PERSPECTIVE
Free ESL Conversation Resource · Happiness & Money

Happiness and Money 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 happiness and money 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

    What is one thing you would never give up for money?

  2. 02

    Tell your partner about something you bought. Did it make you happy for a long time?

  3. 03

    Why do people keep buying new things?

  4. 04

    Is it better to spend money on things or on experiences?

  5. 05

    How much money is enough for a happy life?

Ready for the full lesson?Explore the A1–A2 The Price of Happiness lesson →
B

Intermediate · B1–B2

Explore the issue

  1. 01

    What is one thing you would never sacrifice for money?

  2. 02

    Describe a purchase that made you happy at first, but you got used to quickly.

  3. 03

    Why might people keep chasing more money even after they already have enough?

  4. 04

    Should companies be allowed to advertise products as guaranteed to make you happier?

  5. 05

    Do you think happiness is something you find, or something you build?

Take the topic further.Explore the B1–B2 The Price of Happiness lesson →

When does green marketing become greenwashing?

One topic. Three levels. Countless perspectives.
C

Advanced · C1–C2

Challenge the idea

  1. 01

    What would you never sacrifice for more money?

  2. 02

    Describe a purchase whose novelty wore off quickly.

  3. 03

    Why do people feel pressure to keep up with others?

  4. 04

    Should ads be allowed to promise happiness?

  5. 05

    Is happiness something you find, or something you build?

Push the discussion further.Explore the C1–C2 The Price of Happiness lesson →
Perspective English · Complete lessons

Turn the discussion into a full lesson.

Continue with the complete The Price of Happiness 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 money, purchases, experiences and what makes people happy.

View beginner lesson →B1–B2

Explore sacrifice, adaptation, spending and whether happiness can really be bought.

View intermediate lesson →C1–C2

Debate materialism, social pressure, contentment and the trade-offs behind the pursuit of happiness.

View advanced lesson →