Bits and Pieces

[Translate these into your target language]

  1. If you went to a deserted island
    1. which one book would you take with you?
    2. which one person would you like to go with you?
    3. which one modern convenience would you like to take?
  2. What is the most important characteristic of a good teacher? of a parent? a grandparent? an aunt or uncle? of a brother or a sister?
  3. What kind of person would you like to marry? If you are already married, what kind of person would you like your son or daughter to marry?
  4. If you could improve one thing about your personal appearance, what would it be?
  5. What, in your opinion, is the most serious problem in the world today? What can people do about it?
  6. What, in your opinion, is the most significant invention in the history of the world?
  7. What, in your opinion, is the most important discovery in the world?
  8. Where in the world would you most like to visit?
  9. What language other than your native language would you like to learn?
  10. As you grow older, what is your most serious concern?
  11. As you grow older, what do you look forward to with pleasure?
  12. As a small child, what was your favorite subject in school?
  13. As a small child, what was your favorite pastime?
  14. As a small child, who was your favorite relative? Describe that person.
  15. As a small child, who was your best friend? Describe that person.
  16. How would you prefer spending a free afternoon?
  17. What would you do if you suddenly inherited a million dollars?
  18. What is the most beautiful sight you have ever seen?
  19. What is your favorite color? Where do you prefer to see this color?
  20. What is something you are particularly proud of?
  21. Think of your best friend. Name his or her worst characteristic.
  22. Think of someone you do not like. Name his or her best characteristic.
  23. Name your worst habit.
  24. Name a skill that you would like to learn before you die.
  25. What is the secret of happiness?
  26. Who has helped you most in your life? Describe this person and what he or she did.
  27. Who has hurt you most in your life? Describe this person and what he or she did.
  28. What is your most prized possession?
  29. What do you enjoy most? What do you enjoy least?
  30. Name a superstition that you or someone in your family believes in.
  31. What is the funniest experience in your life?
  32. What is your favorite song? Explain the kind of song it is.
  33. When was the last time you cried? What were the circumstances?
  34. How many different types of transportation have you used in your life?
  35. How many different types of communication have you used in your life?
  36. How many serious accidents or illnesses have you had in your life?
  37. What would you do if you had only twenty-four hours to live?
  38. What is your pet peeve?
  39. Is there any occasion when you would fight? If so, describe the occasion.
  40. After you die, what would you like people to say about you?
  41. At what age would you like to stop working or retire? What would you like to do then?
  42. What are some of the things you do well?
  43. What are some of the things you do not do well?
  44. What is the worst characteristic of the young generation? the old generation?
  45. What is the best characteristic of the young generation? the old generation?
  46. Name the greatest political leader that you know of.
  47. Name the greatest military leader that you know of.
  48. Name something you do regularly that you really dislike.
  49. Name something that you do regularly that you really like.


from Donald R.H. Byrd and Isis Clemente (1980), React/Act: Situations for Communication.
New York: Regents Publishing Company, pp. 128-29.