The China Teaching Web

Level: Basic to Advanced

Chinese culture has been in existence for at least 5000 years so there are plenty inventions that orginate from China. My students have always enjoyed the ESL Conversation Topic of Inventions because I encourage them to use our imaginations.

Warmup: Bring in a picture of the steam engine and ask your students if they know who invented it. Explain to them the importance of the steam engine for future inventions and innovations. You can also talk about Thomas Edison, one of the most famous inventors in American (and world) history.

Discussion:

1. What have the Chinese invented during their long history? Which invention is the most important?
2. Name some important inventions from other countries.
3. What do you think is the most important invention in history? Why?
4. What do you think is the most destructive invention in history? (ie. nuclear bomb).
5. Why are some people better at inventing things than other people? What does it take to be an inventor?
6. What are some of the newest world inventions? Have you used any of them?
7. What would you like to invent? How much do you think it would cost? Why do you think people would use it?
8. What are some things that you wish you had never been invented? Why?