EngoTalk

English Conversation Topics by Level

Never run out of things to say. Choose from 40 topics, each with 12 questions, useful phrases, key vocabulary and a sample answer. Pick your level, choose a topic or draw a random one, and start talking.

Beginner

Family

  • How many people are there in your family?
  • Do you have any brothers or sisters?
  • Who are you most similar to in your family?

Useful phrases

  • There are... people in my family.
  • I have one older brother and...
  • I'm the youngest / oldest.
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Beginner

Food

  • What is your favourite food?
  • Can you cook? What can you make?
  • What do people in your country eat for breakfast?

Useful phrases

  • My favourite food is...
  • I really like... but I don't like...
  • It tastes...
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Intermediate

Travel

  • What is the best place you have ever visited?
  • Do you prefer beach holidays or city breaks?
  • Where would you like to travel next, and why?

Useful phrases

  • I've been to... and it was amazing.
  • I'd love to go to... because...
  • The highlight of the trip was...
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Intermediate

Technology

  • Which app do you use the most?
  • How many hours a day do you spend on your phone?
  • Could you live without the internet for a week?

Useful phrases

  • I couldn't live without...
  • I spend way too much time on...
  • It's really handy for...
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Intermediate

Social media

  • Which social media apps do you use?
  • How much time do you spend on social media each day?
  • What kind of content do you like to watch?

Useful phrases

  • I mostly use... for...
  • I spend way too much time scrolling.
  • I tend to follow...
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Advanced

Work-life balance

  • Do you think you have a healthy work-life balance?
  • What usually gets in the way of your free time?
  • Should employers be allowed to contact staff after work hours?

Useful phrases

  • For me, the key is...
  • It's all about setting boundaries.
  • I'd argue that...
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Advanced

Remote work

  • Have you ever worked or studied from home?
  • What are the biggest advantages of remote work?
  • What do people miss most about the office?

Useful phrases

  • The main upside is...
  • On the flip side, ...
  • It really depends on the type of job.
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Advanced

Education

  • What was the most useful thing you learned at school?
  • Should university be free for everyone?
  • Are exams a good way to measure learning?

Useful phrases

  • Looking back, the most valuable thing was...
  • I'm not convinced that...
  • It puts too much pressure on...
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Advanced

Environment

  • What is the biggest environmental problem in your country?
  • What do you personally do to help the environment?
  • Should plastic bags and bottles be banned?

Useful phrases

  • One of the most pressing issues is...
  • I do my bit by...
  • It's easier said than done.
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Advanced

Success

  • How would you define success?
  • Who is the most successful person you know personally?
  • Is success more about hard work or luck?

Useful phrases

  • To me, success means...
  • It's a combination of... and...
  • I'm particularly proud of...
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Fluent

Ethics of technology

  • Should tech companies be responsible for what users post on their platforms?
  • Is it ever acceptable to trade privacy for convenience or safety?
  • Who should be held accountable when an algorithm makes a harmful decision?

Useful phrases

  • It raises the question of whether...
  • There's a tension between... and...
  • I'd take issue with the idea that...
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Fluent

Culture and identity

  • What shapes your identity most: your country, family, language or something else?
  • How does language shape identity?
  • Is it important to keep traditional customs?

Useful phrases

  • Language is closely tied to...
  • While traditions matter, ...
  • I've come to realise that...
All 12 questions, vocabulary and sample answer

Ready to talk? Find a partner now

Bring any of these topics to a live 1-on-1 video call on EngoTalk and practise with a learner at your level.

Start a live practice call

Tips for a great conversation

  • Answer in two or three sentences, not just "yes" or "no".
  • Ask follow-up questions like "Why?" and "What happened next?".
  • Don't worry about small mistakes. Keep the conversation going.

Need more help? Read English small talk phrases or check your level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use these conversation topics?

Pick a topic at your level, take turns asking the questions with your partner, and try to use the useful phrases in your answers. Each topic page has 12 questions, key vocabulary and a sample answer.

Which level should I choose?

Choose the level where you can answer the questions with some effort. If you're not sure, take our free English level test first.

Can teachers use these questions in class?

Yes. Every topic is free to use in lessons, conversation clubs and tutoring sessions. Pick a level, choose a topic and share the page with your students.

Can I use these topics alone?

Yes. Answer the questions out loud and record yourself, then listen back and notice what you can improve.