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Getting to Know You - Easy Questions

The questions people really ask when they meet: where you are from, what you do, what you like doing. Includes how to hand the question back, which is what keeps a conversation from dying after one answer.

The questions people actually ask on meeting are open ones: where are you from, what do you do, how long have you been learning English, what do you like doing at the weekend. Each gives the other person something to say, which yes-or-no questions do not.

The skill worth teaching is the return. Answer, add one detail, then hand the question back with and you? or how about you? A conversation dies when answers are single words and nobody passes the turn. It is also worth mentioning what to avoid: age, salary, weight and religion are private ground with someone you have just met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which questions are best for meeting someone in English?

Open ones that are easy to answer: Where are you from? What do you do? How long have you been learning English? What do you like doing at the weekend? They give the other person something to say beyond yes or no.

How do I keep a conversation going?

Answer and return. Add one detail to your answer, then ask the same question back – "and you?" or "how about you?" A conversation dies when answers are one word and nobody hands the turn back.

What should I avoid asking?

In English-speaking countries, age, salary, weight and religion are considered private with someone you have just met. Work, hobbies, travel, food and where you live are all safe ground.