A1 Level – Elementary
1. Do you use old things?
2. What is a simple machine?
3. Do you like easy tools?
4. What is a complicated phone?
5. Do you think new technology is always better?
6. What is a long battery life?
7. Do you worry about complex devices?
8. What is a clear instruction?
9. Do you think simple things break less?
10. What is a common task?
11. Do you like fast learning?
12. What is a strong tool?
13. Do you like simple buttons?
14. What are three simple devices you use?
15. Do you think technology is sometimes too much?
A2 Level – Pre-Intermediate
1. What is the difference between a smart device and a simple one?
2. Why are some old devices still popular today?
3. What are the good things and bad things about products that only do one job?
4. How can a person fix a simple broken device?
5. Should all companies design products to be easily repairable?
6. Why is it important to know how to use basic tools?
7. Do you think simple tech causes less stress?
8. What is the purpose of having a long user manual?
9. How does technology change the need for simple skills?
10. What is the difference between an analog clock and a digital one?
11. Do you think older people prefer simple technology?
12. What are the problems when a simple task needs a complex device?
13. When is the best time to replace an old, working device?
14. What are two things that make a device simple?
15. How does a lack of complexity affect a person’s distraction?
“Why Simple Technology Could Be the Answer” – video-based ESL lesson plan for B1 students
B1 Level – Intermediate
1. What are the simple ways to politely ask an expert to explain a device?
2. How does the desire for new features affect the simplicity of a product?
3. Should the government provide resources to teach basic repair skills?
4. What is the difference between planned obsolescence and a real upgrade?
5. Do you believe that simple tech is better for the environment?
6. What are the challenges of using a very old computer today?
7. How does focusing on innovation affect the need for durability?
8. What is the idea of the “right to repair”?
9. Is it fair when a simple feature is hidden in a complex menu?
10. How does a lack of standardization affect device compatibility?
11. What are the basic steps for using an old, non-digital camera?
12. What is the value of relying on simple, non-digital devices?
13. Should the news talk more about the benefits of simple living?
14. What are the simple reasons why some people avoid all new tech?
15. How does the history of design affect the complexity of modern products?
B2 Level – Upper-Intermediate
1. What are the simple social problems caused by relying too much on smart tech?
2. What are the ethical issues when companies stop supporting old devices?
3. How does constant social media showing of new tech affect consumer desire?
4. Should companies be legally required to provide long-term software support?
5. How does the feeling of reliability affect a person’s trust in a simple device?
6. Who is responsible for promoting the longevity of products?
7. What is your simple view on the practice of constantly upgrading devices?
8. What is the role of repair cafes in promoting simple tech culture?
9. How does the problem of e-waste affect the environment?
10. What are the clear problems with allowing products to be disposable?
11. What are the legal differences between general wear and tear and product defect?
12. Do you think the main purpose of tech should be ease of use?
13. What steps can community groups take to promote repairing devices?
14. How does the lack of clear instructions affect user frustration?
15. What are the simple psychological effects of a successfully repaired item?
C1 Level – Advanced
1. Is it fair that simple, durable products are often more expensive?
2. What is the moral duty of a society to reduce technology waste?
3. How do global supply chains affect the availability of repair parts?
4. When should the government consider mandatory product lifespan standards?
5. What are the simple ethical problems of companies deliberately making products hard to fix?
6. How does focusing on profit affect the need for simple, durable design?
7. Discuss the effects of long-term reliance on complex devices on cognitive skills.
8. How should leaders use tax incentives to promote repairable tech?
9. What is the idea of “anti-consumerism”?
10. What are the long-term social effects when most people rely on complex, non-repairable tech?
11. What are the clear difficulties when courts try to decide if a product was designed to fail?
12. How does the desire for innovation affect the need for simplicity?
13. Do you think the most important thing is the preservation of simple, reliable tools?
14. What are the simple moral rules a person should follow when disposing of old tech?
15. Should the government set a clear standard for product repairability?
C2 Level – Proficiency
1. What is the true difference between a manufactured need and a simple requirement?
2. Should we eliminate the system that allows for massive technology consumption?
3. How does the idea of progress change when complexity is seen as a problem?
4. What laws are needed to prevent major corporate disregard for product longevity?
5. How do historical views of craftsmanship and utility affect modern tech culture?
6. How can a society ensure that empathy is shown to people who cannot afford new tech?
7. Do you think total self-sufficiency would fix the problem of e-waste?
8. What simple rules should guide scientists when developing new technology?
9. How can we stop people from using personal choice as an excuse for poor habits?
10. What did old thinkers say about tools, labor, and the meaning of work?
11. What will happen to the need for human skills if AI manages all repair tasks?
12. How do people use the idea of “it’s just old” to avoid discussing consumption?
13. How does the experience of a major failure change a person’s view of tech?
14. What is the power of a group to demand ethical and durable products?
15. If scientists could create a perfect, infinitely durable tool, what would happen?
