EngoTalk

Happiness: English Conversation Questions

Is happiness a goal, a habit or a by-product? These reflective questions are ideal for deep, personal conversations.

Level: Fluent

Speaking practice: answer out loud for one minute

What does happiness mean to you?

1:00

12 conversation questions about happiness

  1. 1What does happiness mean to you?
  2. 2Is happiness a choice?
  3. 3Are people happier now than fifty years ago?
  4. 4Can money buy happiness?
  5. 5What small things make you happy every day?
  6. 6Should governments measure national happiness instead of GDP?
  7. 7Is it possible to be happy all the time? Should we try?
  8. 8Does social media make us compare ourselves too much?
  9. 9Are relationships the key to a happy life?
  10. 10What is the difference between pleasure and happiness?
  11. 11What did you think would make you happy that didn't?
  12. 12What advice would you give your younger self about happiness?

Useful phrases

  • I've come to realise that...
  • It's less about... and more about...
  • Research suggests that...
  • Up to a point, ...
  • There's a lot to be said for...
  • It's the little things, like...
  • I used to think..., but now...
  • If I'm honest, ...

Key vocabulary

contentment
a calm feeling of being satisfied
fulfilment
a feeling of satisfaction from achieving something
gratitude
the feeling of being thankful
fleeting
lasting a very short time
by-product
something that happens as a side effect of something else
wellbeing
being comfortable, healthy and happy

Sample answer

What does happiness mean to you?

I've come to realise that, for me, happiness is less about big moments and more about a general sense of contentment. I used to think a certain job or salary would make me happy, and it did, but only briefly. What lasts is having good people around me, doing work I find meaningful, and noticing small things, like a good cup of coffee in the morning.
Notice how the answer gives a reason and an example instead of a one-word reply.

Practise "Happiness" with a real partner

Questions are easier to remember once you've answered them out loud. Start a live 1-on-1 video call and use this topic to get the conversation going.

Practise this topic live

How to practise this topic

  • Answer each question in at least two or three sentences.
  • Try to use two of the useful phrases and one new word in every answer.
  • With a partner, ask a follow-up question like "Why?" or "Can you give an example?"
  • Alone, record your one-minute answer and listen back for one thing to improve.

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Media and newsCulture and identityScience and spaceArt and creativityAgeing and societyEthics of technology
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