PERSPECTIVE
Free ESL Conversation Resource · Side Hustles

Side Hustle ESL Discussion Questions

15 conversation questions about side hustles, extra income, burnout, employers and whether one job should be enough.
A1–A2 BeginnerB1–B2 IntermediateC1–C2 Advanced

Use these side hustle 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

    Would you ever start a side hustle? Doing what?

  2. 02

    Describe a time you burned the candle at both ends.

  3. 03

    Why might people feel pressure to earn more on the side?

  4. 04

    Should employers be allowed to ban side hustles?

  5. 05

    Is a side hustle a sign of ambition, or of low wages?

Ready for the full lesson?Explore the A1–A2 Side Hustle 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 Side Hustle lesson →

Should one job be enough to build a good life?

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 Side Hustle lesson →
Perspective English · Complete lessons

Turn the discussion into a full lesson.

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

A1–A2

Debate ambition, low wages, employer restrictions and the costs of earning money on the side.

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 →