PERSPECTIVE
Free ESL Conversation Resource · Greenwashing

Greenwashing ESL Discussion Questions

15 conversation questions about greenwashing, eco-friendly claims, advertising, trust, sustainability and who should be responsible for protecting the planet.
A1–A2 BeginnerB1–B2 IntermediateC1–C2 Advanced

Use these greenwashing 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 recycle at home? What do you recycle?

  2. 02

    Tell your partner about a product that was not as good as its ad.

  3. 03

    Why is it easier for a company to look green than to be green?

  4. 04

    Should companies pay money when their green words are not honest?

  5. 05

    Who should protect the planet most — companies, shoppers, or governments?

Ready for the full lesson?Explore the A1–A2 Greenwashing lesson →
B

Intermediate · B1–B2

Explore the issue

  1. 01

    Have you ever changed a purchase because of an environmental claim on the packaging?

  2. 02

    Tell your partner about a brand you once trusted, then felt disappointed by.

  3. 03

    Why might a company find it easier to advertise sustainability than to practice it?

  4. 04

    Should governments punish companies for exaggerated environmental claims?

  5. 05

    Who is ultimately responsible for the planet — companies, consumers, or governments?

Take the topic further.Explore the B1–B2 Greenwashing lesson →

When does green marketing become greenwashing?

One topic. Three levels. Countless perspectives.
C

Advanced · C1–C2

Challenge the idea

  1. 01

    Have you ever felt misled by a product’s label?

  2. 02

    Would you pay more for a truly green product?

  3. 03

    Why might vague words like “natural” persuade us?

  4. 04

    Should misleading green ads be illegal?

  5. 05

    Can shoppers really change how companies behave?

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

Turn the discussion into a full lesson.

Continue with the complete Greenwashing 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 about recycling, advertising and honest green claims.

View beginner lesson →B1–B2

Explore sustainability claims, consumer trust and responsibility for protecting the planet.

View intermediate lesson →C1–C2

Debate misleading green advertising, consumer influence and whether green claims should be regulated.

View advanced lesson →