Advance Level Conversations- Series 3- Lesson 6- Talk about death
In this lesson, you learn 10 conversation questions about death with sample answers for having a normal conversation discussing the death. We also have added 10 extra conversation questions if you decide to extend your discussion. Death is a universal experience that touches every life, yet it’s often difficult to talk about openly. It raises profound emotional, spiritual, and philosophical questions that challenge our understanding of life itself.
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Conversation Questions about Internet
1- Do you want to know the date of your death? Why or why not?
I don’t think I’d want to know the exact date. Life feels more meaningful when you don’t dwell too much on the end. Knowing when it’s going to happen might take away the spontaneity and urgency to live in the present. But I get why some people might want to know, maybe to prepare or make the most of their time.
2- Is there any person you would die for in order to save? Who is it?
I would say yes, there are a few people I’d consider. Family and close friends come to mind. There’s a strong bond with those people, and the thought of losing them is painful. But I believe the choice would depend on the situation and the relationships we share.
3- What do you think would happen if there were no death for human beings? What do you think would happen if people never died?
If there was no death, we’d probably face overcrowding and an imbalance in resources. Imagine how the world would change if no one could ever truly leave. It could create stagnation, and perhaps people wouldn’t value time or relationships the same way, knowing they had forever. Life as we know it might lose its urgency and meaning.
4- What happens to a person’s remains after death? Cremation? Burial? Etc.
It depends on personal or cultural beliefs. Some people prefer burial, where the body is laid to rest in the ground, while others opt for cremation, where the body is turned to ashes. There are also alternatives, like donating the body for science or even natural burials. It’s interesting how customs and choices vary across the world.
5- What is the mourning process? Explain.
Mourning is a natural process of grieving after a loss. It usually involves feelings of sadness, disbelief, and sometimes anger. People cope differently, some cry, some become more reflective, and others might focus on celebrating the person’s life. Over time, the intensity of grief usually fades, but the emotional impact of the loss often remains.
6- If you were on death row, what would you request for your last meal? Who would you want to watch you be executed?
I’d probably go for comfort food, something nostalgic or soothing, maybe a pizza or a simple homemade dish. As for who would watch, I think it would be important to have close family or friends, but at the same time, I wouldn’t want to burden them with such a tough experience. It would be a deeply emotional moment for everyone involved.
7- What do you think of cryogenics? Would you like to have your body frozen, so that you could be thawed out and brought back to life sometime in the future?
Cryogenics sounds like an interesting concept, but I’d probably lean toward the idea that life and death should be experienced as they come. The thought of being frozen to be revived later is intriguing, but it feels a bit too sci-fi for me. Plus, it’s uncertain whether it would really work.
8- If you had the option of freezing your body in hopes that science would someday be able to bring you back to life, would you do it?
I don’t think I’d go for it. As cool as the idea is, there’s something about embracing the natural cycle of life and death that feels right. Who knows what the future holds, but I’d rather leave behind a legacy through my actions and relationships.
9- Why are so many people afraid of death, when it is unavoidable?
I think fear of death comes from the unknown. We don’t fully understand what happens after, and the idea of ceasing to exist can be unsettling. Plus, death brings up feelings of loss, which can be terrifying for those left behind. It’s natural to fear the unknown, but it can also make people appreciate life more.
10- What should you say or not say to a friend who is facing death? What should you say or not say to a friend who has lost a friend?
If a friend is facing death, I’d focus on being supportive and present. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling and that you’re there for them. Avoid saying things like “It’s going to be okay” if you can’t guarantee that, as it might come off as dismissive. When a friend loses someone, offer condolences and listen more than you speak, letting them guide the conversation. Avoid telling them to “move on” or “get over it” too quickly. Just be there.
More discussion questions about the death
For a longer conversation about death, you can use the below discussion questions about death:
1- What are funerals like in your country? What are some funeral customs in your country?
2- Do you know someone who has died from a disease? What was your reaction? How did you feel?
3- When have you visited a hospital?Who did you visit?
4- What sights, smells, sounds did you notice when you visited the hospital? How did you feel about your visit?
5- What are some useful euphemisms for telling someone that someone they know has died? What are some other words for death? An example is “passed away”.
6- Have known anyone who has committed suicide? What would be your reaction? What would you say to that person’s friends?
7- What is hospice? Do you have hospice services in your country? How quickly is someone buried or cremated after death?
8- Are coffins displayed on the street entrance to funeral parlors in your country? Is it appropriate for funeral directors to advertise their services? How can this be done?
9- If you were given the chance to have someone die with you, who would that person be? How would you want to die?
10- Do you know anyone who died for a few seconds or minutes but came to life again? What do you think about the stories these people tell?
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