Are you ready to move beyond basic English conversations? This collection of English Conversation Questions for Pre-Intermediate (B1) is designed to help learners speak more naturally, express opinions, describe experiences, and discuss everyday topics with greater confidence.
Whether you’re studying for school, preparing for an English exam, practicing for job interviews, or simply improving your fluency, these conversation questions will help you build speaking confidence through meaningful discussions.
Unlike simple yes/no questions, these speaking prompts encourage learners to give longer answers, explain ideas, and use a wider range of vocabulary and grammar.
Who Is This Resource For?
This resource is perfect for:
- Pre-Intermediate (B1) English learners
- ESL / EFL students
- English conversation classes
- Speaking clubs
- Private tutors
- Self-study learners
- IELTS beginners (Speaking Part 1 practice)
- Adult and teenage learners
How to Use These Questions
Teachers can use these questions for:
- Pair work
- Group discussions
- Warm-up activities
- Speaking tests
- Classroom games
- Homework assignments
- Conversation clubs
- Online lessons
Students can also practice independently by recording their answers or discussing the questions with a language partner.
Why Speaking Practice Matters
Reading and grammar are important, but real communication happens through speaking. The more you practice answering open-ended questions, the easier it becomes to think in English and respond naturally in real-life situations.
Regular speaking practice is one of the fastest ways to improve fluency and confidence.
Topic: Personal Life
1. What kind of person are you?
Sample Answer:
I think I’m a friendly and patient person. I enjoy meeting new people and helping others when I can. Sometimes I can be a little shy at first, but once I get to know someone, I become much more confident.
2. What do you usually do after work or school?
Sample Answer:
After work, I usually go home and relax for a while. Then I have dinner with my family. In the evening, I often watch YouTube videos, read a book, or study English for about an hour.
3. What is one habit you would like to change?
Sample Answer:
I would like to stop spending so much time on my phone. Sometimes I waste a lot of time scrolling through social media. I think I could use that time to read, exercise, or learn something new.
4. Who has influenced your life the most?
Sample Answer:
My father has influenced me the most. He always encourages me to work hard and never give up. He has taught me to be honest, responsible, and respectful to other people.
5. What makes a good friend?
Sample Answer:
A good friend is someone who listens to you, supports you, and tells you the truth. I think trust and kindness are the most important qualities in a friendship.
6. What do you enjoy doing on weekends?
Sample Answer:
On weekends, I like spending time with my family and friends. Sometimes we go to a café or watch a movie together. If I stay at home, I enjoy cooking or watching football.
7. What achievement are you proud of?
Sample Answer:
I’m proud of learning English. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve improved a lot over the last few years. Now I can understand movies better and communicate with people from different countries.
8. What is your dream job?
Sample Answer:
My dream job is to become a software engineer because I enjoy solving problems and working with technology. I also like learning new skills, and I think this career offers many opportunities.
9. If you could learn any new skill, what would it be?
Sample Answer:
I would like to learn how to play the piano. I love listening to music, and I think it would be exciting to play my favorite songs. It would also help me relax after a busy day.
10. What advice would you give to someone learning English?
Sample Answer:
I would tell them to practice every day, even if it’s only for fifteen or twenty minutes. Watching videos, reading simple books, and speaking as much as possible can make a big difference. The most important thing is not to be afraid of making mistakes.
Topic: Daily Life & Lifestyle
11. What is your favorite time of the day? Why?
Sample Answer:
My favorite time of the day is the evening. After I finish my work, I can relax and spend time with my family. I also enjoy reading or watching a movie before I go to bed.
12. Do you prefer living in a city or in the countryside?
Sample Answer:
I prefer living in a city because everything is nearby. There are more shops, restaurants, and public transportation. However, I also like visiting the countryside because it is quiet and peaceful.
13. What do you usually do when you feel stressed?
Sample Answer:
When I feel stressed, I usually go for a walk or listen to music. Sometimes I talk to a close friend about my problems. These activities help me feel calmer and think more clearly.
14. What is something new you learned recently?
Sample Answer:
Recently, I learned how to use a new photo-editing app. At first, it seemed difficult, but after watching a few tutorials, I became more comfortable using it.
15. What do you usually do to stay healthy?
Sample Answer:
I try to eat healthy food and drink plenty of water. I also walk every day and exercise three times a week. Getting enough sleep is another important part of staying healthy.
16. What is your favorite place to relax?
Sample Answer:
My favorite place to relax is a small park near my house. It has many trees and benches, and it is usually quiet. I enjoy sitting there and reading a book or listening to music.
17. Do you enjoy trying new things? Why or why not?
Sample Answer:
Yes, I do. Trying new things makes life more interesting. Although I sometimes feel nervous at first, I usually learn something valuable and gain more confidence.
18. What is the best advice you have ever received?
Sample Answer:
The best advice I have ever received was to never stop learning. My teacher told me that learning new skills can create many opportunities in life. I always remember those words.
19. How important is it to have a good work-life balance?
Sample Answer:
I think it is very important. If people work too much, they can become tired and stressed. Spending time with family, relaxing, and enjoying hobbies helps people stay happy and healthy.
20. If you had one extra hour every day, how would you spend it?
Sample Answer:
If I had one extra hour every day, I would spend it improving my English. I would read books, watch English videos, and practice speaking. I believe that small daily practice can lead to big improvements over time.
Teacher’s Tip 💬
After students answer each question, encourage them to continue the conversation with follow-up questions such as:
- Why do you think that?
- Can you give an example?
- How often do you do that?
- Has your opinion changed over time?
- What would you do differently in the future?
- How does that make you feel?
- Do your friends or family agree with you?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Topic: Travel, Holidays & Transportation
21. What is the best trip you have ever taken?
Sample Answer:
The best trip I have ever taken was to the north of my country. I went there with my family during the summer. We visited beautiful forests, walked along the beach, and tried local food. It was a relaxing and unforgettable holiday.
22. Where would you like to travel in the future?
Sample Answer:
I would love to visit Japan one day. I am interested in its culture, food, and technology. I would like to see famous places like Tokyo and Kyoto and learn more about Japanese traditions.
23. Do you prefer traveling alone or with other people?
Sample Answer:
I prefer traveling with other people because it is more enjoyable. We can share experiences, take photos together, and help each other if there are any problems. Traveling with friends also makes the trip more exciting.
24. What do you usually pack when you go on a trip?
Sample Answer:
I usually pack comfortable clothes, a toothbrush, my phone charger, and a camera. I also take a small notebook, some medicine, and a bottle of water. Before I leave, I always check that I have my passport or ID.
25. What is your favorite way to travel?
Sample Answer:
My favorite way to travel is by train. It is comfortable, and I enjoy looking out of the window during the journey. It is also less stressful than driving, especially on long trips.
26. Have you ever had a problem while traveling?
Sample Answer:
Yes, I have. Once my flight was delayed for several hours because of bad weather. At first I was disappointed, but I used the extra time to read a book and talk with other travelers.
27. What do you usually do during a long journey?
Sample Answer:
During a long journey, I usually listen to music, watch movies, or read a book. Sometimes I sleep for a while. If I travel with friends, we often play games or have interesting conversations.
28. Which place in your country would you recommend to tourists?
Sample Answer:
I would recommend Isfahan because it has beautiful historical buildings, traditional markets, and delicious food. Visitors can learn about the country’s history while enjoying the friendly atmosphere.
29. Do you like planning your trips or being spontaneous?
Sample Answer:
I like planning my trips in advance. I usually book my hotel, make a list of places to visit, and check the weather before I travel. Good planning helps me save time and avoid unexpected problems.
30. What can people do to be responsible tourists?
Sample Answer:
Responsible tourists should respect local culture, keep public places clean, and support local businesses. They should also avoid wasting water and electricity and follow the rules of the places they visit.
Useful Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
| destination | the place you are traveling to |
| journey | the act of traveling from one place to another |
| sightseeing | visiting interesting places |
| luggage | bags and suitcases |
| accommodation | a place to stay |
| tourist attraction | a place many visitors like to see |
| passport | an official travel document |
| schedule | a plan of times and activities |
| explore | to travel around and discover |
| unforgettable | impossible to forget |
Useful Expressions
- I have always wanted to visit…
- One of my favorite trips was…
- The journey was…
- I was impressed by…
- I would highly recommend…
- We had an amazing time.
- The scenery was beautiful.
- It was worth visiting.
- I learned a lot about…
- I hope to go back someday.
Follow-up Questions
- What do you enjoy most about traveling?
- How has travel changed because of technology?
- What makes a trip memorable?
- Do you think traveling is educational? Why?
- Would you rather visit a famous tourist attraction or a quiet village?
Topic: Technology & Entertainment
31. How has technology changed your daily life?
Sample Answer:
Technology has made my life much easier. I use my smartphone to communicate with friends, check my email, and study English. I also shop online and pay my bills through banking apps. Although technology saves time, I think people should avoid using it too much.
Follow-up Questions
- Which piece of technology do you use the most?
- Could you live without your smartphone? Why or why not?
32. How much time do you spend on your phone every day?
Sample Answer:
I probably spend about three or four hours on my phone each day. Most of that time is for useful activities like reading the news, studying, or talking to my family. However, I sometimes spend too much time on social media.
Follow-up Questions
- What do you usually do on your phone?
- Do you think you spend too much time on it?
33. What apps do you use most often? Why?
Sample Answer:
I use WhatsApp every day to chat with my family and friends. I also use YouTube because I enjoy watching educational videos and learning new skills. Google Maps is another app that I often use when I travel to new places.
Follow-up Questions
- Which app saves you the most time?
- Is there an app you no longer use? Why?
34. Do you think social media has more advantages or disadvantages?
Sample Answer:
I think social media has both advantages and disadvantages. It helps people stay connected and share information quickly. However, some people spend too much time online and compare themselves with others, which can make them unhappy.
Follow-up Questions
- Which social media platform do you use the most?
- How does social media help people?
35. If you could invent a new app, what would it do?
Sample Answer:
I would invent an app that helps people learn languages through real conversations. It would match learners from different countries so they could practice speaking together every day. I think this would make language learning more enjoyable.
Follow-up Questions
- Who would use your app?
- How would your app help people?
36. What kind of movies do you enjoy watching?
Sample Answer:
I enjoy watching action and comedy movies. Action films are exciting, and comedies help me relax after a busy day. Sometimes I also watch documentaries because I like learning about different cultures and history.
Follow-up Questions
- Who do you usually watch movies with?
- Do you prefer watching movies at home or at the cinema?
37. What was the last movie or TV series you watched?
Sample Answer:
The last TV series I watched was The Good Doctor. It tells the story of a young doctor who faces many challenges in his career. I liked it because it was interesting and emotional at the same time.
Follow-up Questions
- What was it about?
- Who was your favorite character?
38. Do you prefer reading books or watching movies? Why?
Sample Answer:
I enjoy both, but I prefer reading books. Books allow me to imagine the characters and places in my own way. I also think reading improves my vocabulary and helps me become a better English learner.
Follow-up Questions
- What was the last book you read?
- Do you read every day?
39. What kind of music do you usually listen to?
Sample Answer:
I usually listen to pop and soft rock music. I enjoy listening to music while I am driving or studying. Sometimes I also listen to instrumental music because it helps me concentrate.
Follow-up Questions
- When do you usually listen to music?
- Who is your favorite singer or band?
40. If you could meet any famous person, who would you choose and why?
Sample Answer:
I would like to meet Cristiano Ronaldo. I admire him because he works very hard and never gives up. I would ask him how he stays motivated and how he handles pressure during important matches.
Follow-up Questions
- What would you ask this person?
- What do you admire most about them?
Topic: Society, Culture & Future
41. What is your favorite holiday or festival? Why?
Sample Answer:
My favorite holiday is Nowruz because it brings families together. Before the holiday, we clean our homes and prepare special food. On the first day of Nowruz, we visit our relatives and spend time together. I enjoy the happy atmosphere and the chance to relax after a busy year. It is also a great opportunity to celebrate our culture and traditions.
Follow-up Questions
- What is your favorite memory of this holiday?
- How has the celebration changed over the years?
42. How do people celebrate special occasions in your country?
Sample Answer:
People celebrate special occasions in different ways. For birthdays, families usually have a party with a cake and gifts. Weddings are often large celebrations with music, dancing, and delicious food. During national holidays, many people visit relatives or travel to other cities. These celebrations help people spend quality time together and create happy memories.
Follow-up Questions
- Which celebration do you enjoy the most?
- Are celebrations different for children and adults?
43. What makes a good neighbor?
Sample Answer:
A good neighbor is friendly, respectful, and helpful. They keep the neighborhood clean and avoid making too much noise. If someone needs help, a good neighbor is willing to offer support. I think it is important to know the people who live nearby because good relationships make the community safer and more enjoyable.
Follow-up Questions
- Have you ever had a very helpful neighbor?
- What problems can neighbors have?
44. What is one environmental problem that worries you?
Sample Answer:
Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems in my opinion. In many cities, traffic and factories produce dirty air, which can cause health problems. I think governments should improve public transportation and encourage people to use bicycles or electric cars. Everyone should do their part to protect the environment.
Follow-up Questions
- Is this problem getting better or worse?
- What causes this problem?
45. What can people do to protect the environment?
Sample Answer:
There are many simple things people can do. They can recycle, save water, and use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones. Walking, cycling, or using public transportation can also reduce pollution. Even small actions, such as turning off lights when leaving a room, can make a positive difference if many people do them.
Follow-up Questions
- Which environmental habit is the easiest to follow?
- What do you do personally to help the environment?
46. If you could improve one thing about your city, what would it be?
Sample Answer:
I would improve the public transportation system. Better buses and trains would make traveling easier and reduce traffic. I would also like to see more parks where families and children can spend time outdoors. A cleaner and greener city would improve people’s quality of life.
Follow-up Questions
- How would your idea improve people’s lives?
- Who should pay for these improvements?
47. What skill would you like to learn in the future?
Sample Answer:
I would like to improve my public speaking skills. Sometimes I feel nervous when speaking in front of a group. I believe this skill would help me at work and make me more confident. I plan to practice by giving short presentations and joining speaking clubs.
Follow-up Questions
- Why is this skill important?
- How will you learn it?
48. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sample Answer:
In five years, I hope to have a good job that I enjoy. I would also like to speak English fluently because it can create more career opportunities. I hope to continue learning new skills, travel to different countries, and have a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Follow-up Questions
- What steps are you taking to achieve your goals?
- What challenges might you face?
49. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Sample Answer:
I would tell my younger self not to be afraid of making mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn something new. I would also encourage myself to study English earlier and spend more time reading books. Being patient and working hard usually leads to success.
Follow-up Questions
- What is the biggest lesson you have learned?
- Is there anything you would do differently?
50. What does success mean to you?
Sample Answer:
For me, success means being happy with my life and achieving my personal goals. It is not only about earning a lot of money. Having good relationships, staying healthy, and enjoying my work are also important. I believe that success means becoming the best version of yourself while helping others whenever possible.
Follow-up Questions
- Can someone be successful without being rich?
- Who is the most successful person you know? Why?