Ethics, society, and ideas worth thinking through together. 20 questions from B1 to C1, with follow-ups and role plays. Answer out loud in full sentences.
Show questions for
B1Intermediate
Do you think money can make people happier?Then: Up to what point?
Is it ever OK to tell a small lie to protect someone’s feelings?Then: Can you give an example?
If you could live anywhere, would you choose a big city or the countryside?Then: What would you gain, and what would you lose?
Do you think people today have more free time than people in the past?Then: Why do you think so?
Should children learn to use AI tools at school?Then: What should they learn first?
In your opinion, what makes a job meaningful?
B2Upper intermediate
If AI can do many jobs faster and more cheaply than people, how should society prepare for that?Then: Which jobs do you think will always need humans?
How much personal information are you comfortable sharing with apps in exchange for free services?Then: Where do you draw the line?
Why are some very useful jobs, like caring for older people, often not well paid?Then: What would be a fair way to decide what a job is worth?
Do people today trust each other more or less than they did a generation ago?Then: What do you think has caused that?
Is a happy life the same thing as a successful life? How would you define each one?
Would the world be better if most people worked four days a week instead of five? What might the downsides be?
Should popular cities limit tourism if it makes life harder for the people who live there?Then: What else could they do?
C1Advanced
Is it possible to make a decision that everyone accepts as fair, or does fairness always depend on who you ask?
As technology tracks more of what we do, is privacy becoming an outdated idea, or is it more important than ever?Then: What would we lose without it?
Should we judge actions by their intentions or by their results? Can you think of a case where the two clearly conflict?
To what extent are individuals responsible for their own happiness, and to what extent is it shaped by the society around them?
If an AI system makes a decision that harms someone, who should be held responsible: the developers, the company using it, or the person who relied on it?
Does having more choice make people freer and happier, or can too many options leave us less satisfied?
Almost every generation seems to believe the next one is worse. Why do you think this pattern exists, and is there any truth in it?
Role plays
Work with a partner or a tutor. Read the situation together, then each person opens only their own card. Use the phrases to help you.
B1 Intermediate
Splitting a bill fairly
You’re out for dinner with a group of friends. The bill arrives, and someone suggests splitting it equally, but people ordered very different amounts.
Card A: Diner A
You only had a salad and water. You think everyone should pay for what they ordered. Explain why politely, without making anyone feel bad.
Card B: Diner B
You ordered more, but you think splitting equally is simpler and friendlier. Explain your view, listen carefully, and find a solution you both think is fair.
Useful phrases
Would it be OK if…?
I don’t mind, but…
It seems fairer to…
I see what you mean.
How about this?
C1 Advanced
A debate on AI in hiring
Your discussion club is holding a short, friendly debate on this question: “Should companies use AI to decide which job applicants get an interview?”
Card A: Speaker for
Argue yes. Give two clear reasons, for example speed and consistency. Then answer one objection from your opponent. Finish by naming one point from the other side that you found fair.
Card B: Speaker against
Argue no. Give two clear reasons, for example hidden bias and the loss of human judgment. Then answer one objection from your opponent. Finish by naming one point from the other side that you found fair.