The Ultimate Guide to Conversation Activities for Secondary School Students
After two decades teaching teenagers in Latin America, I’ve seen one challenge again and again:
Students understand English… but they don’t speak it confidently.
Why?
Lack of engaging topics
Activities that feel too “childish” or too “academic”
Teenagers need something different.
They need:
Relevant topics
Thought-provoking questions
Opportunities to express opinions
In this guide, I’ll share 10 powerful conversation topics, each with 10 carefully designed questions to get secondary students (ages 12–17) speaking naturally and confidently.
How to Use These Questions (From Experience)
Encourage opinions, not perfection
Teenagers want to be heard. Let them express ideas freely—even with mistakes.
Push for longer answers
Instead of:
“Yes.”
Encourage:
“Yes, because I think…”
Use pair and group work
Teenagers speak more when not in front of the whole class.
Accept silence at first
Sometimes they need time to think. That’s okay.
1. Technology and Social Media
A topic they care deeply about.
Questions:
How much time do you spend on your phone every day?
What is your favorite social media app?
Do you think social media is good or bad? Why?
Do you prefer texting or talking in person?
Can people become addicted to technology?
What do you usually watch online?
Do you think phones should be allowed in school?
How would life be different without the internet?
Do you follow influencers? Why or why not?
What are the dangers of social media?
Great for opinions and storytelling.
Questions:
What is your favorite movie?
What kind of movies do you like?
Who is your favorite actor or actress?
Do you prefer movies or series? Why?
What was the last movie you watched?
Do you like watching movies at home or in the cinema?
What makes a movie interesting?
Do movies influence people? How?
What movie would you recommend to a friend?
Do you like horror movies? Why or why not?
A relatable topic with room for opinions.
Questions:
What is your favorite subject? Why?
What subject do you find most difficult?
Do you think homework is necessary?
How many hours do you study every day?
What makes a good teacher?
Do you prefer studying alone or in groups?
Should school start later in the morning?
What would you change about your school?
Is school preparing you for the future?
Do you think exams are a good way to evaluate students?
Encourages personal expression.
Questions:
How important is family in your life?
Do you spend a lot of time with your family?
Who are you closest to in your family?
Do you think parents should be strict?
How do you usually spend time with your family?
Do you prefer spending time with friends or family?
What makes a good friend?
Have you ever had an argument with a friend?
How do you solve problems with others?
Is it easy to make friends? Why or why not?
A natural and engaging topic.
Questions:
What do you usually do in your free time?
Do you play any sports?
What is your favorite hobby?
How often do you watch TV or videos?
Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?
Have your hobbies changed over time?
Do you like reading? Why or why not?
What do you do on weekends?
Do you prefer relaxing or being active?
Would you like to learn a new hobby? Which one?
Encourages curiosity and imagination.
Questions:
Have you ever traveled to another country?
Where would you like to go in the future?
What is your favorite place in your country?
Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?
What can you learn from traveling?
Do you like trying new food from other cultures?
What country interests you the most? Why?
Is traveling important for young people?
What problems can travelers face?
Would you rather travel alone or with others?
Very relevant for teenagers.
Questions:
What job would you like to have in the future?
Why do you want that job?
Is money important when choosing a job?
What jobs are popular in your country?
Would you like to work abroad?
Do you think school prepares you for work?
What skills are important for the future?
Would you prefer a high salary or a job you love?
Do you think robots will replace jobs?
At what age should people start working?
Encourages critical thinking.
Questions:
What environmental problems exist today?
Do you think climate change is serious?
What can students do to help the environment?
Do you recycle?
Should governments do more to protect nature?
What causes pollution?
How can we reduce waste?
Is it important to save water? Why?
What will the world be like in 50 years?
Do you think people care about the environment?
Important for deeper communication.
Questions:
What makes you happy?
What makes you feel stressed?
How do you relax?
Do you think it is important to talk about feelings?
Who do you talk to when you have a problem?
What do you do when you feel nervous?
Can music change your mood?
Do you think teenagers have a lot of pressure?
What advice would you give to a friend who feels sad?
How do you feel about your future?
Perfect for imagination and ambition.
Questions:
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
What are your biggest dreams?
Do you believe dreams can come true?
What motivates you?
Who inspires you?
What does success mean to you?
Do you want to be famous? Why or why not?
What challenges do you expect in the future?
How can you achieve your goals?
What would you like to change in the world?
Final Thoughts (From 20 Years in the Classroom)
Here’s what I’ve learned about teenagers:
They don’t want to just answer questions…
They want to express themselves.
When students talk about:
Their opinions
Their fears
Their dreams
Language stops being a subject… and becomes a tool for communication.
And that’s when real learning happens.
Bonus Tip
Give a statement (e.g., “Social media is harmful”)
Students stand on a line from “agree” to “disagree”
They explain their position
Why it works:
Gets everyone involved
Encourages movement + speaking
Builds confidence and critical thinking
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