25 Money Conversation Questions for A2-B1 English Learners (Free PDF)
- Alex
- 43 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Level: pre-intermediate (A2) / intermediate (B1)
Go to my English Conversation Questions Hub for more discussion topics you can use for self-study or for the ESL classroom.
If you want to learn more money vocabulary, you can watch this video and do the quiz.
25 Money Conversation Questions for ESL Learners (A2/B1)
Download and print the 2-page PDF for your classroom:
People say that money makes the world go 'round. We want it, we need it, and most of us cannot live without it. Even if money did not exist, we would probably find another system of exchange to get the things we want and need.
Do you know how to talk about money in English? Can you talk about saving money for retirement? How about allowances and credit cards? And do you know the meanings of idioms such as broke and on the house?
That is the purpose of this page: to practice asking and answering common questions about money with confidence and accuracy.
The money conversation questions below are ideal for the ESL classroom or for self-study. They are meant for pre-intermediate (A2) and intermediate (B1) English learners, but more advanced learners can enjoy them as well. This resource is meant to help learners practice their speaking skills, and to learn and use some new vocabulary. With these conversation questions, students will use the present simple, past simple, present continuous, and the present perfect.
If you are ready, put your money on the table and let's go!
Warm-up
How often do you think about money?
Example answer: I think about money every day. It's an important part of life.
Have you heard the expression money doesn't grow on trees? What does it mean?
Example answer: I think it means that money is not free. You have to work for it.
Spending Habits
Do you spend money every day?
Example answer: No, I don't spend money every day. But...almost every day!
How much money do you spend on food and groceries every week?
Example answer: I spend around two-hundred-and-fifty dollars on food and groceries every week. I have to buy food for my whole family, and we eat out once a week.
Are you good at saving money? Are you able to save some money every month?
Example answer: I'm okay at saving money, but it's harder these days because things are so expensive.
What are some things you can do to save more money?
Example answer: I can probably cancel some subscriptions and make my lunch.
When You Were a Child
Did you ever have an allowance? (An allowance is small amount of money that is given regularly to a child, usually by a parent.)
When you were a kid, what did you buy with your money?
What were your favourite places to spend money?
Did you ever save your money for a long time to buy something that you really wanted?
Paper Money vs. Paperless Money
Do you still carry cash? Why or why not? (Cash is physical money.)
Do you have a credit card? If so, do you have more than one?
What do you use more: your debit card or your credit card (if you have one)? Why?
What are the positives and negatives of using credit? When do you need credit?
Money Idioms
When was the last time you were broke? (If you are broke, you have no money.)
What is something that costs an arm and a leg today? (This means that something costs a lot of money—it is expensive.)
Have you ever enjoyed a meal or service on the house? (This means for free—the restaurant or company paid for the food or service.)
Do you know anyone who's a penny-pincher? (A penny pincher is a cheap person—someone who is very careful with money. This is usually negative.)
Things You Have Bought
Have you ever bought something that you later thought was a waste of money?
What is one of the best things you have ever spent money on?
Saving for the Future
Are you saving up for anything right now? (Saving up = saving money)
How much money will you need each month to live a comfortable life after you retire? (Retire means you stop working. Most people retire in their 60s.)
Do you have a savings account or other type of investment account?
Borrowing and Lending
When was the last time you borrowed money from someone? (Borrow = take and expect to give back.)
Do you ever lend money to people? (Lend = give and expect to get back.)
Money Conversation Questions Picture Exercise
You have $1,200. What will you buy with it? Think about your options carefully. You can save some money if you don't want to spend everything.
