Conversation Questions: Past Simple and Present Perfect

Student A

Below you have a set of questions to ask Student B, and Student B has a set of questions too.

Take it in turns to ask each other these questions and try to ask follow-up questions to the answers the other student gives. Ultimately you want to have a conversation rather than a quick exchange.

It’s possible that with your current level of English you may not be able to give much detail but keep practising and with time you will be able to expand more and more. Shyness can also hold you back and so can the fear of making mistakes but again, the more you practise, the more adept and confident you will become, so I urge you to persevere!


Here’s an example:

Student A: What’s the best film you’ve seen so far this year?
Student B:  “Palm Springs”
Student A:  “Who’s in it?”   (….What’s it about? Where did you see it? Did you see it in English? etc)

Student A’s questions

So far this year what’s the most interesting book you’ve read?

Who was the last person you rang or texted on your phone?

What’s the best new song you’ve listened to recently?

When did you last go to a picnic or a barbecue with friends?

What was the most useful course you took last year? (eg. computing, languages, driving, etc)

What’s the most exciting city you’ve ever visited?

When did you last use the Internet to practise your English?

What was the last thing you complained about?

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Student B

Below you have a set of questions to ask Student A, and Student A has a set of questions too. Take it in turns to ask each other these questions and try to ask follow-up questions to the answers the other student gives.

Here’s an example: 

Student A: What’s the best film you’ve seen so far this year?
Student B:  “Palm Springs”
Student A:  “Who’s in it?”   (….What’s it about? Where did you see it? Did you see it in English? etc)

Student B’s questions

What’s the best TV programme or series you’ve watched so far this year?

When did you last go out with friends? 

What’s one of the worst films you’ve ever seen?

Who was the last person who sent you an email?

What was the best thing you did last year?

(If it’s after 4pm ask:) Have you had a productive day today?

(If it’s before 4pm ask:) Did you have a productive day yesterday?

What’s the most useful English word or phrase you’ve learnt lately?

What’s the best thing you’ve done this month?

More Conversation Topics

Second Conditional
Have you ever…?

Travel and Holidays
Films and Cinema

All Topics


Have you tried out my online exercises yet?