Discussion topic · Speaking
Health & wellness
From workouts to wind-downs, everyone has a routine — and an opinion. Let's get the class talking about how they really live.
Warm-up · ask three
- How did you sleep last night?
- What do you do to relax after a hard day?
- What's one healthy thing you've already done today?
Move, rest, repeat
Let's talk
Discussion questions
Project the generator and let it cold-call a question. Filter by level, then give a student 60 seconds to talk. Browse the full decks below.
Random question generator
Press “New question” to put one on the board.
Deck 1
Staying active
- What's your favourite sport or physical activity?A2
- How often do you exercise — honestly?A2
- Do you prefer working out alone or with others? Why?A2
- Are you a morning or an evening person for exercise?A2
- What's a sport you'd love to try one day?A2
Deck 2
Eating & sleeping
- What healthy foods do you actually enjoy?A2
- Do you eat breakfast? What does a typical one look like?A2
- How much water do you drink in a day?A2
- How important is sleep for you? Do you get enough?B1
- What's your biggest "unhealthy" weakness?B1
Deck 3
Mind & stress
- What do you do when you feel stressed?B1
- What does "wellness" actually mean to you?B1
- How do you switch off and relax?B1
- What's one small habit that makes your day better?B1
- Do you think mental health is talked about enough?B2–C1
Deck 4
Modern life
- Does technology help or hurt your health?B1
- Do fitness apps and smartwatches actually motivate people?B1
- How do you balance treats with staying healthy?B1
- How does social media affect how we feel about our bodies?B2–C1
- Is it harder to be healthy today than 50 years ago?B2–C1
Deck 5
Big questions
- What would a perfectly healthy day look like for you?B1
- Is it more important to eat well or to exercise?B2–C1
- Should schools teach more about health and wellbeing?B2–C1
- Whose responsibility is your health — yours, or society's?B2–C1
- Can you be truly happy without being healthy?B2–C1
Talk for longer
Useful language
Give students the words to talk about habits and give advice. Pre-teach a handful, then challenge them to slip three into the discussion or the game.
Sentence starters
Scaffolding for A2–B1 — finish the sentence about you.
Talking about habits
How it makes you feel
Giving advice
How often
Words & phrases
Collocations to upgrade B1–C1 speaking.
to exercise, usually at a gym
"I work out three times a week."
to become fit and healthy
"I want to get into shape before summer."
varied, healthy eating
"She eats a really balanced diet."
exhausted from too much stress
"By June I was completely burnt out."
to rest and get your energy back
"I read to recharge after work."
to reduce how much you do or eat
"I'm cutting down on sugar."
not too much; in sensible amounts
"Treats are fine in moderation."
How-do-you-feel word bank
Quick words to describe energy and mood for the discussion.
Model dialogue
Nina & Sam after class
Read it together, notice the highlighted phrases, then act it out — and finally design a wellness day.
Walking home after a gym class. Two friends are catching their breath.
I'm exhausted. That class destroyed me.
Same, but a good kind of tired. How often do you work out now?
I'm aiming for three times a week. I want to get into shape before the summer.
Respect. I've actually started running — just to clear my head, honestly.
That's the thing, right? It's as much about the mind as the body.
Totally. Last term I was completely burnt out. Running helps me recharge.
I get that. I've been trying to cut down on coffee and sleep more.
How's that going?
Painfully. But I do feel sharper when I actually sleep.
Small steps. I still eat rubbish sometimes, though.
Honestly, same — but everything in moderation, right?
Exactly. One pizza won't undo a good week.
Wise words. Same time Thursday?
Deal — if I can still walk by then.
Now design a wellness day
Student A · the fitness fan
You believe in moving
Energy, challenge, fresh air. You think the best way to feel good is to get the body active and the blood pumping.
Student B · the calm seeker
You believe in resting
Sleep, mindfulness, slowing down. You think real wellness is about lowering stress and protecting your mind.
Your mission
- You're planning the perfect wellness day for a stressed-out classmate.
- Plan the morning, afternoon and evening — at least one active and one relaxing activity.
- Add one healthy meal and one piece of advice.
- Present your day to the class in 60 seconds — use at least three phrases from the Useful language section.
Classroom game
Myth or Fact?
Read the health claim aloud. Each team decides: is it a myth, or a fact? Reveal the answer and the reason — a point for every team that got it right.
Claim 1
Why
How to play: Read the claim, give teams ten seconds to decide, then reveal. Award a point to every team that guessed correctly, and use the reason to spark a quick chat.
Wind down & write
Choose your writing task
Pick one prompt to finish in class or as homework. Every option keeps students reflecting on how they live.
01
Describe your ideal healthy day, from morning until night.
02
Write about a habit you'd like to change — and your plan for actually doing it.
03
Give advice to a friend who wants to feel healthier and less stressed.
04
Why does mental health matter just as much as physical health? Argue your view.
05
Design a wellness programme for your school or town. What would it include?
Exit ticket · 60 seconds
Before you leave
Quick round-the-room close: each student answers in one sentence. A fast way to turn talk into a tiny commitment.
"Share one small, healthy habit you'll actually try this week."