ESL Discussion Questions – World War I

World War I, often described as “The Great War,” marks a significant period in history that reshaped nations, politics, and societies across the globe. Below are discussion questions tailored to various English proficiency levels, designed to encourage exploration and understanding of World War I’s complex legacy.

A2 Level

1. What was World War I?
2. Why do people wear poppies to remember World War I?
3. Which countries were involved in World War I?
4. What happened after World War I ended?
5. Why is it important to remember World War I?
6. Can you name a famous battle from World War I?
7. How did World War I affect families?
8. What do you think are lessons from World War I?
9. How do people in your country remember World War I?
10. What symbols represent peace?

B1 Level

1. What were the main causes of World War I?
2. How did technology change warfare during World War I?
3. What was life like for soldiers in the trenches?
4. How did World War I lead to changes in maps and countries?
5. Why is the Treaty of Versailles significant?
6. How did World War I affect women’s roles in society?
7. What are some famous poems or books about World War I?
8. How do memorials help us remember the war?
9. What role did animals play in World War I?
10. How did World War I influence art and literature?

B2 Level

1. Analyze the impact of World War I on international relations.
2. Discuss the concept of “total war” and its implications during World War I.
3. Evaluate the effects of World War I on colonial empires.
4. How did propaganda influence public opinion during World War I?
5. Explore the psychological impact of World War I on soldiers and societies.
6. Discuss the role of nationalism in the outbreak of World War I.
7. How did World War I contribute to the rise of political movements?
8. What were the long-term economic consequences of World War I?
9. How did the war affect the boundaries of Europe?
10. Discuss the significance of the armistice and the end of World War I.

C1 Level

1. Critically assess the role of alliances and treaties in escalating World War I.
2. Explore the impact of World War I on the concept of sovereignty.
3. Analyze the legacy of World War I in shaping modern warfare.
4. Discuss the role of gender and race in World War I narratives.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of post-war peace efforts and their failure to prevent World War II.
6. How did World War I alter perceptions of heroism and bravery?
7. Discuss the ethical considerations of chemical warfare introduced during World War I.
8. Analyze the cultural and psychological concept of the “Lost Generation.”
9. Explore the influence of World War I on the development of international law.
10. How did World War I shape the 20th century’s geopolitical landscape?

C2 Level

1. Debate the historiographical interpretations of World War I’s causes and consequences.
2. Analyze the transformation of military strategies and technologies during World War I.
3. Discuss the impact of World War I on global economic systems.
4. Examine the role of World War I in the evolution of national identities.
5. Critique the portrayal of World War I in contemporary media and education.
6. Explore the implications of World War I on modern peacekeeping and conflict resolution strategies.
7. Analyze the societal changes induced by World War I in terms of class and social structure.
8. Discuss the impact of World War I on the philosophy and psychology of the 20th century.
9. Evaluate the role of memory and commemoration in the ongoing legacy of World War I.
10. Examine the effect of World War I on the advancement of medical science and healthcare.