Topic 126: Patriotism and National Identity

A1-A2 (Beginner-Elementary)

1. What is patriotism?

2. Do you love your country? Why or why not?

3. What are some symbols of your country?

4. How do people in your country show patriotism?

5. What is the national holiday of your country? How do people celebrate it?

6. Do you think it is important to be proud of your country? Why or why not?

7. What makes you feel proud of your country?

8. What are some things that make your country special?

9. Do you think people in other countries love their country like you do? Why?

10. What do you think is the most important thing about being a citizen of a country?

11. What do you think it means to be a good citizen?

12. How do you feel about people who don’t like their own country?

13. What is the role of the flag in showing patriotism?

14. Do you think people should always agree with their country’s leaders? Why or why not?

15. What does your country’s anthem mean to you?

16. How do people from different countries show their national pride?

B1-B2 (Intermediate-Upper Intermediate)

17. How can patriotism affect the way people view their country’s history?

18. Do you think patriotism can be harmful? Why or why not?

19. How does national identity influence the way people behave in society?

20. What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism?

21. What role does education play in shaping national identity?

22. How do immigrants or people from different cultures contribute to the national identity of a country?

23. Do you think being patriotic is a way of respecting other cultures? Why or why not?

24. How do sports and international events affect feelings of national pride?

25. Do you think national identity is something that can change over time? Why or why not?

26. How does the media influence national identity and patriotism?

27. What is the role of national heroes in shaping a country’s identity?

28. How does globalization affect national identity?

29. Can people feel patriotic without agreeing with everything their country does? Why?

30. What does it mean to have a national identity that is inclusive of all people in a country?

31. How do different generations in a country perceive national identity?

32. Do you think patriotism can bring people together or divide them? Why?

C1-C2 (Advanced-Proficient)

33. How does the concept of patriotism evolve in post-colonial countries?

34. What is the relationship between patriotism and political ideologies in a country?

35. How can patriotism be used as a tool for social or political control?

36. How do national holidays and monuments contribute to a country’s sense of identity and unity?

37. What role does patriotism play in international conflicts or wars?

38. How do concepts of patriotism and national identity influence immigration policies in different countries?

39. What is the impact of historical events, such as wars or revolutions, on the formation of national identity?

40. How do citizens in different countries express their patriotism in modern, globalized societies?

41. How does national identity affect how citizens interact with global challenges like climate change or human rights?

42. Do you think nationalism and globalism can coexist? Why or why not?

43. How does the education system contribute to the development of a shared national identity?

44. What are the dangers of excessive patriotism or blind nationalism?

45. Can a strong sense of national identity be harmful to global cooperation? Why or why not?

46. How do multicultural societies navigate the balance between individual cultural identities and a shared national identity?

47. How do national symbols like flags, anthems, or monuments play a role in shaping political discourse and identity?

48. What is the role of patriotism in shaping the values and principles of democracy?