How impulsive are you?

Get your students talking about instant gratification as they explore this topic by answering questions and participating in group discussions. The language in this poll is suitable for low-intermediate+ English learners. Related lessons on internet and smartphone addiction are available in our Discussion Starters and That's News to Me sections and can be used before or after this poll if your students are interested.

Preview
1. Do you check your phone notifications first thing every morning?
- Yes, always.
- Sometimes.
- No, rarely.
Keywords
Do you know these words?
- impulse
- distraction
- gratification
- notification
- meal plan
Agree or Disagree?
2. I am an impulse shopper.
- Agree
- Disagree
3. Delayed gratification leads to greater happiness.
- Agree
- Disagree
4. I find it difficult to focus on a long movie or book.
- Agree. I prefer short-form entertainment.
- Disagree. I can focus without distraction.
Elaborate
5. Which of the following describes your eating habits?
- I meal plan/prep on the weekends.
- I eat on the run.
- I snack all day when I feel hungry.
- I/we cook and eat meals at a shared table.
- I eat when I'm bored.
6. How often do you unplug? (turn off your phone, TV, gaming console, etc.)
- I unplug often.
- I reset once in a while.
- I turn my phone off when I'm sleeping.
- I almost never take a screen break.
7. Do you like long-term goals or challenges?
- Yes. Big challenges come with big rewards.
- Sometimes. I work better with short-term goals.
- Rarely. I need instant gratification.