This or That Questions for Teens
Would you rather have a later school start or a longer lunch break? A big group hangout or time with two close friends? These 40 This or That questions cover school, music, friends and future plans for ages 13–18. Read them aloud, use the random picker above, or print a copy. Everyone can answer together, and nobody has to explain a choice or share a personal story.
How to start a round
You can play with two people or a group of up to 30. Open the pack and agree how everyone will answer; there are no supplies to gather unless you want a printed copy. Teens can stay in their seats and show one finger for the first option or two for the second.
Try this introduction: “I’ll read two choices, then count down from three. Show one or two fingers when I say ‘one.’ You can choose both, neither, or pass. If you want to explain your answer, we’ll hear a quick reason before the next question.”
- Read both options before anyone votes. The reader can answer too. Count down from three so players choose together rather than following the first answer.
- Invite a reason if someone wants to give one. After “A planned weekend or an open schedule?” someone might say, “I like knowing when I’m seeing my friends.” Hear one short reason from each side, then move on.
- Keep the reading turn optional. Pass the list to another willing reader after a few questions. Nobody needs to read aloud to take part.
- Finish while people still want to talk. Try ten to fifteen pairs for a round, using fewer if a question starts a conversation. There are no points, winners or tie-breakers. If everyone wants another round, change topics and offer someone else the reading turn.
For guests who have just met, use this as a short opener and stop when conversation continues on its own. The icebreaker games guide has paired and written activities if guests would rather talk with one person first.
Use the picker or print the questions
The pack above has four groups of ten questions. Pick another teen question draws from all four groups; it does not filter by topic or keep track of the questions you have already read. Pick again if a question repeats or does not fit the group. For a music-only round, read directly from Music and media instead.
Select Print all 40 for a paper copy. You can read from the sheet or cut the printed questions into cards. The lists remain available to read without using the picker. If you’re playing with two people, take turns reading, answer at the same time and compare reasons if you want to. Change topic after a few turns so both people get a say in what you discuss.
The general This or That guide explains the two-option format if you want to add questions of your own. Give each pair two clear choices with no correct answer.
Which questions should you start with?
Start with a topic the group wants to discuss. Everyday preferences give teens something to compare without treating an answer as a personality test. These are suggestions for using the four lists:
- Music and media: Try this when guests don’t know each other well. Headphones versus a room speaker or a movie premiere versus a home watch party gives them something familiar to react to. They can choose an imagined preference without having attended a concert or premiere.
- Friends and free time: Use this for weekend plans, games and ways to spend time together. A competitive game night versus a cooperative challenge can lead to a useful conversation about what the group would like to play next.
- School and schedule: Try later starts, lunch breaks, notes and projects with a classroom or youth group. Skip the locker or parking question if it doesn’t fit their school or age. Players can answer from their seats; no one needs to describe their grades.
- Future and independence: Use this when the group wants more time to discuss choices. Flexible versus predictable work hours or learning a language versus an instrument can be imaginary preferences. Nobody needs a job, a car or a settled plan for the future to answer.
Let teens choose the topic and response method. Keep your usual voice rather than adding slang or making each answer into a performance. If younger siblings join, preview This or That questions for kids and choose pairs everyone understands.
When a question does not fit the group
Skip romance, bodies, money at home, substances, mental health and social ranking when adding your own pairs. Keep choices about saving for travel or a car hypothetical; don’t ask players what their family can afford. A photo preference doesn’t mean anyone has to show their photos.
Allow both, neither or a pass without asking why. A player can suggest a different pair, but doesn’t owe the group a replacement. If a choice turns into teasing or an argument, hear one short explanation from each side and read the next question. If personal comments continue, change topic instead of asking someone to defend their answer.
A school or youth-group leader should preview the pack for their particular group. “Party Clean” describes the supplied questions; it doesn’t mean every school, travel or work choice will suit every player.
What to play after This or That
If the group wants absurd choices instead of everyday preferences, try funny This or That questions. For longer imaginary dilemmas about school, weekends and independence, Would You Rather questions for teens keeps explanations optional.
If friends want to compare things they’ve done, Never Have I Ever for teens allows a pass and leaves stories optional. If they want short performances, preview Truth or Dare for teens together first; that pack keeps calls, messages, photos and posts out of dares. Changing games doesn’t change anyone’s right to pass.
For an activity after the conversation, teen party games includes song guessing, cup-stacking and other games with rules and supplies. The party games and question packs index is useful when you want to compare conversation, acting and drawing formats before choosing another game.
Questions about playing This or That with teens
How do you play This or That with teens?
Read two options and let everyone choose at once. Invite reasons when the split is interesting, but do not require anyone to defend a preference.
Can these questions work as teen icebreakers?
Yes. Start with music, media, or free-time choices because they create easy follow-up conversation without asking for private details.
Are these questions suitable for school or youth groups?
The list is party-clean and avoids romance, gossip, substances, and personal confessions. A leader should still preview the cards for the specific group.
How do you keep the game from feeling childish?
Let teens choose the format, keep the pace relaxed, and use questions with real tradeoffs. Avoid exaggerated voices, forced explanations, and scoring every answer.
How many This or That questions fill a teen party round?
Ten to fifteen pairs usually works. Use fewer when a choice opens a genuine conversation or the group wants to compare reasons.
Can two teens play This or That without a larger group?
Take turns reading pairs, choose your answers at the same time, and compare one reason if you want to. Use a different topic group after a few turns so neither person controls every choice. No score is needed for a two-person conversation.
What happens when someone wants to choose both options?
Allow both, neither, or a pass when a pair does not reflect their preference. You can invite them to suggest a more interesting pair for the next turn. Avoid making the exception into a debate about whether they are playing correctly.
How do I stop a lively choice from becoming an argument?
Give each side one short chance to explain, then read the next pair. Remind players that choosing a different playlist or weekend plan does not need a winner. If one topic keeps producing personal comments, move to another category rather than asking anyone to defend themselves.