ESL Discussion Questions – History

A2 Level (Elementary)

1. What is your favorite historical period?
2. Who is a famous person from history you know?
3. Have you visited any historical places?
4. What did you learn about history in school?
5. Do you like watching movies about history?
6. What are some famous events in your country’s history?
7. Can you name a historical invention?
8. What old things have you seen in a museum?
9. Do you know any traditional songs or dances?
10. What historical costume would you like to wear?
11. Who was an important leader in history?
12. What old stories do you know?
13. Have you seen a castle or ancient building?
14. What do you think life was like 100 years ago?
15. Do you have any old things in your family?
16. Can you name a famous painting or sculpture?
17. What historical book have you read?
18. Do you know a legend or myth from your country?
19. What historical figure would you like to meet?
20. How did people travel in the past?

B1 Level (Intermediate)

1. Why is it important to learn history?
2. How has your country changed over time?
3. What historical event do you find most interesting?
4. How do you think history affects our lives today?
5. What can we learn from ancient civilizations?
6. How do you think people communicated in the past?
7. What era had the most beautiful fashion?
8. Can you think of a historical figure who changed the world?
9. How were different countries formed?
10. What are some ancient sports or games?
11. How did people keep time in the past?
12. What old tradition do you think should come back?
13. How have wars shaped the world?
14. What was the biggest discovery in history?
15. How did people entertain themselves before technology?
16. What do you think was the most difficult time to live in?
17. How has food changed throughout history?
18. What role did women play in history?
19. What ancient language would you like to learn?
20. How did people learn and share knowledge in the past?

B2 Level (Upper Intermediate)

1. Discuss the impact of a major historical event on the modern world.
2. How has technology evolved through history?
3. What are the most significant historical changes in your country?
4. How do different cultures record and celebrate history?
5. Discuss the role of art and literature in preserving history.
6. How has globalization affected cultural histories?
7. What lessons can we learn from historical failures and successes?
8. Discuss the importance of historical monuments.
9. How have historical figures influenced current societal norms?
10. What historical era would you like to live in and why?
11. How do historical events influence national identity?
12. Discuss the evolution of human rights through history.
13. How does history help us understand current political situations?
14. What are some controversial historical topics in your country?
15. How has the concept of family changed over time?
16. Discuss the role of religion in shaping history.
17. How has transportation evolved throughout history?
18. What historical mystery fascinates you the most?
19. Discuss the impact of colonization on different cultures.
20. How have historical pandemics changed societies?

C1 Level (Advanced)

1. Analyze the causes and effects of a major revolution.
2. Discuss the influence of historical narratives on national identities.
3. Evaluate the role of historians in shaping our understanding of the past.
4. Explore the relationship between history and memory.
5. Debate the objectivity and bias in historical documentation.
6. Analyze the impact of technological advancements on societal changes.
7. Discuss the significance of historical anniversaries and commemorations.
8. Evaluate the impact of historical events on gender roles and equality.
9. Explore the concept of historical revisionism.
10. Discuss the role of archaeology in uncovering human history.

C2 Level (Proficiency)

1. Critically assess the role of history in shaping contemporary political ideologies.
2. Debate the concept of historical determinism.
3. Explore the impact of historical narratives on intercultural relations.
4. Analyze the ethical implications of historical research and representation.
5. Discuss the intersection of history and philosophy in understanding human progress.
6. Evaluate the role of historical events in shaping economic theories and practices.
7. Examine the influence of historical figures on modern leadership models.
8. Critique the portrayal of history in modern media and entertainment.
9. Explore the concept of collective memory in historical consciousness.
10. Debate the challenges of preserving intangible cultural heritage.