These 40 would you rather questions for middle school students offer two choices to discuss, compare, and explain. Use them for a quick class warm-up, an advisory conversation, or a short opinion-writing activity.
Ask students to choose an option and give a reason. There is no answer key: the useful part is hearing how students explain their thinking and respond to another point of view.
40 Would You Rather Questions for Middle School
- Would you rather be able to time travel or teleport anywhere instantly?
- Would you rather have the ability to read minds or become invisible at will?
- Would you rather have a homework-free month or a daily 10-minute longer recess for a month?
- Would you rather be the funniest person in the room or the most intelligent?
- Would you rather have an unlimited supply of books or an unlimited supply of music?
- Would you rather be fluent in all languages or be a master of every musical instrument?
- Would you rather have to write an essay without using the letter ‘e’ or solve math problems without using a number ‘7’?
- Would you rather spend a day without technology or a week without dessert?
- Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon?
- Would you rather be able to control the weather or talk to animals?
- Would you rather be an Olympic athlete or the President for a day?
- Would you rather have the power to stop time or the power to fast forward time?
- Would you rather live on a peaceful island or in a bustling city on another planet?
- Would you rather perform a science experiment in front of the school or recite a poem?
- Would you rather write a bestselling book or direct a blockbuster movie?
- Would you rather be a famous inventor or a legendary explorer?
- Would you rather have a constant supply of your favorite snacks or never have to do homework again?
- Would you rather be an expert at coding or at painting?
- Would you rather have the ability to fly or to breathe underwater?
- Would you rather always have to sing rather than speak or dance everywhere you go?
- Would you rather be famous on the internet or be a movie star?
- Would you rather be able to control fire or water?
- Would you rather live without music or without movies?
- Would you rather have a rewind button or a pause button on your life?
- Would you rather only be able to whisper or only be able to shout?
- Would you rather be a world-renowned chef or a NASA astronaut?
- Would you rather have the ability to change the past or see into the future?
- Would you rather always be surrounded by people or be the only person in the world?
- Would you rather have the talent to paint like Picasso or write like J.K. Rowling?
- Would you rather go on an adventure with Indiana Jones or Harry Potter?
- Would you rather be able to teleport but only to places you’ve already been, or be able to fly but only as fast as you can walk?
- Would you rather have the power to shrink down to the size of an ant or grow to the size of a giant?
- Would you rather have your dream job but always be tired, or have a job you dislike but always feel rested?
- Would you rather be a character in a fantasy novel or a sci-fi movie?
- Would you rather have the chance to design a new toy or direct a movie?
- Would you rather be able to change your appearance at will or change your age at will?
- Would you rather have to wear winter clothes in summer or summer clothes in winter?
- Would you rather explore the depths of the ocean or outer space?
- Would you rather be able to play every sport professionally or play every musical instrument beautifully?
- Would you rather have to write using only your non-dominant hand or only be able to walk backwards?
How to Use These Questions in Class
- Choose one prompt. Read both options aloud and give students a moment to think.
- Ask for a reason. Use the sentence starter “I would rather … because …” for a written or spoken response.
- Compare viewpoints. Invite partners to identify one reason behind each choice before sharing with the class.
- Finish with reflection. Ask whether hearing another explanation changed anyone’s mind.
Keep participation flexible: students can write, talk with a partner, or pass on a prompt. Choose questions that suit your class and avoid asking students to disclose personal experiences.
More Classroom Discussion Ideas
For open-ended conversations without two fixed choices, explore these philosophical questions for kids. You can also browse the teaching resources collection for more classroom activities.
