Topic 29: Conspiracy Theories

A1 - A2 (Beginner - Elementary)

1. Do you know what a conspiracy theory is?

2. Have you ever heard of a conspiracy theory? Which one?

3. Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?

4. Do you think all conspiracy theories are false? Why or why not?

5. Have you seen a movie or TV show about a conspiracy theory?

6. What is more believable: aliens or ghosts? Why?

7. Do you think secret groups control the world?

8. Why do people like talking about mysteries?

9. Do you think people should believe everything they read online?

10. What is one strange story you have heard?

11. Have you ever read or watched a story about UFOs?

12. Do you think the government keeps secrets from the public?

13. What is the most interesting mystery you know?

14. Do you think there are secrets in history that we don’t know about?

15. Have you ever believed something that later turned out to be false?

16. Do you like mystery books or movies? Why?

B1 - B2 (Intermediate - Upper-Intermediate)

17. What are some of the most famous conspiracy theories?

18. Why do some conspiracy theories become very popular?

19. How does the internet help spread conspiracy theories?

20. Do you think people believe in conspiracy theories more than before? Why?

21. How do conspiracy theories affect politics and society?

22. Why do some people trust conspiracy theories more than science?

23. Have you ever met someone who strongly believes in a conspiracy theory?

24. How do social media platforms handle conspiracy theories?

25. What are the dangers of believing in false conspiracy theories?

26. Do you think some conspiracy theories could be true? Why or why not?

27. How can people recognize fake news or misinformation?

28. What is the difference between a conspiracy theory and a real secret?

29. How do movies and books influence people’s beliefs in conspiracies?

30. Do you think some conspiracy theories are created on purpose?

31. Why do some people refuse to believe official explanations?

32. How should governments respond to dangerous conspiracy theories?

C1 - C2 (Advanced - Proficient)

33. How do psychological factors influence belief in conspiracy theories?

34. What role does critical thinking play in resisting misinformation?

35. How do conspiracy theories shape public opinion?

36. What are the historical origins of conspiracy thinking?

37. How does confirmation bias affect people’s belief in conspiracies?

38. Should media platforms ban conspiracy theories? Why or why not?

39. How do conspiracy theories contribute to political extremism?

40. What are the ethical concerns of using conspiracy theories for entertainment?

41. Can conspiracy theories be useful in questioning authority?

42. How do governments and institutions lose public trust?

43. What role do whistleblowers play in exposing real conspiracies?

44. How does social isolation impact belief in conspiracy theories?

45. How do different cultures view conspiracy theories?

46. Can conspiracy theories ever be proven true? Give an example.

47. Should schools teach students how to identify false information? Why or why not?

48. If you could uncover one secret in history, what would it be and why?