PERSPECTIVE
Free ESL Conversation Resource · Issue 051

War and Peace: ESL Discussion Questions

15 classroom conversation questions about why wars begin, the rules of armed conflict, ceasefires, peace agreements, and what it takes to rebuild trust.
A1–A2 BeginnerB1–B2 IntermediateC1–C2 Advanced

Why do wars begin, how are they fought, and what makes them end? Explore conflict and peace through 15 ESL discussion questions from Perspective English Issue 051, “War and Peace.” Students examine the causes of war, humanitarian rules, ceasefires and the difficult work of building lasting peace. Use these questions for pair work, group discussions and debates at three English levels.

A

Beginner · A1–A2

Start the conversation

  1. 01

    Where did you learn about war: at school, in the news or from your family?

  2. 02

    Were you surprised that war has rules? Why?

  3. 03

    Does knowing why a war started help us judge what happens in it?

  4. 04

    Is a ceasefire good if the problem behind the war is not solved?

  5. 05

    After a war, what should a country do for the people it fought?

Ready for the full lesson?Explore the A1–A2 War and Peace lesson →
B

Intermediate · B1–B2

Explore the issue

  1. 01

    What did you learn about war from school, and what did you learn from the news?

  2. 02

    Which surprised you more: that war has rules, or what those rules cover?

  3. 03

    Can understanding why a war started help us judge the actions taken during it? Why or why not?

  4. 04

    Is a ceasefire that leaves the dispute unsolved still worth signing?

  5. 05

    What does a country owe the people it fought once the fighting stops?

Take the topic further.Explore the B1–B2 War and Peace lesson →

Ending a war and building a peace are two different jobs.

One topic. Three levels. Countless perspectives.
C

Advanced · C1–C2

Challenge the idea

  1. 01

    What did school teach you about war, and what did the news teach you?

  2. 02

    Which surprised you more: that war has rules, or what those rules cover?

  3. 03

    Does knowing why a war started change how we judge what happens in it?

  4. 04

    Is a ceasefire that leaves the dispute unsolved still worth signing?

  5. 05

    What does a country owe the people it fought once the fighting stops?

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

Turn the discussion into a full lesson.

Continue with “War and Peace,” Perspective English Issue 051. Examine the causes of conflict, international humanitarian law, ceasefires, and the challenges of rebuilding peace through reading, vocabulary, critical thinking and speaking challenges, with ready-to-teach materials for all three levels.

A1–A2

Discuss where we learn about war, why fighting has rules, and how people can rebuild after conflict.

View beginner lesson →B1–B2

Explore causes of conflict, protections for civilians, and the difference between a ceasefire and a peace agreement.

View intermediate lesson →C1–C2

Debate the ethics of armed conflict, proportionate force, unresolved grievances and the challenges of lasting peace.

View advanced lesson →