Here are some interesting discussion questions about history that are suitable for upper-intermediate level English learners and above.

The most challenging words in this speaking activity include – period, fascinating, admire, event, landmark, figure (historical), empire, civilization, discovery, and related.

The history conversation questions are –

1 – How is history preserved and kept alive?

2 – What do you think is the most interesting period in world history?

3 – Do you know much about the history of your country? How did it begin?

4 – Besides your own country, which country’s history do you find the most fascinating?

5 – Who is a person from history that you greatly admire? What did they do?

6 – If you could go back in time to experience any historical event, what would it be?

7 – What kinds of historical landmarks are there to visit near where you live now?

8 – Who is a person who is alive today that you think will be remembered in history?

9 – What is a historical place that you hope you will one day get to visit?

10- Can you think of a time and place in history that you are glad you weren’t alive for?

11- What history were you taught at school? Did you enjoy learning about it?

12- Who do you think is the worst person in history? Why were they so bad?

13- What time and place in history do you think created the most beautiful art?

14- Would you prefer to live now or 500 years ago somewhere else? Explain why.

15- What is your favorite historical book or movie? Why do you like it so much?

16- Has your country experienced much war in its history? Who has it fought against?

17- Does your country have any great heroes from the past? Why are they remembered?

18- Do you like visiting museums? When did you last visit one and what did you see?

19- Can you name 10 different historical figures from 10 different countries?

20- Which countries or cultures do you think have been unlucky in history?

21- What was the greatest past empire or civilization that the world has ever seen?

22- Where and when in history were some of the greatest scientific discoveries?

23- What is a major historical event that you think could happen in the next 100 years?

24- What’s a national holiday celebrated by your country that is related to history?

25- Would you like to be remembered in history? What for?