620 ESL Conversation Questions on Talking about Personal Finance

Learning to talk about personal finance in English is crucial for ESL students. It helps them manage money effectively, understand financial concepts, and engage in meaningful conversations about budgeting, saving, and investing.

ESL teachers can use these conversation questions to help students practice speaking and participating in daily interactions about personal finance, including budgeting techniques, financial goals, banking, and investment strategies. These questions are excellent for increasing word bank and building confidence in discussing financial topics.

This resource has 620 questions in 12 categories for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners, ensuring that every student can participate. These questions create fun and interactive learning experiences when used in diverse speaking tasks like class discussions, financial planning workshops, or presentations.

By using these questions in the classroom, students will improve their ability to talk about personal finance in English. This will help them become more financially literate, responsible, and effective communicators in various settings.

This set of 620 personal finance conversation questions, divided into 12 categories and six proficiency levels, is a valuable tool for ESL teachers to train speaking abilities and promote discussions about personal finance among ESL students.

Category 1: Talking about Budgeting and Saving

Beginner (A1)

1. What is a budget?
2. Why do people save money?
3. How do you save money every day?
4. What is a piggy bank?
5. Do you have a savings account?
6. What do you do with extra money?
7. How much money do you need for lunch?
8. What is a shopping list?
9. Do you plan your spending?
10. How do you feel when you save money?

Elementary (A2)

11. Why is it important to make a budget?
12. How can you track your spending?
13. What do you save money for?
14. What is the difference between needs and wants?
15. How do you save money on groceries?
16. What is a good way to save money on transportation?
17. Do you compare prices before buying something?
18. How do you set a savings goal?
19. What is a savings jar?
20. Can you name some items you save money for?

Intermediate (B1)

21. How can making a budget help you manage your money better?
22. What are some common budgeting mistakes people make?
23. How do you decide how much money to save each month?
24. What are some effective ways to cut down on monthly expenses?
25. How can using cash instead of credit cards help you save money?
26. What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?
27. How can you save money on entertainment and leisure activities?
28. How do you stay motivated to stick to your budget?
29. How can you involve your family in budgeting and saving?
30. What are some tools or apps that help you with budgeting?

Upper Intermediate (B2)

31. How can setting short-term and long-term financial goals improve your budgeting habits?
32. What are some strategies to save money on utilities like electricity and water?
33. How can lifestyle choices impact your ability to save money?
34. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a credit card for budgeting?
35. How can creating a monthly budget help prevent financial stress?
36. What are some unexpected expenses you should include in your budget?
37. How can you prioritize your spending to achieve your financial goals?
38. What role does discipline play in effective budgeting?
39. How can budgeting apps or software simplify the budgeting process?
40. What are some common challenges people face when trying to save money?

Advanced (C1)

41. How does inflation impact personal savings and budgeting?
42. What are some advanced budgeting techniques for managing irregular income?
43. How can financial literacy influence your budgeting and saving practices?
44. What are the psychological effects of budgeting and saving on individuals and families?
45. How can automation tools help streamline the budgeting and saving process?
46. What are the benefits and risks of investing savings in stocks or bonds?
47. How can you adapt your budget to changing financial circumstances?
48. What are some cultural differences in budgeting and saving practices around the world?
49. How can economic downturns affect personal savings strategies?
50. What is the role of financial advisors in helping individuals with budgeting and saving?

Proficient (C2)

51. How can behavioral economics inform better personal budgeting and saving decisions?
52. What are the implications of digital banking on personal budgeting habits?
53. How can macroeconomic trends influence individual saving behavior?
54. How do government policies and regulations impact personal saving and budgeting?
55. What are the ethical considerations in personal financial planning and saving?
56. How can individuals prepare financially for retirement through effective budgeting?
57. How can one balance the trade-off between saving for the future and enjoying the present?
58. What are the long-term effects of student loans on personal budgeting and saving?
59. How can technological advancements shape the future of personal budgeting and saving?
60. What is the significance of intergenerational financial planning and its impact on savings?

Category 2: Talking about Income and Earnings

Beginner (A1)

1. What is a job?
2. Why do people work?
3. What is a salary?
4. Do you get money for chores?
5. What is your dream job?
6. How often do you get paid?
7. What is a paycheck?
8. What is a bonus?
9. Do you know someone who works in an office?
10. How can you earn money as a student?

Elementary (A2)

11. What is the difference between a full-time and a part-time job?
12. How do you choose a job?
13. What is an hourly wage?
14. What are tips and why do people give them?
15. How can you make extra money on weekends?
16. What skills are needed for your favorite job?
17. What is a fair salary for a beginner in your country?
18. How do people find new jobs?
19. What are some benefits of having a job?
20. What is the minimum wage in your country?

Intermediate (B1)

21. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed?
22. How does education affect your earning potential?
23. What are some common ways people increase their income?
24. How can you negotiate a higher salary?
25. What are the pros and cons of working overtime?
26. How do you manage irregular income?
27. What is a commission-based job?
28. How does the job market in your country affect income levels?
29. How can freelance work impact your earnings?
30. What are some side jobs that can help increase your income?

Upper Intermediate (B2)

31. How does your career choice influence your earning potential over time?
32. What are the benefits and challenges of having multiple sources of income?
33. How can online platforms help individuals increase their earnings?
34. What are the financial implications of changing careers?
35. How do economic conditions affect average salaries in different industries?
36. How can networking influence your earning opportunities?
37. What is passive income and how can you generate it?
38. How can professional development lead to higher earnings?
39. What are the tax implications of earning additional income?
40. How can your geographic location affect your income and cost of living?

Advanced (C1)

41. How can one balance job satisfaction with earning potential?
42. What are the effects of gender pay gaps on individual earnings?
43. How do labor laws influence income distribution in different countries?
44. What are the economic impacts of high unemployment rates on earnings?
45. How does globalization affect income opportunities in various industries?
46. What role does innovation play in creating new earning possibilities?
47. How can government policies affect wage growth in the private sector?
48. What are the ethical considerations in executive compensation?
49. How do inflation and currency fluctuations impact real earnings?
50. How can advanced education or specialized training lead to higher earnings?

Proficient (C2)

51. How do macroeconomic factors influence individual earnings over a career?
52. What are the implications of income inequality on social stability?
53. How can artificial intelligence and automation impact future earnings?
54. What strategies can governments use to promote fair wages and earnings?
55. How does cultural capital influence an individual’s earning potential?
56. What are the long-term effects of wage stagnation on the economy?
57. How can international trade agreements impact workers’ earnings?
58. What are the potential consequences of a universal basic income on earnings?
59. How do different economic systems (capitalism, socialism) affect income and earnings?
60. What role do unions play in negotiating and securing fair earnings for workers?

Category 3: Talking about Spending and Expenses

Beginner (A1)

1. What do you buy every day?
2. Where do you like to shop?
3. How much does a loaf of bread cost?
4. What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
5. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores?
6. How often do you buy clothes?
7. What is a receipt?
8. Do you like to buy snacks?
9. How much money do you spend on lunch?
10. What is a shopping cart?

Elementary (A2)

11. How do you decide what to buy?
12. Do you ever buy things on sale?
13. What are some things you need to spend money on each month?
14. How can you save money when shopping for groceries?
15. What is the most expensive thing you have bought?
16. How do you keep track of your spending?
17. What is an impulse buy?
18. Do you prefer to buy cheap or expensive items?
19. How can you avoid spending too much money?
20. What are some things you shouldn’t spend money on?

Intermediate (B1)

21. What are the main categories of your monthly expenses?
22. How can you reduce your entertainment expenses?
23. What are the benefits of creating a spending plan?
24. How do you prioritize your spending?
25. What are some common mistakes people make with their expenses?
26. How can you save money on transportation costs?
27. What are fixed and variable expenses?
28. How do you manage unexpected expenses?
29. What are some ways to control household expenses?
30. How do you decide whether to buy a new or used item?

Upper Intermediate (B2)

31. How can you balance your spending between needs and wants?
32. What are the long-term effects of poor spending habits?
33. How do lifestyle choices affect your spending?
34. What role does financial discipline play in managing expenses?
35. How can you use technology to track and manage your expenses?
36. What are the benefits and drawbacks of using credit for spending?
37. How can you create an effective spending plan for a family?
38. What strategies can help you stick to a spending budget?
39. How can peer pressure influence your spending decisions?
40. What are some cost-effective alternatives to expensive hobbies?

Advanced (C1)

41. How can understanding opportunity cost help in making better spending decisions?
42. What are the economic impacts of consumer spending on the economy?
43. How do cultural values influence spending habits in different countries?
44. How can behavioral economics explain impulsive spending?
45. What are the environmental impacts of consumer spending?
46. How can personal values and ethics influence spending decisions?
47. How does advertising affect consumer spending patterns?
48. What are the implications of high consumer debt on personal finances?
49. How can global economic trends affect personal spending?
50. How can understanding your spending personality help in managing expenses?

Proficient (C2)

51. How can economic theories explain consumer spending behavior?
52. What are the sociopolitical implications of consumer spending trends?
53. How do global financial crises impact personal and household spending?
54. What is the role of government policy in regulating consumer spending?
55. How does consumer confidence influence spending decisions?
56. How can sustainable spending practices be promoted in society?
57. What are the ethical considerations in luxury spending?
58. How do technological advancements shape future spending habits?
59. What are the long-term societal effects of overconsumption?
60. How can interdisciplinary approaches enhance our understanding of spending and expenses?

Category 4: Talking about Investments and Wealth Management

Beginner (A1)

1. What is money?
2. What is a bank?
3. What does it mean to save money?
4. What is a piggy bank used for?
5. Have you ever saved money in a piggy bank?
6. What is a coin?
7. What is cash?
8. Why do people save money?
9. What is gold?
10. What is silver?

Elementary (A2)

11. What is an investment?
12. Why do people invest money?
13. What is a stock?
14. What is a bond?
15. What is real estate?
16. How can you start saving money?
17. What is a savings account?
18. What is interest?
19. What does it mean to have wealth?
20. What is a budget?

Intermediate (B1)

21. What are the benefits of investing money?
22. What is the difference between saving and investing?
23. How do stocks work?
24. What are mutual funds?
25. What is the stock market?
26. What are some common investment strategies?
27. How can you diversify your investments?
28. What are the risks of investing?
29. How can you start investing with a small amount of money?
30. What is a financial advisor?

Upper Intermediate (B2)

31. How do economic conditions affect investments?
32. What is the importance of a diversified investment portfolio?
33. How do you evaluate the risk of an investment?
34. What are the benefits of investing in real estate?
35. How does compound interest work?
36. What is the role of a financial advisor in wealth management?
37. How can market trends influence investment decisions?
38. What are the differences between short-term and long-term investments?
39. What is the impact of inflation on investments?
40. How do interest rates affect investment choices?

Advanced (C1)

41. How can you develop a comprehensive investment strategy?
42. What are the tax implications of different types of investments?
43. How do global events affect investment markets?
44. What are the ethical considerations in choosing investments?
45. How can technology influence investment strategies?
46. What is portfolio management, and why is it important?
47. How can you use historical data to make investment decisions?
48. What are hedge funds, and how do they work?
49. How can investment risks be mitigated through diversification?
50. What are the benefits and challenges of passive versus active investment strategies?

Proficient (C2)

51. How do behavioral finance theories explain investor behavior?
52. What are the implications of market efficiency on investment strategies?
53. How can macroeconomic indicators be used to inform investment decisions?
54. What are the long-term effects of monetary policy on investments?
55. How can sustainable and socially responsible investing impact wealth management?
56. What are the complexities of international investment portfolios?
57. How can geopolitical risks be managed in investment strategies?
58. What role do derivatives play in advanced investment strategies?
59. How do advancements in artificial intelligence affect investment management?
60. What are the future trends in global wealth management?

Category 5: Talking about Banking and Financial Services

Beginner (A1)

1. What is a bank?
2. What is a bank account?
3. What is a credit card?
4. What is a debit card?
5. How do you open a bank account?
6. What is an ATM?
7. What is a bank teller?
8. What is cash?
9. How do you deposit money into a bank?
10. What is a check?

Elementary (A2)

11. What is online banking?
12. How do you use an ATM?
13. What is a loan?
14. Why do people use banks?
15. What is a bank statement?
16. How do you withdraw money from your bank account?
17. What is a savings account?
18. How do you transfer money to someone else?
19. What are bank fees?
20. What is interest on a bank account?

Intermediate (B1)

21. How can you protect your bank account information?
22. What are the benefits of online banking?
23. How do banks help people save money?
24. What is a mortgage?
25. How does a credit card work?
26. What are some common bank services?
27. How can you apply for a bank loan?
28. What is the difference between a checking and a savings account?
29. What are the risks of using a credit card?
30. How can you choose the best bank for your needs?

Upper Intermediate (B2)

31. How does a bank loan work?
32. What are the advantages and disadvantages of mobile banking?
33. How do banks make money?
34. What is a fixed deposit, and how does it work?
35. How can you build a good credit history?
36. What are the different types of bank accounts?
37. How does interest rate fluctuation affect your savings?
38. What are the pros and cons of using a credit union versus a bank?
39. How can you avoid bank fees?
40. What are the roles of central banks in the economy?

Advanced (C1)

41. How do financial regulations affect banking services?
42. What are the implications of digital currencies for the banking sector?
43. How do international banks differ from local banks?
44. What is the impact of interest rates on banking and financial services?
45. How do banks manage financial risks?
46. What are the ethical considerations in banking?
47. How has technology transformed the banking industry?
48. What is the role of banks in economic development?
49. How do mergers and acquisitions affect the banking sector?
50. What are the challenges facing the global banking industry?

Proficient (C2)

51. How do macroeconomic factors influence banking practices?
52. What are the effects of financial crises on banking systems?
53. How do banking regulations vary across different countries?
54. What is the future of traditional banking in the era of fintech?
55. How can blockchain technology impact banking operations?
56. What are the strategic approaches to risk management in banking?
57. How do geopolitical factors affect international banking?
58. What are the long-term impacts of low-interest-rate policies on banks?
59. How do banks contribute to sustainable economic practices?
60. What role do financial institutions play in shaping global economic policies?

Category 6: Talking about Debt and Loans

Beginner (A1)

1. What is debt?
2. What is a loan?
3. Why do people borrow money?
4. What is a credit card used for?
5. What is a bill?
6. What happens if you don’t pay your bills?
7. What is money owed?
8. What is a payment plan?
9. Have you ever borrowed money from someone?
10. What does it mean to repay a loan?

Elementary (A2)

11. What is a student loan?
12. What is a mortgage loan?
13. How can you pay off a loan?
14. What is a personal loan?
15. What is credit card debt?
16. Why is it important to repay your debt on time?
17. What is a debt collector?
18. What are interest rates on loans?
19. What happens if you can’t repay a loan?
20. How can you avoid getting into debt?

Intermediate (B1)

21. What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking out a loan?
22. How do you apply for a loan?
23. What is the difference between secured and unsecured loans?
24. How can you manage credit card debt?
25. What are the consequences of defaulting on a loan?
26. What is a debt consolidation loan?
27. How can borrowing money affect your credit score?
28. What are the benefits of having a good credit history?
29. How do payday loans work?
30. What are the risks of using payday loans?

Upper Intermediate (B2)

31. How can you improve your credit score?
32. What are the long-term effects of carrying debt?
33. How does debt affect personal financial planning?
34. What are the benefits and risks of co-signing a loan?
35. How can you negotiate with creditors to manage debt?
36. What is the role of credit counseling services?
37. How do interest rates impact loan repayments?
38. What are the implications of taking out multiple loans?
39. How can debt impact your mental health and well-being?
40. What strategies can help you become debt-free?

Advanced (C1)

41. How does the economic environment affect personal and business loans?
42. What are the ethical considerations in lending and borrowing?
43. How can government policies influence debt and borrowing behavior?
44. What is the impact of high-interest debt on financial stability?
45. How can you use leverage effectively in personal finance?
46. What are the challenges of managing debt in times of economic uncertainty?
47. How can financial literacy help in preventing debt problems?
48. What is the role of microfinance in addressing poverty and debt?
49. How do cultural attitudes towards debt differ globally?
50. What are the implications of rising student loan debt on society?

Proficient (C2)

51. How do macroeconomic policies influence personal and corporate debt levels?
52. What are the long-term economic impacts of national debt?
53. How can debt restructuring benefit both lenders and borrowers?
54. What are the implications of debt forgiveness programs?
55. How does sovereign debt affect global financial stability?
56. What are the ethical and economic considerations of predatory lending practices?
57. How do changes in monetary policy impact interest rates and debt markets?
58. What are the effects of technological advancements on debt management and collection?
59. How do international financial institutions handle debt crises in developing countries?
60. What strategies can individuals and businesses use to prepare for potential debt crises?

Category 7: Talking about Insurance and Protection

Beginner (A1)

1. What is insurance?
2. Why do people need insurance?
3. What is health insurance?
4. What is car insurance?
5. What is a policy?
6. What is a premium?
7. What is a claim?
8. What is home insurance?
9. What does insurance protect?
10. Do you have insurance?

Elementary (A2)

11. What is life insurance?
12. How does health insurance help you?
13. What is travel insurance?
14. Why is car insurance important?
15. How do you get insurance?
16. What is the difference between life and health insurance?
17. How can insurance help in an emergency?
18. What is an insurance agent?
19. What is an insurance company?
20. How can insurance protect your property?

Intermediate (B1)

21. What are the benefits of having health insurance?
22. How does insurance help after an accident?
23. What are the different types of insurance?
24. How can you choose the best insurance plan for you?
25. What is the role of an insurance broker?
26. How does travel insurance work?
27. What are deductibles in an insurance policy?
28. What are some common insurance scams to watch out for?
29. How do insurance companies calculate premiums?
30. How can you file an insurance claim?

Upper Intermediate (B2)

31. What factors influence the cost of car insurance?
32. How can you lower your health insurance costs?
33. What are the advantages and disadvantages of term life insurance?
34. How does disability insurance work?
35. What are the benefits of homeowners insurance?
36. How can you evaluate the coverage of an insurance policy?
37. What is the role of reinsurance in the insurance industry?
38. How can insurance help businesses manage risks?
39. What are the key elements of a comprehensive insurance policy?
40. How can you avoid insurance fraud?

Advanced (C1)

41. How do government regulations affect the insurance industry?
42. What are the economic impacts of widespread insurance adoption?
43. How does the insurance industry manage risk?
44. What are the ethical considerations in the insurance business?
45. How do actuarial sciences contribute to insurance?
46. How has technology changed the way insurance is sold and managed?
47. What are the challenges facing the global insurance industry?
48. How can insurance contribute to financial stability?
49. What is the impact of climate change on the insurance sector?
50. How can behavioral economics be applied to insurance?

Proficient (C2)

51. How do macroeconomic trends influence the insurance market?
52. What are the implications of health insurance reforms on public health?
53. How can international insurance regulations impact global markets?
54. What role does insurance play in disaster risk management?
55. How can ethical insurance practices enhance consumer trust?
56. What are the future trends in the insurance industry?
57. How can data analytics improve insurance underwriting and claims processing?
58. What are the socio-political implications of compulsory insurance schemes?
59. How do cultural differences affect insurance penetration in various regions?
60. What are the long-term effects of underinsurance on economic development?

Category 8: Talking about Taxes and Taxation

Beginner (A1)

1. What are taxes?
2. Why do people pay taxes?
3. What is income tax?
4. What is a tax return?
5. What is sales tax?
6. Who collects taxes?
7. What is a tax refund?
8. What is property tax?
9. What is a tax bill?
10. How do you pay taxes?

Elementary (A2)

11. What is the difference between federal and state taxes?
12. How does sales tax affect your shopping?
13. What is a tax deduction?
14. What is tax season?
15. What is a tax form?
16. How do you file a tax return?
17. What is a tax rate?
18. What happens if you don’t pay taxes?
19. How can you get help with your taxes?
20. What is a tax receipt?

Intermediate (B1)

21. What are the benefits of paying taxes?
22. How do taxes help the community?
23. What is the purpose of income tax?
24. What are the different types of taxes?
25. How can you reduce your tax bill?
26. What is a tax credit?
27. How does the government use tax money?
28. What is a tax exemption?
29. What is VAT (Value Added Tax)?
30. How can tax laws affect your finances?

Upper Intermediate (B2)

31. How does tax policy influence economic growth?
32. What are the pros and cons of a flat tax system?
33. How do progressive taxes work?
34. What is the impact of corporate taxes on businesses?
35. How do property taxes affect homeowners?
36. What are the ethical considerations in taxation?
37. How can tax evasion be prevented?
38. What are the differences between direct and indirect taxes?
39. How does international taxation work?
40. What are the challenges of implementing fair tax policies?

Advanced (C1)

41. How do tax incentives influence business decisions?
42. What are the effects of tax cuts on the economy?
43. How does tax reform impact income inequality?
44. What is the role of taxes in social welfare programs?
45. How do capital gains taxes affect investment strategies?
46. What are the implications of tax havens for global finance?
47. How can tax policy address climate change?
48. What are the challenges of taxing digital economies?
49. How do inheritance taxes affect wealth distribution?
50. What are the arguments for and against wealth taxes?

Proficient (C2)

51. How do macroeconomic factors influence tax policy?
52. What are the long-term effects of tax competition between countries?
53. How can international cooperation improve tax compliance?
54. What are the ethical implications of progressive versus regressive taxation?
55. How do tax policies affect labor markets and employment?
56. What are the potential impacts of a global minimum tax?
57. How can tax policies be used to promote sustainable development?
58. What are the consequences of tax avoidance by multinational corporations?
59. How do tax systems reflect societal values and priorities?
60. What are the future trends in global taxation?

Category 9: Talking about Personal Finance Planning and Goals

Beginner (A1)

1. What is financial planning?
2. Why is it important to plan your finances?
3. What are financial goals?
4. How can you save money for something you want?
5. What is a budget?
6. How do you make a simple budget?
7. What is an emergency fund?
8. Why is it important to have savings?
9. What are some common financial goals?
10. How can you plan for your future financially?

Elementary (A2)

11. What is the difference between short-term and long-term financial goals?
12. How do you prioritize your financial goals?
13. What are some examples of short-term financial goals?
14. What are some examples of long-term financial goals?
15. How can you create a budget that aligns with your financial goals?
16. What are some strategies for achieving financial independence?
17. How do you track your progress towards your financial goals?
18. What role does budgeting play in achieving financial stability?
19. How can you adjust your financial plan as your circumstances change?
20. How do you celebrate reaching financial milestones?

Intermediate (B1)

21. How can you set SMART financial goals?
22. What are the benefits of having a retirement plan?
23. How can you plan for major life events like buying a house or having children?
24. What are the key components of a comprehensive financial plan?
25. How do you calculate your net worth?
26. What are the different investment options for achieving financial goals?
27. How can you protect your financial future through insurance?
28. What are the risks of not having a financial plan?
29. How do economic conditions affect financial planning?
30. What are some strategies for overcoming financial setbacks?

Upper Intermediate (B2)

31. How can you diversify your investment portfolio to achieve your financial goals?
32. What are the implications of inflation on long-term financial planning?
33. How does tax planning contribute to achieving financial goals?
34. What role does risk management play in financial planning?
35. How can you balance saving for the future with enjoying life in the present?
36. What are the psychological barriers to effective financial planning?
37. How can financial literacy empower individuals to achieve their financial goals?
38. What are the benefits of seeking professional financial advice?
39. How do cultural differences influence approaches to financial planning?
40. How can you incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial planning?

Advanced (C1)

41. How can behavioral economics principles enhance financial planning strategies?
42. What are the implications of demographic trends on retirement planning?
43. How can technological advancements disrupt traditional financial planning methods?
44. What role does estate planning play in comprehensive financial planning?
45. How can philanthropy be integrated into long-term financial goals?
46. What are the ethical considerations in financial planning and wealth management?
47. How do changing regulatory environments impact financial planning practices?
48. How can intergenerational wealth transfer be managed effectively?
49. What are the implications of global economic shifts on financial planning strategies?
50. How can financial planning contribute to achieving sustainable development goals?

Proficient (C2)

51. How can macroeconomic policies influence individual financial planning decisions?
52. What are the long-term effects of environmental degradation on financial stability?
53. How do geopolitical tensions impact global financial planning strategies?
54. What role does financial education play in fostering inclusive financial planning?
55. How do cultural attitudes towards wealth influence financial planning practices?
56. What are the potential impacts of emerging technologies on financial planning?
57. How can financial planning address systemic inequalities in wealth distribution?
58. What are the implications of income and wealth inequality for financial planning?
59. How do global financial crises reshape financial planning approaches?
60. What are the future trends in financial planning and wealth management?

Category 10: Talking about Economic Concepts and Impact

Beginner (A1)

1. What is economics?
2. Why do we study economics?
3. What is money?
4. How does supply and demand affect prices?
5. What is scarcity?
6. What is a market?
7. What are goods and services?
8. What is a consumer?
9. What is a producer?
10. How do people earn money?

Elementary (A2)

11. What is the difference between needs and wants?
12. How does competition affect prices?
13. What is inflation?
14. How does inflation affect the cost of living?
15. What is a budget?
16. What is the role of government in the economy?
17. How does trade benefit countries?
18. What is the stock market?
19. How do taxes affect the economy?
20. What is the role of consumers in the economy?

Intermediate (B1)

21. How does economic growth benefit society?
22. What are the factors of production?
23. What is the role of entrepreneurship in the economy?
24. How does international trade impact domestic economies?
25. What are the effects of unemployment on the economy?
26. What is gross domestic product (GDP)?
27. How does government spending affect the economy?
28. What is fiscal policy?
29. What is monetary policy?
30. How do interest rates influence economic activity?

Upper Intermediate (B2)

31. What are the causes and consequences of income inequality?
32. How does globalization affect national economies?
33. What are the different economic systems?
34. How do supply-side and demand-side policies address economic challenges?
35. What is the role of central banks in stabilizing the economy?
36. How does technological innovation impact economic growth?
37. What are externalities, and how do they affect markets?
38. How do trade barriers impact international commerce?
39. What is the multiplier effect in economics?
40. What are the implications of government debt on future generations?

Advanced (C1)

41. How do economic indicators reflect the health of an economy?
42. What are the challenges of achieving sustainable economic development?
43. How do behavioral economics principles explain consumer behavior?
44. What is the role of regulation in preventing market failures?
45. How do financial markets influence the real economy?
46. What are the economic implications of demographic changes?
47. How does economic policy differ during periods of recession and expansion?
48. What are the economic impacts of climate change?
49. How does international cooperation address global economic challenges?
50. What role do multilateral organizations play in shaping economic policies?

Proficient (C2)

51. How do economic theories evolve in response to changing circumstances?
52. What are the long-term effects of automation on employment and wages?
53. How do cultural factors influence economic decision-making?
54. What are the ethical considerations in economic policymaking?
55. How can economic models be used to predict future trends?
56. What are the implications of income distribution on economic stability?
57. How does economic inequality affect social cohesion?
58. How do financial crises reshape economic policies and regulations?
59. What are the future trends in global economic development?
60. How can interdisciplinary approaches enhance our understanding of economics?

Category 11: “What If” Questions About Saving and Budgeting

1. What if you could save 50% of your income each month? How would that change your financial goals?
2. What if you had to live on a budget of only $1000 per month? How would you manage your expenses?
3. What if there was no such thing as an emergency fund? How would people handle unexpected expenses?
4. What if you could only spend money on essentials for a year? How would that affect your lifestyle?
5. What if every person had to create a monthly budget and stick to it? How would that impact savings rates?
6. What if you could cut your monthly expenses by 30%? What would you do with the extra money?
7. What if you could automate all your savings and bills? How would that change your financial management?
8. What if you had to start saving for retirement at age 18? How would your savings plan change over the years?
9. What if you could only use cash for all your purchases? How would it affect your spending habits?
10. What if you could create a completely debt-free lifestyle? How would it impact your long-term financial goals?

Category 12: “What If” Questions About Investing and Wealth Building

1. What if you had $10,000 to invest today? Which asset class would you choose: stocks, bonds, or real estate?
2. What if you could invest in one company for the next 10 years? What company would you pick and why?
3. What if you could create your own investment portfolio? What types of assets would you include?
4. What if you could start a business with no initial investment? What kind of business would you create?
5. What if you had a guaranteed return on all your investments? How would your investment strategy change?
6. What if real estate became a much more accessible investment for everyone? How would that impact wealth distribution?
7. What if there was no risk in investing? How would the financial markets look different?
8. What if you could only invest in sustainable and eco-friendly companies? How would that affect your portfolio?
9. What if you had to retire at 50 with only passive income? How would you ensure your financial independence?
10. What if you could choose between a high-paying job or a job that allowed you to pursue your passion, but with lower pay? Which would you choose for long-term wealth building?

Conclusion

By integrating these 620 conversation questions about personal finance into your lessons, you can help ESL students enhance their ability to discuss financial topics in English.

This will foster better financial decision-making and improve their confidence in daily conversations. Utilizing these questions in different speaking activities will make learning interactive and enjoyable, ultimately helping students build their vocabulary and boost their confidence.

Use this resource to teach speaking skills effectively and support your students in becoming financially literate and responsible communicators.