ESL Questions About The Great Gatsby

Hey there, fellow ESL teachers! Today, we have a topic that’s all about diving into the glamorous and mysterious world of the 1920s. We’ll be taking a closer look at F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby.” Now, I know what you’re thinking – why should we discuss a book that was written almost a century ago? Well, my friend, “The Great Gatsby” is not just any book – it’s a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and unforgettable characters. So, buckle up and get ready to step back in time to the dazzling era of Gatsby’s parties, flapper fashion, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Let’s explore the fascinating world of “The Great Gatsby” and discover how we can bring this engaging story into our ESL classrooms.

ESL Speaking Questions About The Great Gatsby

Beginner ESL Questions about The Great Gatsby

1. Who is the main character in The Great Gatsby?
2. Where does the story of The Great Gatsby take place?
3. What is the Great Gatsby known for?
4. Is The Great Gatsby a novel or a play?
5. Who wrote the book The Great Gatsby?
6. What is the genre of The Great Gatsby?
7. When was The Great Gatsby first published?
8. What is the setting of The Great Gatsby?
9. Who is Jay Gatsby in the story?
10. Who does Jay Gatsby love in the novel?
11. Why is The Great Gatsby considered a classic?
12. What is the main theme of The Great Gatsby?
13. How does the story of The Great Gatsby end?
14. What is the Valley of Ashes in The Great Gatsby?
15. Who is Tom Buchanan in the novel?
16. Who is Daisy Buchanan married to?
17. What is Nick Carraway’s relationship to Jay Gatsby?
18. How does the character of Jay Gatsby make his fortune?
19. What is a symbol used in The Great Gatsby?
20. Why do you think The Great Gatsby is still popular today?

Intermediate ESL Questions about The Great Gatsby

1. What is the main theme of The Great Gatsby?
2. Who is the narrator of the story?
3. Describe the character of Jay Gatsby.
4. What is the Valley of Ashes?
5. What does the green light symbolize in the novel?
6. What is the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy?
7. How does Tom Buchanan react when he discovers Daisy’s affair?
8. Describe the parties that Gatsby throws at his mansion.
9. What does Gatsby hope to achieve through his wealth and lavish lifestyle?
10. How does Gatsby eventually meet his tragic end?
11. What is the significance of the character of Nick Carraway?
12. Discuss the role of social class in The Great Gatsby.
13. How does Gatsby’s past influence his actions and decisions?
14. Describe the relationship between Gatsby and the American Dream.
15. What role does the automobile play in the novel?
16. How does the novel explore the theme of morality?
17. What does the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize?
18. Discuss the role of women in The Great Gatsby.
19. How does Fitzgerald use symbolism throughout the novel?
20. What is the overall message or lesson conveyed by The Great Gatsby?

Advanced ESL Questions about The Great Gatsby

1. How does the character of Jay Gatsby represent the American Dream?
2. In what ways does F. Scott Fitzgerald criticize the society depicted in the novel?
3. What role does money play in The Great Gatsby? How does it affect the characters’ actions and relationships?
4. Discuss the theme of illusion versus reality in the novel.
5. How does Fitzgerald use symbolism to convey deeper meanings in The Great Gatsby?
6. What motivations drive the characters’ pursuit of wealth and social status?
7. Examine the concept of love in The Great Gatsby and how it is portrayed.
8. What character flaws do you notice in Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan?
9. Discuss the role of women in the novel and how they are represented.
10. What does the green light symbolize in Gatsby’s life and the novel as a whole?
11. Explain the significance of the “valley of ashes” in the story.
12. What social issues and concerns are explored in The Great Gatsby?
13. Discuss the theme of class and social hierarchy in the novel.
14. What is the significance of the characters’ weekend parties and extravagant lifestyles?
15. Explore the idea of the American Dream in relation to the characters’ pursuit of happiness.
16. How does the narrative structure, with Nick Carraway as the narrator, contribute to the story?
17. Discuss the use of irony and ambiguity in The Great Gatsby.
18. What conflicts exist within the characters, and how are they resolved or left unresolved?
19. What can we learn about 1920s America from reading The Great Gatsby?
20. Reflect on the ending of the novel and its implications. Did it surprise you? Why or why not?

ESL Reading Activities About The Great Gatsby

Beginner ESL Activities About The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a famous book written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who lives in West Egg, a fancy area near New York City. The book is set in the 1920s, a time of parties, luxurious lifestyles, and social change. Gatsby is known for throwing extravagant parties at his mansion, and people from all over come to join in the fun.

Gatsby is a mysterious and charming man. He is always seen wearing a fancy suit and is often surrounded by people who want to be his friend. But no one knows much about his past or where he came from. Some people believe that he is involved in illegal activities to make his money, but nobody can prove it.

One of the main characters in the book is Nick Carraway, the narrator. Nick comes from a small town and moves to West Egg to pursue a career in the bond business. He becomes friends with Gatsby and gets invited to his parties. Through Nick’s eyes, we see the extravagant lifestyle of the rich and the struggles of the poor.

The Great Gatsby is a story about love, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream. It explores themes of wealth, greed, and the emptiness of the upper class. Fitzgerald’s writing is descriptive and vivid, allowing readers to imagine the luxurious parties and the glamour of the 1920s.

Intermediate ESL Activities About the Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a classic novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It is set in the 1920s in the United States, a time known as the Roaring Twenties. The story takes place in New York and focuses on the lives of wealthy individuals, such as Jay Gatsby.

Gatsby is a mysterious and enigmatic character who throws extravagant parties at his mansion. He is known for his ostentatious lifestyle, with luxurious clothes, cars, and a lavish home. However, nobody really knows where his wealth comes from, adding to the intrigue surrounding him.

One of the main themes of the novel is the pursuit of the American Dream. Gatsby embodies this dream, as he believes that with money and status, he can win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. Daisy is a beautiful and wealthy woman who is married to Tom Buchanan, a wealthy and arrogant man.

The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man who moves to Long Island, New York, and becomes involved in the lives of Gatsby and the Buchanans. Through his eyes, we see the extravagance and shallowness of the upper-class society of the time.

The novel explores themes of love, wealth, and the decline of the American Dream. It delves into the emptiness and disillusionment that can accompany the pursuit of material success.

Here are 10 useful vocabulary words related to The Great Gatsby:

Use these words to enhance your understanding of the novel and spark discussions about themes and characters in The Great Gatsby.

Advanced ESL Activities About The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a classic American novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in the 1920s. It tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man, and his pursuit of the elusive American Dream. The novel is set in the vibrant and decadent world of Long Island, New York, during the Roaring Twenties, a time of economic prosperity and social change.

Gatsby is a self-made man who throws extravagant parties at his mansion. However, his parties are not just about fun and entertainment; they serve a deeper purpose. Gatsby’s ultimate goal is to catch the attention of his long-lost love, Daisy Buchanan. He believes that if he can win her back, he can regain the happiness and status he once had.

Fitzgerald’s writing style is known for its eloquence and vivid descriptions. He paints a rich and detailed picture of the characters and their lavish lifestyles. Through the eyes of Nick Carraway, the novel’s narrator, we witness the glamour and excess of the Jazz Age. We also learn about the emptiness and corruption that lie beneath the surface.

The Great Gatsby explores themes of wealth, love, illusion, and the decline of the American Dream. It raises questions about the moral and ethical implications of pursuing wealth and success at any cost. The characters in the novel, with their flaws and desires, represent the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions.

As you delve into this captivating tale, pay attention to the following vocabulary words, which are crucial to understanding the world of The Great Gatsby:

By understanding and incorporating these vocabulary words into your reading and discussion of The Great Gatsby, you will enrich your comprehension of the novel and enhance your overall language proficiency.

ESL Writing Activities About The Great Gatsby

Beginner ESL Writing Questions about The Great Gatsby

1. Describe the main character, Jay Gatsby, using at least three adjectives.
2. Why do you think the novel is called “The Great Gatsby”? Give your opinion.
3. Write a short paragraph summarizing the setting of the story, including details about where and when it takes place.
4. Imagine you are one of the characters in the novel. Write a diary entry describing a party at Gatsby’s mansion.
5. Choose one quote from the novel that you find interesting and explain why you find it meaningful.

Intermediate ESL Writing Questions about The Great Gatsby

1. Analyze the theme of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby. Do you think the novel portrays it positively or negatively? Explain your answer.
2. Compare and contrast the characters of Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan. What similarities and differences do you notice between them?
3. Discuss the symbolism of the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. What does it represent to different characters in the novel?
4. In your opinion, does Gatsby truly love Daisy or is he more in love with the idea of her? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
5. Write a character analysis of Nick Carraway. How does his role as the narrator affect the story’s perspective?

Advanced ESL Writing Questions about The Great Gatsby

1. Explore the theme of social class and wealth in The Great Gatsby. How does Fitzgerald critique or comment on the social hierarchy of 1920s America?
2. Analyze the role of women in the novel. How are female characters like Daisy, Jordan, and Myrtle portrayed? Do they challenge or reinforce traditional gender roles?
3. Reflect on the symbolism of the Valley of Ashes in the story. What does it represent in terms of decay, the illusion of the American Dream, and the characters’ moral corruption?
4. Discuss the concept of time in The Great Gatsby. How is time depicted and explored throughout the novel? What does it reveal about the characters’ desires and ambitions?
5. Interpret the ending of the novel. Do you believe Gatsby’s hopes and dreams are fulfilled or shattered? What message do you think Fitzgerald wanted to convey through its conclusion?

ESL Roleplay Activities about The Great Gatsby

1. Character Interviews: Divide the class into pairs and assign each pair a character from The Great Gatsby. Students must prepare a list of questions they would ask that character in an interview. They then take turns roleplaying as the character and answering the questions while their partner conducts the interview.

2. Party Planning: Ask students to imagine they are throwing a party similar to one of Gatsby’s extravagant gatherings. Divide the class into groups and assign each group a specific task related to party planning, such as creating an invitation, designing the menu, or organizing the entertainment. Students must work together in their roles to plan the perfect party and present their ideas to the class.

3. Debate: Divide the class into two groups, one representing the “old money” characters in The Great Gatsby and the other representing the “new money” characters. Each group should prepare arguments defending their respective social status and why it is superior. Encourage students to use quotes from the novel to support their arguments. The two groups then engage in a debate, taking turns presenting their points of view and responding to counterarguments.

4. Reenacting Key Scenes: Choose several important scenes from The Great Gatsby and assign each scene to a small group of students. Students must read and analyze the scene, then work together to reenact it, paying attention to the characters’ emotions, gestures, and dialogue. Groups can then perform their scenes in front of the class.

5. Modern-day Gatsby: Ask students to imagine that Jay Gatsby is a character living in the present day. In pairs or small groups, students must create a modern-day Gatsby, complete with a new background story, wealth acquired through a different means, and contemporary ambitions and obsessions. They should also consider how Gatsby’s relationships, behavior, and lifestyle would be affected by the changes in time and society. Students can then present their modern-day Gatsby characters to the class and discuss the similarities and differences between the original Gatsby and their creations.