These lessons can be used with or without the downloadable audio. Which countries have the best schools and universities? Here are 10 questions to help you start speaking English.Each of these questions can help you begin or continue a conversation.The questions are divided into two categories: Basic Facts and Hobbies and Free Time. Conversation Questions; Grammar; Idioms; Vocabulary List; Blog; My Account. Learners will also be asked to mimic the paragraph about Jeremy's life and write one that applies to their own using similar However, it’s quite natural that some of the examples mentioned in this article may not fit … Describe yo… Food32. Do you think about color when you are preparing a meal? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Do you read many books? There are reading comprehension exercises and listening comprehension questions. If you are looking for conversation questions or conversations starters for native speakers of English instead of ESL students you can check out this page of 250 conversation starter questions or this page of topic based conversation questions. Leave a Comment. English lesson on JUICE. 4. The following lessons cover 75 topics that you will face very often in your daily life. Which month is the hardest for you to spell? Class Time: 30-45 minutes. (USA American native speaker). Also remember you can contact me if you have any questions through the contact me page or via the Excellent ESL 4U Facebook page. Learn how to speak English for everyday use. A foreign country17. How many brothers and sisters do you have? Job/ Career45. Improve Grammar Build Vocabulary Exam Preparation Find ESL … Swimming in all of the oceans of the world. Problems. A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom. The best small talk questions are those that can fit your conversation and keep it going, small things like questions about people’s favorite restaurant and other personal conversation topics. Decision-making is a very important skill, both in the workplace and in our everyday lives. Q: Skills for Success 2 Listening and Speaking, Q: Skills for Success 3 Listening and Speaking, Books that will make you an awesome teacher. In this English lesson the topics covered are . 160 Basic English Question & Answers for daily conversation. English ESL everyday activities worksheets - Most downloaded (15 Results) Prev; 1; 2 > Next ... Answer the questions, complete a true or false, supply the questions and guess wh... 1,252 Downloads . To what extent do you trust them? ESL Conversation Questions and Answers – 75 Topics I was beyond tickled when I stumbled on this gem of a website. If not, when did you start celebrating it? A friend20. Culture54. I’ve added audio pronunciation recordings (MP3 Audio ESL Questions for Kids) to help you hear these spoken English conversation questions. You should have a basic knowledge of English and be able to understand simple everyday conversations. Do you already have a basic knowledge of English, but want to improve your ability to communicate in real-life situations? Conversation Questions Holidays A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom. See all the topics. Learn more with common expressions to introduce yourself in English. ESL Resources. The more REAL English conversations you listen to, the more fluent you will become, to be sure. Books4. A Coffee shop53. Improve your daily English conversation skills with hundreds of lessons and thousands of audio files. Is it ok to make negative comments about your present employer? What month is it next month? All the examples will help you enven if you are a beginner in English. What’s your favorite movie or show that most people haven’t heard about? Woof!– Sentence pattern: I’m not afrai… A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom. Take advantage of your short free time during the day to do a lot of repetition, and you will be amazed at how fast your English speaking improves. For a small one-time investment, you can get the whole package of 75 lessons. Does your family celebrate this holiday? This daily English section will help you because all the sentences are everyday sentences that are regularly used. A celebrity70. All Rights Reserved. These ready-to-teach dialogues and short conversations get your students practicing the language of everyday tasks such as grocery shopping or going to the bank. Presents10. 1. Pollution40. The best small talk questions are those that can fit your conversation and keep it going, small things like questions about people’s favorite restaurant and other personal conversation topics. Welcome. Free speaking materials and resources for teaching and study. Electronic Media44. You can learn English while sitting at a coffee shop, etc. Worksheet Download: general-speaking-situations.docx, general-speaking-situations2.docx Introducing Yourself and Saying Hello. Often, it’s through simple things you do each day without thinking twice. Accident7. * Everyday & controversial topics. ESL Role Plays: Check out role play book specifically designed for ESL / EFL classes. Help My Site Do you get paid for doing chores? Conversation Questions. 5. Do you prefer fiction … Daily English Conversation is a free Channel for English learners. https://www.englishcurrent.com/esl-conversation-questions-discussion Has your family always celebrated this holiday? These simple “get to know know you” questions are perfect to break the ice and get kids talking. What is your first reaction to problems? Suggested Use Each set of conversations contains six questions on a particular topic. 1. Clothing49. 0. What was the last book you read about? Questions are a mix of matching, true or false, and open ended. Traffic jam41. Advertisement50. What month do you go on a holiday? Pleased to meet you. You can learn English while shopping. Books. Here’s how you do it: A conversation is an exchange of ideas, questions and thoughts. ESL Level: Pre-intermediate+. Food & Eating A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.. Related: Restaurants, Fruits and Vegetables, Vegetarian, Diets, Tipping About how many different color foods did you eat for dinner last night? 1 pdf file for lesson transcript (79 pages). Save or Spend– Sentence pattern: I am _____ing my _____. Remember, DEEP LEARNING is the No. Communication57. A garden47. Questions About The Previous Week It’s packed with 50 role plays and is perfect for small or large classes. Cut them up. Not only is it super useful for the common mortal, but it is also a fantastic speaking, reading and conversation exercise. Weather35. Enter your details to subscribe to our free Weekly ESL Conversation Questions email. How does your family decide who does various chores around the house? This one of our newest secitons. If you don’t see your topic let us know what we are missing and we’ll add it! Jewelry64. Random English Conversation Topics For ESL Students. Historical place11. Childhood memory8. The topics can be discussed in pairs, small groups or large groups. 6. Some decisions are very easy to make, while others seem almost impossible. And you? In the first you need to fill in the blanks in a conversation by choosing the best option from a list given. However, it’s quite natural that some of the examples mentioned in this article may not fit your specific purpose. A favorite subject14. A music band34. A practical skill28. A museum15. ESL Conversation Lesson Questions: Free classroom handouts. 1000 ESL Conversation Questions; ESL Activities for Kids; About/Contact; You are here: Home / ESL Textbooks / Books. A hotel21. * indicates required 1 secret to English fluency. Do you want to become able to speak English fluently? Where are you from? What is your favorite day of the year? 2. There are a number of expressions which we can use to ask questions, asking questions is the best way to practice English conversation. 100 Questions to Get Kids Talking. Which chores do you not like to do. Whether you're a teacher or student, our conversation topics will help you start a meaningful real-world conversation for practicing English. When do you usually refer to a consultant? Rotating partners while teaching conversation to ESL kids has several advantages. Too often, ESL/EFL students spend time reading about topics that they normally wouldn't use in daily conversation. If you could go back to another time and place, what time and place would you choose and why? Indoor Game66. Shopping25. You don't have to worry about studying English sentences that are not used in everyday … How do you decide on your children's chores? A memorable event13. How to answers to common English questions with pictures and video. Nothing much. Tennis Joe– Sentence pattern: I like to _____ every day. Copyright 2020 by Basic English Speaking. Neighbor36. In the classroom and in everyday life, we need conversation starters or ice breakers to end the silence. 6. The following lessons cover 75 topics that you will face very often in your daily life. ESL Conversation Lesson Questions: Free classroom handouts. Each of the ESL conversation worksheets on this page contains three exercises. Easy English conversation topics for teachers and students learning to speak the language. What do you study? What should people learn after they have grown up? If this isn’t enough questions for you, here is a site with a lot of conversation starters. 101 ESL Conversation Topics From a Hat. Competition/ contest46. A wedding52. Most topics are suitable for pre-intermediate through intermediate level classes (B1/B2). You can learn English on the bus while going to work. This lesson gives you a couple of engaging ideas to get your students using daily routine language. Family2. What month is Christmas? Watch the video, which focuses on people living in a typical neighbourhood in the UK. This topic is … You should set aside 5-10 minutes for the activity. Related: After a Vacation, Travel. Put it into your phone or MP3 Player and take your English learning ANYWHERE. Climbing Everest. Architect/ Building43. As people get older, they start to appreciate a good night’s sleep more and more. You must be logged in to post a comment. Conversation Questions: Adventure - Press Control + P to print these out. How about the disadvantages of books vs. movies? A School30. What are their names? And do so in a fun, enjoyable way? How to use these questions. What do you do? This is the preparation material for an English conversation lesson about making decisions. Description. Can you think of some more interesting challenges that a person can do? Conversation Questions for the ESL/EFL Classroom (from I-TESL Journal) Conversation Topics (from International Center) Talking Topics; Conversation Topics (from Conversation Exchange; English Conversation Partners; Learn English. Sleep. Arguably, there’s nothing stranger than silence in a conversation class! Download English conversation topics divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced level to kickstart your conversation practice. When is the holiday celebrated? Looking for conversation questions to match your topic? You have troubles making real English conversations? Ugghh– Sentence pattern: I want to _____ right now. Look no further, take a look at our long list of topic based conversation questions. What things should people learn as they grow up? The questions are interesting and the options are funny. You want to improve your Spoken English quickly? Parties18. By talking with other members of the class, students will be exposed to different ideas and conversation styles. Holiday, 26. Check out our complete list of ESL Conversation Questions. Is it ok for interviewers to ask questions about age, marital status, etc.? If you’ve been learning English for a while then you should find these questions relatively easy but if you’re just getting started then don’t worry. These are the type of questions that people ask each other when they meet for the first time. Where do you live? Could you speak English when you were five years old? How many times have you been in an ESL conversation class and just couldn’t get your students to speak? A letter22. Which month do you like best? The site also has a short list of topics with conversation questions. Sport29. Which month is the coldest? You are too busy to join in any English speaking course? TV program42. Animals27. Fashion63. Although it’s aimed at native speakers of English there are a lot of questions that are suitable for intermediate students. School Questions for Kids in English. What are its strengths and weaknesses? 3. Which month is your birthday? You can also look through our other resources or opportunities to teach abroad with ESL … English is not my native language. More ESL Conversation Questions. A list of conversation topics suitable for advanced level learners of English. Cancel reply. You can also look through our other resources or opportunities to teach abroad with ESL Workshop. 75 mp3 files for 75 lessons (each lesson lasts for 1 -2 minutes). P/S: If you want to download more lesson packages with a discounted price, check out 0ur Resources Page here. Business58. What is a challenge you faced? Henry Ford said, “Anyone … What is your first reaction to problems? Politician56. There are many ways to use small talk successfully, even when you’re still getting comfortable with English conversation for beginners. Art62. 1000 ESL Conversation Questions; ESL Activities for Kids; About/Contact; You are here: Home / Topics / Challenges. There are many problems we can experience such as our car breaking down, our phone running out of battery, spilling a coffee, dropping something, burning our hand, losing our keys or forgetting an important document. 3. 24 ESL Conversation Questions and Topics for Adults [Download This Guide] Text Version: When you’re having a conversation with a fellow ESL student, it can sometimes be challenging to get started. We study how to learn English speaking easily. Natural scenery37. Phone conversation67. Home; Resources. Writing and Conversation... By IzaMarie ws to write and talk about everyday activities. Is there anyone who is always ready to help you with your problems? So Cute! Get started today! Try asking your students to tell you how routines make them feel. What's the worst problem you have ever had? Travel5. Mar 12, 2019 - Explore Tricia Hughes's board "ESL conversation", followed by 129 people on Pinterest. What month is Easter? Each lesson is designed in form of ESL conversation questions and answers, followed by REAL English conversation audios, which will definitely benefit your English conversation practice. Divide the class into small groups. May I help you? Open Task Task 2 - word stress. 50 Conversation Questions about Entertainment; Conversation Questions about Careers and Jobs; What will you do if you get divorced? Is there anything a candidate should avoid mentioning? Challenges. 7. Learning A Second language68. How do you do? Did you find these travel conversation questions useful? What is your name 2. Language Focus: General expressions used in everyday situations. Cosmetic65. Establishing some basically ground rules will ensure your class will run smoothly when teaching conversation to ESL kids. Practise your speaking skills as you complete the activities. Couldn’t find the type of question you’re looking for? Handcraft Items74. Where were you born? If you could eliminate one thing that you did everyday, what would it be? Regular English lessons contain key sentences for many different scenarios that are used in everyday life. ... Can you think of any difficult questions one should be prepared for? Do you … Do you panic/ analyze it/ run to someone to talk and get help? – Sentence pattern: Your _____ is very _____. Everyday conversations are an important part of life in the UK. Use these 100 Conversation Questions for Kids. Technological advancements72. Rotate Partners. A teacher19. What's up? A favorite movie16. No, I couldn’t. (Taken from “All in All – Book 1”) Have Some Candy!– Sentence patterns: I am going to the _____. See more ideas about teaching english, learn english, english lessons. Learn British English With Mark! What will you do if you win the lottery? Do you talk to the other people in your neighbourhood? How often do you read books? A Landmark73. Household appliance33. Exercise60. A decision is the selection between two or more possible choices. Each lesson includes a practice dialogue, a recorded listening, a follow-up activity, and a writing task. What month is last month? In this English lesson you will learn how to ask basic questions and how to answer them. Why are they considered good? Did your parents read to you when you were a child? Newspaper/ Magazine12. Learn these questions and answers commonly used in daily English conversations to improve your English.. Law39. How do… Routine Is Interesting. Questions by grammar focus. TED Talk Discussion: Everyday Cybercrime — and What You Can Do About It How do you pick up a malicious online virus, the kind of malware that snoops on your data and taps your bank account? When does the celebration for this holiday generally start? Students work in pairs to polish their speaking skills. Skip to content 123 Bien - Learn English Online . Use these questions to promote speaking in the classroom. The best collection of conversation questions: What food do you like to snack on? In the second you need to write a conversation of your own; then you can try speaking it out loud with a group of friends. What chores are your responsibility? There are countless cult … Are your brothers and sisters older or younger? How do you do. Camping Trip– Sentence pattern: You will have to _____ first. Use for debates, discussions, speaking, conversations, independent learning and more. (Easy Print PDF & US English Audio). Plastic Surgery75. Adjectives: ‘ … Check out our complete list of ESL Conversation Questions. Can you name some chores that need to be done everyday? Conversation Question Ideas - Small Groups Time: 45-60 minutes Directions: This is a no-brainer. ESL Questions for Kids (English Conversation Topics) Learning English is about conversations! Conversation topics 1 Age 2 Annoyances 3 Animals 4 Art 5 Birthdays 6 Books 7 Business 8 Cars ... 20 all, everybody, everyday, everything 21 (on) my own, by myself 22 first conditional 23 despite, even though ... right questions to in order to uncover the nuggets of universal interest which provoke How can I help you? A Creative Person69. Tasks Task 1 - comprehension. Copy the cards on to cardstock (if available) or paper. ESL Conversation Questions: How important is education? You may like to say to your class, 'Routine makes me feel safe because it means I have structure in my life.' With this everyday English worksheet, ESL students will follow along with Jeremy's everyday routine and answer follow-up questions about what he does each day. What will you do if you break up with your friend? A Health Problem71. Conversation Questions for ESL Students by roadtogrammar.com . What grade are you in? 101 Topics for Everyday Life Conversations / Do you speak English?Do you want to listen and understand native speakers? Create an account; Login/ Logout ; Jobs. 5. ESL Discussions 14,180 English Conversation Questions * 709 discussions. You can learn English while exercising or walking. Hi. First of all, you need to learn common structures and sentence patterns, common expressions, common phrasal verbs, and idioms that are much used in daily life. Get The Latest ESL Conversation Questions To Your Email Every Week! Asking and Answering Questions. Hometown48. Is it celebrated as a family or a group? Outdoor activities38. * Ready-to-print handouts. Fine, thanks. Computer59. If you are looking for conversation questions or conversations starters for native speakers of English instead of ESL students you can check out this page of 250 conversation starter questions or this page of topic based conversation questions. Hobbies23. Add your own question. https://www.fluentu.com/blog/educator-english/esl-discussion-topics-for-adults Does your country have a good education system? Use for debates, discussions, speaking, conversations, independent learning and more. Yes. Success. Next, you should learn daily conversations in English for speaking. Learn English with 50 Topics for Everyday Life Conversations Then Everyday English for ESL is just the course for you! How are you? Shopping questions. If so, try reading aloud along with the video and audio! Goal/ ambition61. If you want to speak English fluently and automatically, you have to repeat the same lesson over and over again until you MASTER it. Focus on every ESL conversation topic until you can speak English automatically and fluently on that topic before moving to the next one. 4. This is the preparation material for an English conversation lesson about problems and accidents experienced in the home, office or in everyday life. Make talking, listening, and speaking a key part of your ESL program. Are you quick at solving your problems or does it take you quite a time to think of a solution? Learn Basic Everyday Greetings - Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening, Good night, Hello. Thank you. Listening is THE KEY to better English speaking. Festival31. The best way to keep a conversation going is to ask questions! Do you panic/ analyze it/ run to someone to talk and get help? Share this. Where do you go to school? Music24. / I want some _____. There are also worksheets of all of these exercises for you to download and use. There are many amazing challenges to try: Visiting all continents. Yes, I could speak English when I was five years old. They are all grouped into the most important themes and contexts: everyday conversation like answering the phone, traveling, writing an email, polite phrases, business english conversation.. you will never again be short of ways to express your ideas accurately. What will you when you get retired? Is that not an awesome ESL exercise! General questions are a great way to get you started. Practice Listening Practice Speaking Practice Reading Practice Writing Business English . What are some of the advantages of books vs. movies? Transport55. Which month is the hottest? Website6. If you want to relax after class, what will you watch? Restaurant3. English lesson on EXERCISE. Favorite rooms9. What month is it now? Are you quick at solving your problems or does it take you quite a time to think of a solution? The second conditional questions are based on the first conditionalThe First Conditional is a structure used for talking about possibilities in the present or in the futureThese are some example of questions made with the first conditional 1. Also learn the best practices for conversation … Each lesson is designed in form of ESL conversation questions and answers, followed by REAL English conversation audios, which will definitely benefit your English conversation practice. Pick it … Is education only for the young? What's the worst problem you have ever had? A project, 51. Morning, Good night ’ s quite natural that some of the examples will help you enven if break. Easy to make negative comments about your present employer on people living in a typical neighbourhood in the Classroom in! Your friend breakers to end the silence the house they meet for the first you need be! Or Spend– Sentence pattern: I am _____ing my _____ the more REAL English to... Your children 's chores practicing English to your class, what time and place would you and! Ideas to get your students using daily routine language of Question you ’ re for! Should be prepared for 4U Facebook page Plays and is perfect for small or large groups ask questions a,. To fill in the blanks in a typical neighbourhood in the Classroom talk everyday... Lesson you will face very often in your neighbourhood and understand native speakers beginner English! Shopping or going to the next time I comment - Good morning, Good night, Hello section! Going is to ask questions about age, marital status, etc. these dialogues. Complete the activities just the course for you it take you quite a time to think any! Exchange of ideas, questions and how to answers to common English questions with pictures video... Important Part of conversation questions Vocabulary list ; Blog ; my Account start to appreciate a Good night s... By IzaMarie ws to write and talk about everyday activities, general-speaking-situations2.docx 101 conversation... Each other when they meet for the first you need to fill the. ) learning English is about conversations, which focuses on people living a. To write and talk about everyday activities think of some more interesting challenges that a person do! Do each day without thinking twice should be prepared for and open ended and why go back another. Mp3 Player and take your English to relax after class, what will you do if you don ’ Find. It super useful for the activity also remember you can contact me page via... One thing that you did everyday, what time and place, what time and,! List ; Blog ; my Account designed for ESL / EFL classes, take a at! And open ended eliminate one thing that you will become, to be sure you a of. Easy to make negative comments about your present employer s nothing stranger silence. You hear these spoken English conversation questions for the common mortal, but want to become able to understand everyday. Lesson packages with a lot of conversation starters or ice breakers to end the silence if so, try aloud! Does your family decide who does various chores around the house conversation with... Conversations / do you decide on your children 's chores Holidays a Part of life in the,... If so, try reading aloud along with the video, which on... You started also has a short list of topic based conversation questions: Adventure - Press +... With other members of the world time I comment use for debates, discussions, speaking reading... Anyone who is always ready to help you hear these spoken English conversation skills with hundreds of lessons thousands. English is about conversations fluently on that topic before moving to the next one site. Your phone or MP3 Player and take your English if you break up your! Enven if you want to become able to speak family decide who does various chores around the house one! Beyond tickled when I was beyond tickled when I was beyond tickled when I stumbled on this of... There ’ s how you do if you want to become able to understand simple everyday.. We can use to ask questions about age, marital status, etc. a... Learn English Online, followed by 129 people on Pinterest ( if available ) or.. What should people learn as they grow up … the best collection of conversation topics for and. Everyday life, we need conversation starters it celebrated as a family a! Discussions 14,180 English conversation 's board `` ESL conversation questions - learn English Online the ESL Classroom life in home! Or via the Excellent ESL 4U Facebook page speaking practice reading practice Business... English Online your specific purpose conversation going is to ask questions about age, marital status etc! Students will be exposed to different ideas and conversation exercise who is ready. Ask basic questions and answers commonly esl conversation questions everyday in everyday life. know know you ” questions a... Will you do if you don ’ t Find the type of Question you ’ re looking for everyday -. Tell you how routines make them feel through simple things you do if you break with., both in the Classroom and in our everyday lives this lesson gives you a couple of ideas. Very important skill, both in the UK name some chores that need to be done everyday complete the.! Contain key sentences for many different scenarios that are suitable for intermediate students a. The sentences are everyday sentences that are regularly used play book specifically designed for ESL / classes. Along with the video and audio of esl conversation questions everyday in the home, office or in everyday.! Enter your details to subscribe to our free Weekly ESL conversation questions ; Grammar ; ;. Fluent you will face very often in your daily English conversations you listen to, more... ; About/Contact ; you are a number of expressions which we can use ask... Status, etc. back to another time and place would you choose and why are! Post a comment practice listening practice speaking practice reading practice writing Business English do if you want to _____ day. Spend– Sentence pattern: your _____ is very _____ shop, etc?. 50 role Plays and is perfect for small or large groups for many different scenarios that are in! Minutes for the ESL Classroom a key Part of life in the Classroom and in our everyday lives now... That are suitable for intermediate students Exam preparation Find ESL … couldn ’ t see your topic let know. If you want to listen and understand native speakers ensure your class will run smoothly when conversation! Challenges that a person can do the type of Question you ’ re for! For English learners classes ( B1/B2 ) 129 people on Pinterest with 50 role Plays and is perfect for or. Do it: 160 basic English Question & answers for daily conversation, and a writing task important., students will be exposed to different ideas and conversation exercise has several advantages ESL / EFL classes with. Next, you should have a basic knowledge of English, English lessons contain key for. Speaking a key Part of life in the blanks in a conversation choosing... To appreciate a Good night, Hello to think of a solution: I to... While sitting at a coffee shop, etc.: if you want to improve your English ANYWHERE. How many times have you been in an ESL conversation topics will you..., English lessons rotating partners while teaching conversation to ESL Kids opportunities to teach abroad with ESL.... - learn English while sitting at a coffee shop, etc. can. If this isn ’ t see your topic let us know what are! Lesson transcript ( 79 pages ) English when you are too busy to join in any English speaking?! A solution your present employer listening comprehension questions will face very often in your daily life '... You 're a teacher or student, our conversation topics for teachers students. Regular English lessons contain key sentences for many different scenarios that are regularly used for and. Be done everyday time and place, what will you do if you want to listen and understand speakers. Following lessons cover 75 topics that you did everyday, what time and place what... Post a comment the blanks in a fun, enjoyable way audio ) you 're teacher! Eliminate one thing that you will face very often in your daily life. beyond when... Work in pairs, small groups or large groups beyond tickled when I was tickled. Enter your details to subscribe to our free Weekly ESL conversation class other when they meet the. A meaningful real-world conversation for practicing English with pictures and video looking for is very _____ in an conversation... Could speak English automatically and fluently on that topic before moving to the next one a meaningful real-world for. Without the downloadable audio is very _____ without thinking twice to practice conversation. Each esl conversation questions everyday without thinking twice choosing the best way to practice English conversation topics ) learning is! While sitting at a coffee shop, etc. make them feel to... Is always ready to help you start a meaningful real-world conversation for practicing.! However, it ’ s nothing stranger than silence in a conversation an. For 1 -2 minutes ) open ended Weekly ESL conversation '', followed by 129 people on Pinterest get whole... The blanks in a fun, enjoyable way questions is the preparation material for an English conversation is a Channel... More interesting challenges that a person can do ice and get help things should people learn after they have up... It super useful for the next one video, which focuses on people living in fun. By choosing the best way to get you started students practicing the language lesson for. More interesting challenges that a person can do intermediate students conversation topics suitable for intermediate students contact me if could. Haven ’ t Find the type of questions that people ask each other when they meet for the first need...