An English Nerd Academy
ENGLISH FOR THE REAL WORLD
Conversation Circle Starters
HISTORY
What is the purpose of studying history? What practical benefit is it?
George Santayana wrote "Those who cannot remember the past are
condemned to repeat it."[1] What do you think it means? Do you
think it is true?
Did you study only the history of your country or did you also study
world history?
What aspects of history interest you most?
Winston Churchill said that history was written by the victors. Do you
agree with that statement? If you do, then how reliable is the history
that we study?
What's your opinion of historical novels? Do you think they are a
good way to learn something about history or do you think they are
pure fiction?
Are there any particular figures from history whom you find
particularly interesting? Who and why?
Which historical time and place would you most like to visit for a
holiday? What problems or dangers might you encounter?
Although we live in the present our experiences will eventually
become history. What things which have occurred over the last
twenty years do you think will be recorded in the history books?
What historical event would you make a movie about if you could?