Friday, January 18, 2013

ESL Discussion Questions about Books

Do you love books? Why? Do you hate books? How come?

Would you rather have a book or a car? A book or a diamond ring? A book or a television? A book or a basketball? A book or a Rolex watch? A paperback or a hardback?

Are you a bookish person?

Are you often reading a book? Do you try to always carry a book with you? Do you read a book to show off? Do you read books to get people to think you are interesting? Have you ever seen someone reading a book you like and so thought you would like to talk to them?

How many books do you have?

Have you read all the books you have?

You have more hard covers or paper backs? Do you prefer to have expensive editions of books?

Have you heard that the first edition of a famous book can be worth a lot of money? Why is this?

Do you collect certain kinds or series of books?

Do you keep books after you have read them or do you get rid of them? What books do you get rid of? Which ones do you keep?

Do you have any big picture books?

When you read a book, do you try to keep it in new condition or do you wear it out? Do you like to write in books, underline important passages, or make notes?


Are books dangerous things? Do you think it is a good idea to destroy dangerous books?

Do you have books that you hide from the view of others?


What do you use as a bookmark?


Do you think a shelf full of books is a good way to decorate your house?

Do you wish you had your own private library?

If I go to someone's home, I find I am most interested in the books they own. What about you?


What is your favourite book? That is, what is your favourite book that you have held in your hand or owned?

What is the one book you would always carry with you?

Have you had one book for a long time?

You can take only one book you now have to a desert island, which book would you take and why?


Do you like to go to book stores?

Do you like to go to second-hand book stores? Are there many such stores in Wuxi?

Some people say they would love in work in book stores or libraries. What about you?

Do you think owning a book store is a good idea these days?


What do you think of e-books? Have you read an e-book?

Do you have an e-book reader? Would you buy one?

Do you think e-books will replace paper books?

What are the advantages of e-books?

Where do you read your e-books?

How many e-books do you have? Have you bought an e-book?

Do you prefer to read your favourite piece of literature in book form or e-book form.



Expressions and idioms using the word "book"

  • You can read him like a open book.

  • So many books, so little time.

  • You can't judge a book by its cover. (Have you bought or picked up a book because of its cover?)

  • coffee table book

  • open book / closed book

  • have nose in a book

  • not in my book

  • by the book

  • the oldest trick in the book

  • throw the book at

  • that's one for the books

  • hit the books

  • cook the books

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