The transfer of energy known as heat is an integral part of survival on Earth. We need heat to stay warm, to cook, and to produce things. These questions about heat are great for a basic discussion on the topic without getting too deep into the science of it.
There are some challenging terms that ESL learners may need to revise before starting the discussion. These include – heating system, heatwave, boil, extreme, steam, sauna, harness, associate, thermal, exposed, excessive, withstand, molten lava, and expressions.
The questions about heat are –
1 – Describe the 6 pictures above. What is happening in the pictures?
2 – What is the hottest temperature that you have ever experienced? Where were you?
3 – Do you have any heating systems in your home? What kinds and how do they work?
4 – Where would you say is the hottest place in your country? How about on Earth?
5 – In what ways can we use heat to help us besides warming our bodies?
6 – Have you ever experienced a heatwave? How did it affect the area that it hit?
7 – What happens when water boils? What happens to metal under extreme heat?
8 – Do you enjoy hot saunas and steam rooms? Why do you think many people like them?
9 – What kinds of heat can be harnessed to produce power and electricity? How?
10- What sounds and noises do you associate with heat? Which is your favorite?
11- Have you ever been to visit a thermal hot spring? How hot was the water there?
12- What do you think is the best way to get heat for cooking? Why is it the best?
13- What is the maximum temperature during summer in your country? Do you like it?
14- What kinds of things can happen to people when they are exposed to too much heat?
15- Have you ever burned yourself by accident? What happened, and how did you treat it?
16- Where is a nice place to go when the heat becomes excessive in your hometown?
17- What is a food that is best served very, very hot? What foods taste good reheated?
18- In what ways can cities and housing be designed to withstand extreme heat and fire?
19- What do you usually do if your tea or coffee is too hot to drink?
20- What different things do you use to heat water? How often do you use these things?
21- Have you ever had to run because the pavement or road was too hot to walk on?
22- What is something you do to cool down when the summer heat becomes too much?
23- What heat settings would you use to cook a frozen pizza in a microwave oven?
24- Which do you think has more heat, molten lava or lightning, and why do you think so?
25- What are some interesting expressions that you know about heat and being hot?
