ESL Discussion Questions – World War II

World War II, a pivotal moment in global history, provides a profound context for ESL students to explore themes of conflict, resilience, and peace. Below are discussion questions tailored to various English proficiency levels, designed to encourage deep thinking and conversation about the war’s impact and the lessons it offers.

A2 Level

1. What was World War II?
2. Which countries were involved in World War II?
3. Why is it important to remember World War II?
4. What are symbols of peace?
5. How do people remember World War II today?
6. Can you name a famous leader from World War II?
7. Why is peace important?
8. How can we learn from history?
9. What does “veteran” mean?
10. How do movies and books teach us about World War II?

B1 Level

1. What were the main causes of World War II?
2. How did World War II affect people’s lives?
3. What is the significance of the symbols like doves and olive branches?
4. How have countries reconciled after World War II?
5. Can you discuss a major event from World War II?
6. Why is it important to study history like World War II?
7. How did World War II change the world?
8. What lessons can we learn from World War II?
9. How do memorials help us remember wars?
10. What role did women play in World War II?

B2 Level

1. Analyze the global impact of World War II.
2. Discuss the importance of alliances during World War II.
3. Evaluate the consequences of World War II on international relations.
4. How did World War II contribute to the creation of the United Nations?
5. Explore the ethical implications of warfare strategies used during World War II.
6. Discuss the significance of peace treaties following World War II.
7. How did World War II affect technological advancements?
8. Compare and contrast the political landscapes before and after World War II.
9. What were the major human rights lessons learned from World War II?
10. How do literature and art portray World War II?

C1 Level

1. Critically assess the role of propaganda in World War II.
2. Explore the impact of World War II on civilian populations.
3. Discuss the long-term economic effects of World War II.
4. Analyze the psychological impact of World War II on soldiers and families.
5. Evaluate the role of international law in addressing war crimes from World War II.
6. Discuss the influence of World War II on modern global security policies.
7. Explore the concept of reconciliation and its examples post-World War II.
8. How did World War II shape national identities?
9. Discuss the legacy of World War II veterans in promoting peace.
10. Evaluate the historical accuracy of World War II representations in media.

C2 Level

1. Debate the justifications and criticisms of the use of atomic bombs in World War II.
2. Analyze the role of colonialism and imperialism in the lead-up to World War II.
3. Discuss the impact of World War II on the decolonization process.
4. Evaluate the ethical considerations of scientific research conducted during World War II.
5. Explore the challenges of historical memory and its representation of World War II.
6. Analyze the role of espionage and intelligence in shaping the outcomes of World War II.
7. Discuss the implications of World War II for the development of international human rights norms.
8. Examine the role of gender and race in the military forces during World War II.
9. Evaluate the impact of World War II on the arts and culture.
10. Discuss the role of post-World War II education in promoting peace and preventing future conflicts.