Topic 104: Manners and Etiquette

A1-A2 (Beginner-Elementary)

1. What are manners? Can you give an example of good manners?

2. Why do you think it’s important to have good manners?

3. Can you think of a time when someone showed you good manners? What happened?

4. How do people greet each other in your country?

5. What do you think about saying “please” and “thank you”? Why is it important?

6. Is it polite to interrupt someone when they are speaking? Why or why not?

7. Do you think people are more polite in some situations than others? Give an example.

8. How do you feel when someone forgets to say “excuse me” or “sorry”?

9. How do you show respect to older people in your country?

10. What do you think about people who use their phones during meals or meetings?

11. Do you think it’s important to say “good morning” or “good night” to others? Why?

12. Is it polite to talk loudly in public places?

13. When is it important to wait your turn instead of speaking first?

14. How do you feel when you make a decision and it turns out to be the wrong one?

15. How do you behave when you’re a guest in someone’s house?

16. What are some basic good manners you practice every day?

B1-B2 (Intermediate-Upper Intermediate)

17. What role do manners play in making good first impressions?

18. How does etiquette differ between formal and informal situations?

19. In your opinion, is it important to follow dress codes for certain occasions? Why?

20. What are the basic table manners in your country?

21. How do you feel when someone is rude in a public space?

22. How does being polite help in maintaining positive relationships with others?

23. How would you feel if someone did not thank you after you helped them?

24. What is the proper way to introduce someone in a formal setting?

25. Do you think it’s important to be on time for meetings or appointments? Why?

26. How does culture influence the way people show respect or follow etiquette?

27. Do you think people are more or less polite today than in the past? Why or why not?

28. How do you handle a situation where someone is being impolite?

29. What are some manners that are considered important in your family or culture?

30. Do you think it’s necessary to use formal language with strangers? Why or why not?

31. What do you think about people using casual language with their bosses or teachers?

32. How would you react if someone was being disrespectful in a professional environment?

C1-C2 (Advanced-Proficient)

33. In what ways can good manners and etiquette contribute to social harmony in diverse societies?

34. How do you think technology, like smartphones or social media, affects our manners?

35. Do you think there is a universal standard of etiquette or does it vary by culture?

36. How do good manners influence the success of professional networking and business meetings?

37. Do you think politeness is often confused with insincerity? Explain why or why not.

38. How do gender differences influence expectations of manners and etiquette in certain cultures?

39. Do you believe that good manners can be taught, or are they something that people naturally develop?

40. How does etiquette play a role in international diplomacy and relationships between countries?

41. How do digital manners (online etiquette) differ from face-to-face interactions?

42. What is your opinion on the practice of tipping in some cultures? Is it always necessary?

43. How do manners and etiquette impact the success of social media interactions?

44. What are the risks of ignoring etiquette or manners in professional or social situations?

45. How does body language play a role in communication and manners?

46. What does the phrase “treat others as you want to be treated” mean in terms of etiquette?

47. Can bad manners ever be forgiven in certain situations? When and why?

48. How do you think etiquette will change in the future as technology continues to evolve?