School memories, studying now, and how people learn best. 21 questions from A1 to C1, with follow-ups and role plays. Answer out loud in full sentences.
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A1Beginner
Did you have a favorite subject at school?Then: What did you like about it?
Are you studying anything now, apart from English?Then: Is it difficult?
Where do you like to study?Then: Is it quiet there?
Do you like to study in the morning or at night?
Do you study better with music or in silence?
A2Elementary
Can you describe a teacher you remember well?Then: Why do you remember them?
How did you get to school when you were a child?
Have you ever taken an online course?Then: Was it easier or harder than a class in person?
What was the most difficult subject for you at school?
Are you going to take any classes or courses this year?
B1Intermediate
What did you use to do the night before a big exam?Then: Did it help?
If you could study any subject for free, what would you choose?Then: How would it help you?
What is the most useful thing you have learned outside a classroom?
What advice would you give someone who finds it hard to stay focused when studying?
Do you think homework is useful?Then: How much is too much?
B2Upper intermediate
How is school in your country different from school in other countries you know about?Then: Which system would you choose for yourself?
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently as a student?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of going back to study as an adult?
C1Advanced
Should education mainly prepare people for jobs, or aim at something broader? What might be lost if we focus on just one?
How well do exams measure what people actually know, and what alternatives might work better?
To what extent does the school someone attends shape their opportunities later in life?Then: What, if anything, could reduce that effect?
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.
A2 Elementary
Signing up for a community class
You visit the front desk of a community center because you want to take a basic computer skills class.
Card A: Visitor
Ask about days, times, the price, and what to bring. You can’t come on weekday mornings. You are a complete beginner.
Card B: Receptionist
There are two groups: Tuesday evening (beginners, only one place left) and Saturday morning (all levels, a little more expensive). Students must bring their own laptop. Answer questions and help the visitor choose.
Useful phrases
I’m interested in…
When does the class start?
How much does it cost?
Do I need to bring…?
There’s only one place left.
I’d like to sign up for…
B1 Intermediate
Talking to an advisor about changing classes
You are taking an evening course in accounting, but your schedule has changed and you keep missing classes. You meet a student advisor.
Card A: Student
Explain the problem and ask to move to the weekend group. You don’t want to lose the money you have paid or fall behind the other students.
Card B: Advisor
The weekend group is full, but there is an online version of the course and a waiting list. Ask about the student’s needs, explain the options and any deadlines, and help them decide.