These 20 conversation questions about political correctness are suitable for adult English learners at B2 (upper-intermediate) level. They can also be used with C1+ (advanced) students. The questions can be used in one-to-one lessons, pair or group discussions, or set as writing homework.
For more activities on this topic, see our complete Political Correctness ESL lesson plan.
- What is political correctness? Is it simply about treating other people with respect?
- How politically correct are you? Do you ever change the way you speak to avoid hurting other people's feelings?
- Who is the most politically incorrect person you know? What makes them politically incorrect?
- What kinds of things offend you? Have you ever been offended by what another person said? Has a joke ever offended you?
- Should we always try to avoid offending people, or do people have the right to offend others? Is there such a thing as a right not to be offended?
- When is it acceptable to offend someone?
- Should people avoid expressing opinions that they know others will find offensive, even if it means hiding what they really believe?
- Do people get offended too easily these days? Which people get more offended than others?
- Does the fact that something is intended as a joke make it acceptable, even if other people find it offensive? Do some people simply lack a sense of humour?
- Why are people criticised for being politically correct? Aren’t we supposed to be politically correct?
- Do you think political correctness is sometimes used as a form of censorship to limit free speech? Can you think of any examples?
- When someone expresses an offensive opinion, is it better to challenge their ideas through discussion rather than criticise them for expressing those ideas? Is this still possible in today's society?
- Should people be expected to respect someone else's chosen gender identity or pronouns? Or should people have the right not to recognise those choices?
- Is it acceptable to wear a fancy-dress costume representing another culture? Why or why not?
- Should people say "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas" to avoid offending non-Christians?
- Should schools and workplaces introduce rules about the language people can use to avoid offending particular groups?
- Should comedians be held to different standards from other people when making offensive jokes?
- If someone uses a word or expression that was acceptable when they were younger but is now considered offensive, should they be criticised for using it?
- Do you think people on the political left and right apply the same standards when deciding what is offensive? Are there double standards?
- What do you think is perfectly acceptable today but will be considered politically incorrect in the future?
