Whether you are writing to a new friend or someone you have been writing to for years, it can be refreshing to throw in a few unexpected questions to keep it fresh and interesting, to keep the conversation going, and also to find out more about your pen pal. Slip these questions into your letter, or why not add in a separate little quiz for your penfriend to complete? If they’d like to, of course – but I’m sure they will!

If your house was on fire, which three items would you save?

What was your favourite toy as a child?

What is your favourite animal?

What is your favourite TV programme?

What is the strangest or most awkward date you’ve ever been on?

What are your biggest fears?

Where would you most like to travel to, and why?

Do you have any birthmarks?

How tall are you?

How do you spend your time when you are procrastinating?

Do you have any bad habits?

Are you religious?

Do you like or dislike surprises?

What has been your most memorable birthday so far, and why?

When you were a child, what job did you see yourself doing as an adult?

What’s your least favourite household chore or task?

What is your favourite meal?

What is your favourite drink?

What is your favourite snack?

What was your first pet?

What would be your ideal way to spend a weekend?

What has been your favourite holiday?

What’s your favourite city in your country?

Are you more introvert or extrovert?

If you could invite any 6 people to a dinner party, who would you invite and why?

What 3 items would you take to a desert island?

What would you put in a time capsule?

Who is your closest friend, and what do you love about them?

What’s your favourite colour?

Do you have a favourite quote?

Have you ever done anything illegal?

You’ve been granted three wishes – what would you wish for?

Do you prefer humans or animals?

What mobile phone do you have?

What’s your favourite mode of transport?

Do you drive? If so, what car do you have?

Do you have a garden?

What’s your favourite flower?

What’s your favourite scent?

Do you prefer to keep your nails long or short?

What shoe size are you?

What is your favourite thing about your home town?

Do you like rides and rollercoasters?

Would you ever do a skydive?

What makes you feel happy?

What was the last book you read?

What is the best book you have ever read?

Who is your favourite author?

What are your hobbies?

Do you enjoy dancing?

Is there a food that you hate?

What is your usual morning routine?

Are you a ‘morning person’?

Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Do you have any allergies or intolerances?

What was the last movie you watched?

Do you play any sports?

Do you drink alcohol?

What are you most grateful for in life?

Do you get along with your neighbours?

What’s your favourite room in your house?

What personality traits irritate you?

Have you ever had a nickname?

What’s your favourite season?

What colour are your eyes?

What is your favourite thing about yourself?

What is your least favourite thing about yourself?

Do you like your name?

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

Do you have any tattoos?

Do you have any piercings?

What music do you like?

What is your favourite song?

Do you like to cook?

What is one fact about you that not many people know?

Craving even more questions to ask your pen pal? You’ll find 75 more, here!