Speaking practice is one of the most fun and useful parts of learning English. For intermediate ESL (English as a Second Language) students, conversation is a great way to improve vocabulary, grammar, and fluency. In this blog, you will find 101 simple and exciting conversation topics that can be used in classrooms, online classes, or with speaking partners. These ESL conversation topics for intermediate students speak more confidently and enjoy their learning journey.
Also Read: List Of Research Topics In English Language Teaching
Why Use ESL Conversation Topics?
Using conversation topics helps students in many ways:
- Builds speaking confidence
- Improves listening and responding skills
- Increases vocabulary and understanding
- Makes learning enjoyable and interactive
Many students feel shy while speaking English. But with the right topics and friendly practice, they can become confident speakers.
Tips to Use These Conversation Topics
- Choose topics that interest the students
- Ask open-ended questions (not just yes/no)
- Encourage students to give reasons and examples
- Correct mistakes gently and positively
- Practice regularly in pairs or groups
Check British Council English Speaking Practice.
101 ESL Conversation Topics for Intermediate Students
To make it easier to choose, we’ve divided the topics into useful categories:
A. Daily Life & Routines
- What is your morning routine?
- How do you spend your weekends?
- What do you usually eat for lunch?
- What chores do you do at home?
- Describe your day from morning to evening.
B. Hobbies & Free Time
- What hobbies do you enjoy?
- Do you like reading or watching movies?
- What is your favorite hobby and why?
- Do you play any sports?
- What do you do when you’re bored?
C. Food & Cooking
- What is your favorite food?
- Can you cook? What can you cook?
- Do you prefer eating at home or outside?
- What food do you dislike?
- Describe a traditional food from your country.
D. Travel & Places
- Have you traveled to another country?
- What is your dream vacation?
- Do you prefer beaches or mountains?
- What is your favorite place in your country?
- How do you prepare for a trip?
E. School & Education
- What is your favorite subject?
- Do you enjoy studying?
- Describe your school or college.
- What is the most useful thing you have learned?
- Do you prefer online or offline classes?
F. Friends & Family
- Describe your best friend.
- What do you do with your family on weekends?
- How do you make new friends?
- What qualities do you like in a friend?
- Who is the most important person in your family?
G. Technology & Internet
- How often do you use the internet?
- What is your favorite app?
- Do you like online shopping?
- Is technology helpful or harmful?
- How do you use social media?
H. Work & Career
- What job do you want in the future?
- What skills are important for your dream job?
- Describe a good boss.
- What job would you never do?
- Is it better to work alone or in a team?
I. Culture & Traditions
- Describe a festival in your country.
- What is your national dress?
- How do people celebrate weddings in your country?
- What traditions do you follow?
- What is something unique about your culture?
J. Holidays & Celebrations
- What is your favorite holiday?
- How do you celebrate your birthday?
- Do you like public holidays?
- What do you do during holidays?
- Describe a holiday trip you enjoyed.
K. Health & Fitness
- Do you exercise regularly?
- What do you do to stay healthy?
- Do you like eating vegetables?
- How many hours do you sleep every day?
- What health advice would you give a friend?
L. Dreams & Goals
- What is your biggest dream?
- What do you want to achieve this year?
- Who inspires you?
- What goals have you completed recently?
- What is your dream job?
M. Environment & Nature
- Do you recycle at home?
- What can we do to save the Earth?
- What is your favorite season?
- Do you like animals? Which one?
- Have you ever planted a tree?
N. Funny & Imaginative
- What would you do if you could fly?
- If you became invisible, what would you do?
- What superpower would you like to have?
- Describe a day as your favorite animal.
- If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
O. Money & Shopping
- How do you spend your pocket money?
- Do you like shopping?
- What was the last thing you bought?
- Do you save money?
- What would you do with a million dollars?
P. News & Current Events
- Do you watch the news?
- What is a big news story in your country now?
- Do you think news is always true?
- How do you learn about what’s happening?
- Should students follow current events?
Q. Books & Movies
- What is your favorite book?
- Do you like reading or watching movies more?
- Who is your favorite actor or actress?
- What movie did you watch last?
- Describe a story you liked.
R. Pets & Animals
- Do you have a pet?
- What is your favorite animal?
- Would you like to have a pet in the future?
- How should we treat animals?
- Have you visited a zoo?
S. Problems & Solutions
- What do you do when you feel stressed?
- How do you solve arguments with friends?
- What is a big problem in your town?
- How can we help poor people?
- How do you handle failure?
T. Free Talk Starters
- Tell me about your happiest memory.
- What is something new you learned this week?
- What makes you happy?
- Describe a funny incident.
- What do you want to do next weekend?
- What question would you like to ask your teacher?
Bonus Activity Ideas
- Role play: Student A is a chef, Student B is a customer.
- Debate: Online classes vs Offline classes.
- Interview practice: Pretend to be a famous person.
Conclusion
Conversation topics are a great way to improve English speaking skills. These 101 topics are easy to use and perfect for classrooms or friendly practice. By speaking more, students become more confident and comfortable in using English in real life. So pick a topic, start talking, and enjoy the journey of learning English!