The list of discussion questions on this page is part of a publication called Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide.
1. What type of housing do you currently live in? Do you own your home, or do you rent?
2. Are houses or apartments expensive in your neighborhood? Where in your city are the most expensive houses or apartments? Why is this area more expensive? Where in your city are houses or apartments cheaper? Why is property cheaper in this area?
3. Do you live downtown, or in a mostly residential area? If you don’t live downtown, would you like to live there? Why, or why not?
4. If you work, how far is your home from your workplace? If you’re a student, how far is your school? How do you get to work or school?
5. How is the view from your house or apartment? What do you see from your front door or balcony?
6. What is the situation with public transportation in your neighborhood? Are there buses, trains, subway stations, taxis, or other forms of public transportation? How often do you use public transportation?
7. How do you think cultural differences influence housing preferences and design? For example, how do the average homes in your country compare to what you know about homes in the US, Canada, Australia, or England?
8. Describe your ideal home: What features would it have? Where in the city would it be? How many rooms would it have? Would it have balconies? How about a garden? A backyard? A tennis court? A swimming pool?
9. How important is it for you to personalize your living space? What personal touches have you added to your home?
10. Can you share a memorable experience related to moving into a new home? (When did this happen? Where did you move? Who helped you with the move? Why was it memorable?)
11. What role do you think interior design plays in creating a comfortable living environment?
12. Do you prefer living in urban, suburban, or rural areas? Why?
13. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city? What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the countryside?
14. Do people in your neighborhood have a problem with parking? What do people do if they can’t get a parking space near their home?
15. A “smart home” uses devices that are connected to the Internet. These devices allow homeowners to remotely control and monitor appliances and systems. Do you have “smart” devices in your home? If not, would you ever consider living in a “smart home”? Why or why not?
16. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with housemates or family members about home-related matters?
17. Do you know your neighbors well? Do you like them? How often do you see your neighbors? Do you have any noisy neighbors? What do you do if your neighbors make a lot of noise?
18. What are some common challenges people face when buying a home? What are some common challenges people face when renting a home?
19. How much does it cost to move to a different place in your city? Do you think this is cheap or expensive? Have you moved in the last five years? Would you like to move to another city, or to another house or apartment in your city? If yes, where would you like to move?
20. Can you share a story about a DIY project you’ve undertaken in your home?
21. Do you prefer open floor plans or separate rooms in a home? Why?
22. What do you think are some important factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood to live in?
23. How do people create a sense of community within their neighborhood or apartment building?
24. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a home versus renting a home?
25. How do you think environmental concerns impact housing choices and design?
26. Can you describe a memorable gathering you’ve hosted in your home? (How many people were there? What type of food did you prepare? Did you guests contribute anything?)
27. How do you think minimalist living and decluttering trends have influenced home design and lifestyle choices?
28. Can you recall a time when you had to make compromises regarding your living situation? What are the differences between your current home and your ideal home?