Past simple conversation questions
In the English language, the past simple tense is used to talk about things that happened in the past at a precise time. It is an extremely important part of English grammar for students to master. It is also often referred to as the simple past, either term is fine.
These past simple discussion questions are all about random topics to keep this speaking activity interesting. The questions use both regular and irregular verbs so be sure to keep an eye on your student’s responses and that they are using the correct forms of the verbs.
There are 3 free printable conversation worksheets in this set. This means you can also make this a pair work activity or get students to work in groups of three with their own unique questions.
The questions are quite easy but there may be some terms that your ESL students are unfamiliar with. The most difficult words in the first printable PDF include – argument, dangerous, toppings, camping, and spend (time).
The first set of past simple conversation questions are –
What was the weather like where you live yesterday? What did your wear?
When did you last go on a vacation? Where did you go and what did you do?
Who was the last person that you had an argument with? What was it about?
Where did you last go shopping? What things did you buy there?
What did you eat for dinner last night? Who cooked it for you? Was it delicious?
When did you last do something exciting or dangerous? What did you do?
How many hours of sleep did you get last night? What time did you wake up?
What did you do on your last birthday? Did you get any gifts? Who gave them to you?
When did you last go to the cinema? What movie did you see? Was it good?
Which subjects did you enjoy the most when you were in primary school?
When was the last time you ate pizza? What kinds of toppings were on it?
Where did you live before you live where you are now? Was it a better place?
What was the most interesting thing that happened to you last year?
When was the last time you lost something? What was it and where did you lose it?
How did you travel the last time you went a long way from home? Where did you go?
Who is the last person that you went out to dinner at a restaurant with?
What was your favorite toy when you were a child? Why did you like it?
When was the last time you made a phone call? Who did you call and why?
What was the last book that you read? How long did it take you to read it?
When was the last time you went hiking or camping? Where did you go?
Where did you spend most of your time last weekend? Who were you with?
Did you do any exercise yesterday? What kind of exercise did you do?
When was the last time you saw a rainbow? Where were you and who were you with?
What did you say to your mother and father the last time you saw them?
Past simple conversation questions 2
The most difficult terms on this second past simple conversation questions printable are – midnight, reason, recently, scream, bus fare, stressed, Thanksgiving, and appearance.
When was the last time you drew a picture? What did you draw a picture of?
What did you eat for breakfast today? Did you buy it or cook it yourself?
How did you spend last New Year’s Eve? Did you stay up until midnight?
Who was the last person that told you a joke? What was it about? Was it funny?
When was the last time you went to a party? What was the reason for the party?
Did you spend a lot of money last month? What did you spend your money on?
At what time did you have a shower yesterday? How long did you shower for?
What is a story that you heard in the news recently? Was it good or bad news?
When was the last time you saw a doctor or a dentist? Why did you visit them?
What was the last thing that made you scream or shout? What emotion did you feel?
When did you last get on a bus? Where did the bus go and how much was the fare?
How much water did you drink yesterday? What else did you drink?
When was the last time that you felt very stressed? Why did you feel this way?
What did your grandparents do for work when they were younger? Did they like it?
Did you celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas last year? Who were you with?
How different was your hometown 50 years ago? What was different?
What was something that made you smile or laugh last week? Where were you?
When was the last time you made a change to your appearance? What did you do?
What was the worst present you have been given? Who gave it to you and why?
About how many emails did you receive last month? Did you get a lot of spam?
Did you listen to any music yesterday? What kind of music did you listen to?
When was the last time you visited the beach or the ocean? What did you do there?
What did you dream about last night? Can you describe what happened in the dream?
When did you last eat fast food? What fast food did you eat and where?
Past simple conversation questions 3
The hardest terms on the third and final past simple discussion questions worksheet are – break/broke, enjoyable, wild, caught (in the rain), chores, recently, surf (the net), injured, hurt, and skills.
When was the last time you took a photograph? What was the photograph of?
Who was the first person you saw this morning? What did you say to them?
What kinds of fruit and vegetables did you eat 2 days ago? How were they cooked?
When was the last time you broke something? How did you break it?
What was the most enjoyable thing you did last year? Who did you do it with?
Did you watch television last night? What did you watch? Where did you watch it?
Where was the last place that you saw a wild animal? What animal was it?
What did you think about last night before you went to sleep?
When did you last play a computer or video game? What was the game about?
How many people visited your home last week? Why did they come to visit you?
What was the last meal that you cooked by yourself? How did you cook it?
When was the last time you got caught in the rain? What did you do?
Did you go to an airport last year? Which airport and why did you go there?
What kinds of housework and chores did you do last week? Did they take long?
Have you bought any clothes recently? What did you buy and where did you buy it?
When did you last help another person? What did you do to help them?
What was the last thing that made you feel angry? What did you do about it?
Did you go on the internet last night? What websites did you visit and surf?
How did your best friend feel the last time you met? Why did they feel this way?
When was the last time you were injured or hurt? What happened to you?
Did you learn any new skills last year? What did you learn? Who taught you?
What did you do the last time you had no money? Did anyone help you?
Did you have a bicycle when you were a child? What color was it? Who bought it?
How did you try to keep cool last summer? How did you stay warm last winter?