PERSPECTIVE
Free ESL Conversation Resource · The Decline of Reading

Decline of Reading ESL Discussion Questions

15 conversation questions about books, screens, skimming, deep reading and whether the way we read is changing rather than disappearing.
A1–A2 BeginnerB1–B2 IntermediateC1–C2 Advanced

Use these decline of reading ESL discussion questions for pair work, small-group speaking or whole-class conversation. Choose the level that fits your learners, or move through all three sections as the questions become more challenging.

A

Beginner · A1–A2

Start the conversation

  1. 01

    Do you read for pleasure? What do you read?

  2. 02

    What was your favorite book or story as a child?

  3. 03

    Why do you think people finish fewer books today?

  4. 04

    Is reading a long post the same as reading a book?

  5. 05

    Will your children read books, or something else?

Ready for the full lesson?Explore the A1–A2 Decline of Reading lesson →
B

Intermediate · B1–B2

Explore the issue

  1. 01

    What was the last book you read for pleasure, not for work or school?

  2. 02

    Has your own reading changed since you were younger? How?

  3. 03

    Why might long books be harder to finish today than in the past?

  4. 04

    Is reading a comic or scrolling social media really “reading”?

  5. 05

    Are we giving ourselves enough time to think deeply about anything?

Take the topic further.Explore the B1–B2 Decline of Reading lesson →

Do we still read, or only scan?

One topic. Three levels. Countless perspectives.
C

Advanced · C1–C2

Challenge the idea

  1. 01

    Do you read differently on a screen than on paper? How?

  2. 02

    Is skimming a weakness, or a sensible response to too much information?

  3. 03

    Why might a society of skimmers be easier to persuade?

  4. 04

    Should schools require long books, even if students resist them?

  5. 05

    If stories move to audio and video, has anything important been lost?

Push the discussion further.Explore the C1–C2 Decline of Reading lesson →
Perspective English · Complete lessons

Turn the discussion into a full lesson.

Continue with the complete Decline of Reading lesson at the level your class needs. Perspective lessons combine reading, vocabulary, discussion and deeper speaking tasks around one conversation-worthy topic.

A1–A2

Accessible language and clear questions for beginner and elementary learners.

View beginner lesson →B1–B2

Develop the issue with richer vocabulary, reading and discussion.

View intermediate lesson →C1–C2

Explore deep reading, skimming, attention and whether modern reading habits change how we think.

View advanced lesson →