Topic 61: Gossip and Rumors

A1 - A2 (Beginner - Elementary)

1. What is gossip?

2. Have you ever heard a rumor about someone?

3. Do you think gossip is good or bad? Why?

4. Why do people like to talk about others?

5. Have you ever been the subject of gossip? How did it feel?

6. What do you do when you hear gossip?

7. Do you think people believe rumors too easily? Why?

8. How can gossip hurt someone?

9. Have you ever heard a funny rumor? What was it?

10. How do you feel when someone spreads a false story about you?

11. Do you think gossip happens more at school or work? Why?

12. Should people always believe what they hear? Why or why not?

13. What is the best way to stop gossip?

14. Do you think social media makes gossip worse? Why?

15. Have you ever told someone to stop gossiping? What happened?

16. If you could make one rule about gossip, what would it be?

B1 - B2 (Intermediate - Upper-Intermediate)

17. What are the differences between gossip and rumors?

18. Why do people enjoy gossiping?

19. How does gossip affect friendships and relationships?

20. Do you think gossip is more common among men or women? Why?

21. Should workplaces have rules about gossip? Why or why not?

22. What are some positive and negative effects of gossip?

23. How do rumors spread so quickly?

24. Do you think famous people suffer more from gossip than regular people? Why?

25. How can gossip be used to manipulate people?

26. What are some ways to respond if someone gossips about you?

27. Should the media be punished for spreading false rumors? Why or why not?

28. What is the role of gossip in social bonding?

29. How can schools teach students about the dangers of gossip?

30. Why do some rumors last for many years?

31. How does gossip in the workplace affect productivity?

32. What are some cultural differences in attitudes toward gossip?

C1 - C2 (Advanced - Proficient)

33. What does psychology say about why people gossip?

34. How does gossip function in maintaining social order?

35. Should there be legal consequences for spreading false information? Why or why not?

36. How does gossip shape public opinion?

37. What is the connection between gossip and power?

38. How do digital platforms change the way rumors spread?

39. Should journalists be held accountable for spreading celebrity gossip? Why or why not?

40. How does misinformation differ from gossip?

41. What are the ethical implications of gossip in politics?

42. How do cultural norms shape what is considered acceptable gossip?

43. Can gossip ever be a force for good? Why or why not?

44. How does gossip affect mental health and self-esteem?

45. What are the dangers of false accusations based on rumors?

46. Should schools and workplaces actively discourage gossip? Why or why not?

47. How do rumors influence history and collective memory?

48. If you could create a world without gossip, would you? Why or why not?