Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Music” (2 of 2) ESL Discussion Questions

1. Why do we listen to music?
2. What is the difference between classical music and jazz?
3. What does your favorite song mean to you? Why do you like it so much?
4. What makes a song good?
5. How can you tell if a song is good or bad?
6. What other types of music do you like?
7. How do you feel when you listen to music?
8. Do you think music affects the way people think more than anything else in life?
9. What genre do you like the least?
10. Why is music important to you?
11. What does music mean to you?
12. What is the most popular music genre in your country?
13. Is it true that music can heal a person?
14. Do you prefer listening to music or playing an instrument?
15. What is your favorite band or musician right now? Why do you like them so much?
16. What do you like about music?
17. Are there any bands or singers that you like and want to listen to more often?
18. Do you think everyone should like the same kind of music as you? Why or why not?
19. Are there any genres of music that you don’t like at all (for example rock)? If so, which ones?
20. Do you think people should write their own songs? Why or why not?
21. Is there a type of song that always puts you in a good mood when you hear it?
22. What is the difference between music and noise?
23. Do you think music can change people’s moods and actions? If so, how does it affect them?
24. What is music?
25. Is there a particular song that always makes you feel better when things aren’t going well in your life? If so, what is it and why?
26. Do you like to listen to classical or pop music more? Why?
27. How many types of music are there?
28. What is the most popular genre of music in the world?
29. What is your favorite musical instrument and why?
30. Can you play any musical instruments? If yes, what kind(s) of instrument(s)?
31. If you could play any instrument, what would it be and why?
32. Have you ever written a song? If not, would you like to write a song?
33. What’s the best way to learn about music?
34. Is it true that everyone has their own favorite song?
35. Is there a specific song that always reminds you of someone or something? Why do you think that is?
36. What do you think about the lyrics of songs?
37. What is the importance of music?
38. Do you like listening to music when working or studying, or does it distract you from what you are doing?
39. Is it easy to learn how to play a musical instrument?
40. Do you think it’s important to know how to play an instrument?
41. Do you think singers should write their own songs, or is it ok to use songs other people wrote and performed?