Conversation Questions about Family

Beginner Level Conversations- Series 3- Lesson 6

Family and friends play crucial roles in our lives, shaping who we are and how we connect with the world. While family often provides support and love, friendships can bring understanding and companionship. This collection of questions explores the complex relationships we have with our families, the influence they exert on us, and the values we wish to pass on to future generations. Let’s dive into these thought-provoking topics!

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Introducing Yourself and Talking about Work

Practice English Speaking by Talking about Family

Here are some engaging questions with sample answers that delve into various aspects of family, preferences, and experiences.

• Are friends more important than family? What do you think?

That’s a tough one! I think both friends and family are super important. They’re both different, but they both play a special role in our lives. Family is like the foundation, you know? They’re always there for you, no matter what. Friends are like the branches, they bring color and excitement to our lives. It’s like a tree, you need both roots and branches to thrive!

• Are you pressured by your family to act in a certain way? Explain.

Of course, there are certain expectations in every family.  In Iran, it’s common for families to be quite close-knit.  My family is definitely traditional, and they have certain values they want me to uphold. For example, they want me to be a good Muslim, to get a good education, and to marry someone from our community. It’s not always easy to balance my own desires with their expectations, but I respect their wishes and try to find a way to make everyone happy.

• Do you like your family? Why or why not?

I love my family!  We’re a little bit crazy, but we’re always there for each other. I’m so grateful for their love and support, especially my parents. They’ve worked so hard to give me a good life, and I want to make them proud.

• Do you think people should adopt children from other countries? Why?

I think it’s a beautiful thing when people adopt children from other countries. It gives children who might not have a family the chance to have a loving home. It’s also a wonderful way to learn about different cultures and expand your horizons. It’s all about spreading love and giving children the opportunity to grow and thrive.

• Do you usually have any influence on family matters? Explain.

I’m still quite young, so I don’t have a lot of influence on family matters yet.  But as I get older, I hope to have more of a say in decisions that affect my life. I believe it’s important to have open communication and respect everyone’s opinions.

• Should people follow the religion of their parents, or should they have the liberty to choose another?

I believe everyone has the right to choose their own religion. It’s a very personal decision, and I wouldn’t want to force anyone to follow a certain faith. I was raised in a Muslim family, but I understand that others have different beliefs.

• What will you teach your children? (what values, beliefs, hobbies, skills, etc.)

I haven’t had children yet, but if I do, I want to teach them to be kind, compassionate, and open-minded.  I’d want to instill in them a love for learning and a passion for exploring the world. I’d also encourage them to follow their dreams and be true to themselves. Most importantly, I want them to be happy and fulfilled.

• What would you change about your childhood? Why?

If I could change something about my childhood, I wish I had been more confident and outgoing. I was a little shy growing up, and I sometimes held back from trying new things. I would have loved to be more adventurous and make more friends!

• Who do you get along better with, your mother or your father? Why?

I love both my parents, but I’m probably closer to my mother.  She’s my best friend!  We talk about everything, and she’s always there to listen and offer advice. She’s the kindest and most supportive person I know.

• Who is the black sheep (oddball) in your family? Why?

I wouldn’t say anyone in my family is the black sheep in the traditional sense. We’re all a little bit different, and we all have our own unique personalities. But I guess you could say my older sister is the most independent and rebellious one.  She’s always trying new things and pushing boundaries, which can sometimes be a little challenging for our family.

Additional questions for conversation

For a longer conversation on family, you can use the below questions.

1. What kinds of housework is not appropriate for children to do? Why?
2. What impact has divorce and/or modern day living had on the family?
3. Which do you think is more important: following the dreams your parents want for you or following your own dreams? Why?
4. What was the most important thing your parents taught you? Explain.
5. Who should take care of old people? Why?
6. How should parents discipline their children? Explain.
7. Describe the perfect family.
8. What was the saddest time in your family? Explain.
9. What makes a person a good friend, a friend for life, a life mate?
10. How do you feel about your parents growing older? If they could no longer care for themselves, would you let them live with you or put them in a nursing home?

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Conversation Questions about Money

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