation.
2. Discuss the role of international law in aviation accident investigations.
3. Analyze the socio-political consequences of MH370 in Malaysia and internationally.
4. Evaluate the psychological theories regarding the disappearance of MH370.
5. Examine the impact of technological advancements on solving aviation mysteries.
6. Discuss the implications of MH370 on future aerospace engineering designs.
7. Analyze the balance between privacy and security in the aftermath of MH370.
8. Evaluate the role of international agencies in managing global aviation crises.
9. Discuss the philosophical questions raised by MH370’s disappearance.
10. Examine the narrative and counter-narrative in the MH370 discourse.