Conversation questions
Science Conversation Questions (B1–C1)
Discoveries, space, misinformation and where science should stop.
- Age
- Ages 13+
- Level
- B1–C1
- Skill
- Speaking
- Format
- Teacher guide
Warm-up
In pairs, list five things in the room that wouldn't exist without science. Choose one and explain how daily life would be different without it.
Pick a question
All 12 questions
B1
- Which science subject did you find most interesting at school, and why?
- What scientific discovery or invention do you use every day?
- Would you like to travel into space? What would excite or worry you about it?
- Tell your partner about a science museum, documentary or experiment you remember.
B2
- Why do some people find science difficult or dull, and what could change that?
- Should more money go into exploring space or into solving problems here on Earth? Why?
- How can ordinary people tell reliable science from misinformation online?
- Which scientist, past or present, has had the biggest impact on everyday life, in your opinion?
C1
- Are there areas of research that science should not pursue, even if they are technically possible?
- How should scientists communicate uncertainty to a public that often wants clear, simple answers?
- If gene editing could prevent serious illnesses, where would you draw the line on its use?
- To what extent is scientific progress driven by curiosity, and to what extent by money and competition?
Wrap-up
Groups pitch a research project they would fund with a large grant. Each listener asks one tough question, then the class votes for the most convincing pitch.
Printable question cards
Twelve cut-out cards with the level on each, plus the phrases and vocabulary.
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Teacher Tool
Speaking prompts for teens and adults
Over 200 conversation prompts, B1 to C1, each with two follow-ups and useful phrases.
Which science subject did you find most interesting at school, and why?
B1 · Science
What scientific discovery or invention do you use every day?
B1 · Science
Would you like to travel into space? What would excite or worry you about it?
B1 · Science
Tell your partner about a science museum, documentary or experiment you remember.
B1 · Science
Why do some people find science difficult or dull, and what could change that?
B2 · Science
Should more money go into exploring space or into solving problems here on Earth? Why?
B2 · Science
How can ordinary people tell reliable science from misinformation online?
B2 · Science
Which scientist, past or present, has had the biggest impact on everyday life, in your opinion?
B2 · Science
Are there areas of research that science should not pursue, even if they are technically possible?
C1 · Science
How should scientists communicate uncertainty to a public that often wants clear, simple answers?
C1 · Science
If gene editing could prevent serious illnesses, where would you draw the line on its use?
C1 · Science
To what extent is scientific progress driven by curiosity, and to what extent by money and competition?
C1 · Science
Useful phrases
- The evidence suggests that...
- I'm inclined to think that...
- My view is that...
- That's backed up by...
- Yes, and that's precisely why...
- I'm sceptical about that, because...
- That doesn't quite add up for me...
- As far as I know, ...
Vocabulary
- breakthrough — an important new discovery or development
- conduct research — to carry out a careful study to find facts
- peer review — experts checking research before it is published
- hypothesis — an idea that can be tested by experiment
- evidence-based — supported by facts and research
- ethical concerns — worries about whether something is morally right