10 Best Engaging Topics for English Conversations that Encourage Meaningful Interaction.
Conversation or interaction on engaging topics like travel, books, movies, hobbies, news, current events, pets, animals, technology, and Science sparks great conversations. Such meaningful interactions help individuals to gain knowledge. Here are 10 engaging topics to learn English speaking with suitable vocabulary and questions.
1. Travel Experiences
Discussing memorable trips and dream destinations is a great way to know about places.
Vocabulary – Ecotourism, picnic, outing, domestic and international flight, detour, coast, beach, hilly road, baggage, sightseeing, graffiti, seasickness, scenic beauty, picturesque view, desert safari, remote, adventure, breathtaking.
Questions: –
- Have you ever been on a trip to Goa?
- What was your favourite part of the journey?
- Did you learn anything new on your trip?
- Have you been on a memorable trip?
- Did you do any activity there?
- Did you eat any local food there?
- Do you like to travel?
- What cultural experiences did you have?
- Have you travelled abroad?
Travel conversation questions help learners to practice English speaking skills. Travelling conversation relates to places travelled, food, transportation, people, budgeting, and vacations. Travelling is associated with relaxation and rejuvenation. Learners can talk about the memories they have created or the new skills acquired. It connects us with more people. One of the major benefits of travelling is that it improves communication. When you use vocabulary related to travelling, it builds confidence in you. You get a chance to question your preconceived ideas.
2. Food and Cooking
Such interaction involves talking about favourite cuisines and unique dishes.
Vocabulary – Appetizer, dessert, beverage, ingredients, recipe, cuisine, taste, flavour, spicy, salty, sour, bitter, savory, aroma, seasoning, overcooked, undercooked, gourmet, vegan, vegetarian.
Questions: –
- What’s your favourite food?
- Do you enjoy cooking at home?
- How does the pasta taste?
- Is the food overcooked?
- Are you fond of junk food?
- Who has a healthy appetite?
- Who is dying of hunger?
Learners can discuss their favourite cuisines or recipes. For example, Italian cuisine is loved all over the world because of its simplicity. Food like pizza and pasta is a delicacy for people globally. Some popular Indian dishes are butter chicken, vada pav, aloo gobi, etc. Sushi is a dish in Japan that is relished on special occasions. Mexican tacos are filled with fresh and spicy ingredients. Thai curries are delicious especially the sweet green curry. Food connects people and open a window into the heart of cultures. Conversations related to food help people to understand other cultures and respect them.
3. Books and Movies
Such interaction is very engaging where individuals discuss recent reads, favourite genres, and impactful stories.
Vocabulary – self-help book, horror books, thriller, science fiction, historical, journal, drama, religion, spirituality, amusing, easy to read, captivating, informative, well-written, biopic, action thriller, romantic, animation, art film, superhero movie, inspirational, motivational, subtitles, dubbed, special effects, dialog delivery, movie buff, climax, box office hit, stunt, star cast.
Questions: –
- Do you enjoy reading?
- What is the last book you read?
- What is your favourite book?
- Do you read in your free time?
- Which is your favourite movie?
- Which actor was in the movie that you watched?
- Do you watch animated movies?
A person can learn from both films and movies. They help to acquire knowledge about new grammar structures and expressions. Watching movies can even help you take care of your pronunciation. One can never underestimate the power of reading. If you are an avid reader you can use the vocabulary learned from the books in your conversation. Such conversations reflect a person’s likes or dislikes. Both reading books and watching movies help to develop imagination.
4. Hobbies and Interests
Learning about others’ passions strengthens friendship bonds.
Vocabulary – photography, collage, fairy tale, avid reader, bookworm, knitting, sewing, weaving, calligraphy, pottery, art gallery, abstract painting, landscape painting, watercolour painting.
Questions: –
- What is your favourite book?
- Do you read often?
- What are your hobbies?
- Have you learned painting?
- Do you paint landscapes?
- What are your interests?
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- How often do you paint?
- Do you play cricket?
- What hobbies are more popular with girls?
Talking about hobbies builds connections. You get an insight into the passions of other people. Hobbies help people to relax and reduce stress. By talking about hobbies a person is motivated to try new activities. Learners learn to express themselves clearly. People are more comfortable talking about their personal interests. When you ask questions about other person hobbies, you gain knowledge. Conversations about hobbies help people create bonds with like-minded individuals.
5. Life Goals and Dreams
People talk about their aspirations and how to achieve them.
Vocabulary– dreams, intention, aspiration, mindset, mindfulness, hop, success, personal goal, dedication, determination, obstacle, perseverance, struggle, vision, accomplish, fulfill, achieve, plan, excitement, anticipation, career development, decision making, opportunities, challenges, sacrifice.
Questions: –
- What are your goals?
- What steps you can take towards your dream?
- Do you think you have achieved your goals?
- Do you have any short-term goals?
- How can being healthy help, you achieve your goal?
- Are you happy in life?
- What are your dreams?
- Do you think dreams are meaningful?
- Are you a daydreamer?
We all have goals in life, and we strive to achieve them. When we discuss our goals, we are filled with zeal and enthusiasm for achieving them. It helps to develop a positive mindset to face challenges in life. A person can have a clear understanding of what one wants to accomplish in the future. Such engaging interactions help to focus on the future.
6. Current Events and News
An individual dives into trending topics or global issues while maintaining neutrality.
Vocabulary – credible news, journalism, live coverage, mass communication, current affairs, news headlines, readership, classifieds, news broadcast, news reporter, news reader, columnist, viewpoint, sensational news, sting operation, media bias.
Questions: –
- What is your opinion on the topics?
- Do you know who are the people involved in the incident?
- Have you heard of that news?
- Can you explain why it happened?
- What are the consequences of the steps taken by the government?
- What are your views on the article?
- Do you agree with the result?
Conversation about current events and news is important and meaningful. It helps to have a different perspective on complex issues. It helps to widen your horizons. Such conversations expand your vocabulary and enhance reading and listening skills. Learners become aware of expressions used in everyday conversations. News provides an unending source of learning material as you will always have fresh ideas to discuss. Therefore, the conversation becomes interesting and engaging.
7. Pets and Animals
Exchanging stories about pets or interaction with animals’ sparks emotions.
Vocabulary – chirp, peck, nestling, paw, tail, trunk, carnivorous, omnivorous, herbivorous, reptile, marine, aquatic, offspring, venomous, predator, hibernate, gallop, beehive, hum, nocturnal, bark, carcass, horn, claw, quadruped, veterinarian.
Questions: –
- Do you think pet animals are important?
- Do you like animals?
- Do you have a pet?
- What is your favourite wild animal?
- Do you like watching TV programs about animals?
- How do you feel about pets?
- What pets are common in your country?
- What is your favourite animal?
People are emotionally attached to their pets hence it is easier to talk about pets. They share a special bond with them. So, such conversations are meaningful for them. Pets are considered as family members. Talking about animals will spark interesting conversations and help create human-to-human friendships too. It is a relatable topic for discussion. They can talk about heartwarming moments with their pets. Such talks are light-hearted and enjoyable.
8. Childhood Memories
In it, individuals reminisce about hilarious and life-shaping moments from childhood.
Vocabulary – games, parents, dreams, play, family, life lessons, friends, grandparents, siblings, studies, hobbies, past times, tantrums, nostalgia, rule-followers, discipline, student life.
Questions: –
- What are your favourite family stories?
- What was your favourite subject?
- What was your biggest nightmare?
- Where did you grow up?
- What did you do for fun outside your home?
- Who scared you?
- Who made you feel safe?
- Who were your best friends?
- Which teacher inspired you?
People are connected to the memories of the past. They cherish their childhood memories as they deal with their relationships. Such conversations are purposeful and help to develop social skills. Our beliefs and behaviour as adults are shaped because of childhood experiences. A person can recall his or her past and talk about it easily. He can explore childhood interests, hence such conversations foster creativity.
9. Technology and Innovation
People love to talk about recent gadgets and applications they use every days.
Vocabulary – cutting edge, technophile, technological breakthrough, automation, artificial intelligence, computer age, information technology, smartphone, user friendly, cyberspace, e-commerce, search engine, virtual world, telecommunication, social networking, website, gadget freak.
Questions: –
- What is your favourite gadget?
- How often do you use a computer?
- How helpful your phone is to you?
- Do you think people rely too much on technology?
- Do you think technology is helpful?
- Do you think robots can replace humans?
- If you could invent a new gadget, what would it do?
- How do you think people used to communicate before the phone?
- Can you stay without the Internet?
Technology has made our lives simpler. Technology has revolutionized communication in all industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. When one converses in English about technology, one comes to know about new learning opportunities which aids in career growth. Expressing one view on innovation and technology leads to the exchange of ideas which can open doors for learning new developments in any field. Various e-learning programs have made education and courses available to people from different countries.
10. Philosophical Questions
Exploring open-ended questions like “What is sadness?” or “Does god exist?”.
Vocabulary – Metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, logic, skepticism, dualism, mind and matter, freedom, choice, belief, reality, mind morality, norms, values, principles, society, character.
Questions: –
- What is the meaning of life?
- What is happiness?
- What is reincarnation?
- Does God exist?
- What are the ethical implications of technological advancements?
- How does art affect society?
- What makes a good human being?
- Who are soulmates?
Philosophical questions help one explore life and understand oneself better. Such interactions hone critical thinking ability. It leads to the exchange of ideas and opinions related to life. An individual understands what is right and what is wrong. He becomes aware of the principles that govern his life. It challenges our thought process and helps us to embrace complexity.